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New Zealand

Independent Bus and Self-drive Tours / Escorted Tours for 18-35 year olds
Classic Escorted Tours / Camping Tours / Hiking Tours / Biking Tours / Multisport Tours

Otago Rail Trail

Step back in time to New Zealand’s rural past and join us on this cycle delight. The route follows the old Maniototo rail line from Clyde in central Otago to Middlemarch. Our cycling tour ends with one of the world's great train trips as we travel on the spectacular Taieri Gorge railway into Dunedin. Start with us from Christchurch or Queenstown and finish either back in Christchurch or Dunedin. This trip is not just about the cycling but rather exploring the many small towns and abandoned gold diggings and meeting local inhabitants. Along the way we will even try our hand at the ancient art of curling (bowls on ice).

*5 days of fully supported cycle riding
*start from Christchurch or Queenstown
*no luggage to carry or accommodation worries
*supply your own bike or rent from our quality fleet of front suspension mountain bikes or hybrid cycles with front bags (Cycle hire - NZ$ 125.00)
*twin share accommodation in small hotels and lodges with single supplements available
*4 days of cycling on the 150 kms of Rail Trail
*relax and enjoy the 2 hour 'not to be missed' train ride through the lower Taieri Gorge with its spectacular viaducts and bridges and tunnels
*feast on the awesome lunches en route - from picnics to small local cafes and hotels
*enjoy our final celebrationary dinner and awards in Dunedin – the Scotland of the south
*explore Oamaru and its spectacular coastline by cycle en route back to Christchurch

Day 1
In Christchurch we meet at the Adventure South depot in Addington at 7.45am. A quick check of your bike – or a fitting of one of our fleet of rental bikes will precede the loading of the bike trailer that will see us departing by 8.15am. After lunch we start our cycle programme with a quiet ride alongside a canal system with spectacular views of Mt Cook & the Southern Alps. Crossing over the Lindis Pass we descend down to Cromwell where we meet those joining us from Queenstown, before arriving at the rail head at Clyde. In the later afternoon we will set up and ride the first 8kms from here to Alexandra. Having loaded the bikes (or enjoying an optional return riverside trail ride) we journey back to Clyde to explore this old goldmining town before enjoying our first dinner together. (L, D)
Road Cycling - 21kms/13 miles
Rail Trail Ride - 8 kms/5 miles
Optional Riverside trail – 9 kms/5.5 miles

Day 2
The real riding starts today as we leave town across the flat rural countryside. From Chatto Creek the trail starts to rise before levelling off to Omakau. Here we take a side trip to nearby Ophir for lunch, time out to explore and relax. After lunch the remaining 9km flow under the wheels until we arrive at Lauder for the evening and a relaxing beer and a game of pool at the local pub before dinner. (B, L)
Rail Trail Ride - 36 kms/22 miles

Day 3
On this day we head inland and ride through the first two tunnels and two rail bridges on the trip. With the willow tree edged gorge below the trail and the welcoming pools beckoning we finally emerge on the Idaburn valley side and continue onto Oturehua where we lunch at the local hotel. After the meal one last short easy climb takes us to the summit of the trail and the beginning of the downhill descent that will take us first to the art deco township of Ranfurly, and then onto Waipiata where we end the days ride. A short ride then takes us back to the beautiful township of Naseby and our hotel stay for the night. For those willing to try their hand at something new, we have an option to try the sport of curling in the local indoor rink, the first in the southern hemisphere. (B, L)
Rail Trail Ride - 56 kms/35 miles

Day 4
Back on the trail and the start of some of the best riding of the trip. From Waipiata the trail follows the edge of the old lake before entering the Taieri Gorge. The trail crosses through further tunnels and bridges before a fast downhill to Hyde where we enjoy a picnic lunch. From here a final 27kms takes us past the scene of the famous Hyde rail disaster of 1943 and then out onto the rolling plains slowly descending into Middlemarch and the end of the trail and a celebratory drink. However the day is not yet finished and by 4.30pm we join the famous Taieri Express for a spectacular ride through the gorge described as one of the worlds great train journeys. We travel into Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South, our dinner tonight is in the form of a group celebration to acknowledge the 150kms of Rail Trail riding. (B, L, D)
Rail Trail Ride - 51 kms/31 miles

Taieri Express – A trip not to be missed!
The 58kms of rail travel into Dunedin is rated as one of the worlds great rail trips. The 1.75 hour route traverses the Taieri gorge travelling across high iron viaducts and tunnels. ( Note from Geoff – “As an aside, in my youth I scaffolded and sandblasted the main viaduct, which involved travelling this route on a daily basis!”) All trains feature heritage carriages and you may have a viewing carriage on your trip which provides even better panoramas. The train arrives at the historic Dunedin railway station at 6.30pm in time for a transfer to our accommodation.

Day 5
The riding is still not finished as we head north to Oamaru, leaving behind those who wish to finish in Dunedin. Via the beautiful coastal roads we get to visit the famous Moreaki Boulders before turning onto the final quiet 24km coastal ride along the cliff tops and farms that take us into Oamaru. Here in the old warehouse quarter the early buildings are being restored creating a fascinating opportunity to explore the past – as well as dining for a final lunch. Back on the road again we continue across the Canterbury Plains and finally reach Christchurch and your accommodation at the trip end. (B, L)
Coastal Rides - 24-40 kms/15-24 miles