This trail can be completed year round. The summers in this part of the South Island can get very hot and dry, while the winters can be cold and even snowy.

Autumn is a popular time as the daytime temperatures are a bit cooler and the red and gold colours on the trees are spectacular.

Bike - touring bike, mountain bike or e-bike plus helmet, panniers, spares etc.

Sneakers, light waterproof hiking shoes or biking shoes

Gloves

Light waterproof jacket

Bidon (Water bottle)

Sunscreen

Insect repellant

First-aid kit

Torch

Communication device

Accommodation on the trail

There are some fantastic accommodation options* available for every night on the trail. You can choose from a selection of Lodges, B&Bs, Motels and Luxury Boutique Accommodation. Each are clean, well appointed, family friendly and have super welcoming hosts.

Piches Store - Ophir

Pitches Store is a luxurious option offering charming boutique accommodation. Every detail of this Central Otago accommodation reflects contemporary luxury, tastefully combined with hints of its unique 130 year history. There is also an excellent restaurant onsite so you don't need to go far for dinner after your first day in the trail. Includes continental breakfast.

Nicky's Place - Omakau

Cosy B&B accommodation with ensuite rooms. Free wifi, team and coffee and E-Bike charging. Breakfast included.

Wedderburn Cottages

Wedderburn Cottages offers Rail Trail accommodation and hospitality at its best in attractive self-contained units surrounded by a working sheep and cattle farm. They are situated right on the Central Otago Rail Trail with direct access from the trail itself. Nestled under the Hawkdun Range and surrounded by stunning landscape of farmland and tussock country, Wedderburn Cottages is a great place to call it a day. Includes continental breakfast.

Kokonga Lodge

This boutique lodge is a luxury options with panoramic views over the heart of the Maniototo. It has six beautifully furnished and supremely comfortable en suite rooms along with a stylish guest area. It also has a self-contained cottage on the property.  Dinner is available here and includes a gourmet 2-course meal using fresh local produce. Deluxe Superior Room with ensuite including a continental breakfast.

Hyde School B&B

This B&B is on the site of a former School House and is situated 200m from the Otago Central Rail Trail. Situated in a peaceful country setting the ensuite bedrooms are well appointed and the original historic schoolhouse is where fantastic home cooked meals are served to the guests in a convivial group setting. 

*We cannot always guarantee accommodation will be available in these listed properties, especially during busy periods. If it's necessary to arrange alternative accommodation then we always endeavour to organise a similar quality option for you, and we always go through the details with you before you commit to your booking.

Accommodation in Central Otago

We can organise your accommodation in the wider region for before and after your bike ride if you wish. Please let us know what sort of accommodation you are looking for when you make your booking for this activity, and we can discuss the options with you.

Shuttle Bus

A shuttle bus picks you up from the end of the trail at Middlemarch and takes you back to where you started in Clyde.

You can also get a bus to transfer you from Queenstown to the start of the trail at Clyde, which then returns you back to Queenstown when you have finished, if that is most convenient for you - let us know when you make your booking and we can set this up for you.

For more flexibility you can get a shuttle to bypass certain sections if you wish to shorten your ride. If you are keen to create your own itinerary we would be happy to help - contact us and we can go through the best options for you.