Central Otago is home to many spectacular cycling experiences, including the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Roxburgh Gorge Trail & the Clutha Gold Trail.
The Otago Central Rail Trail is a 150km ride from Clyde to Middlemarch, which takes around 4 - 5 days. Amble past farmland, spectacular river gorges, preserved gold mining settlements and awe-inspiring scenery and enjoy gourmet food and wine on the way. This gentle gradient trail journey is ideal for beginner cyclists. A variety of accommodation is dotted along the trail, including B&B's, country hotels and lodges; and cyclists have the option of having their luggage transferred from point-to-point to lighten their load while cycling.
The two-day Clutha Gold Trail follows the beautiful Clutha River from Roxburgh dam to Lawrence. Showcasing the early history of the area, the trail provides a unique heritage experience of Chinese gold miners, European pastoral farming and early Maori moa hunters. Cyclists have the option of doing a portion of the trail as a day-trip.
Explore New Zealand's 'Grand Canyon' on the one-day Roxburgh Gorge Trail. Starting from Alexandra, cyclists pass historical mining settlements and fascinating relics as well as a huge gorge complete with towering 350-metre bluffs.
Central Otago also offers fantastic opportunities for mountain biking or leisure cycling, where you can explore back country valleys and rivers surrounded by sky-scraping mountain peaks. Head to Alexandra, Cromwell, Ranfurly, Roxburgh or the Nevis Valley for other trails that wind through dramatic landscapes scattered with gold mining relics.
