Winter Otago Rail Trail

5 days  |  starts/finishes in Christchurch or Queenstown

Escape the gloom of winter and venture south on a winter sojourn to the Otago Rail Trail. Enjoy the spectacular winter scenery of Central Otago, and bike the trail from Middlemarch to Clyde in the crisp clear days that winter brings. Experience a night at the very special Dansey’s Pass Coach Inn, as well as a night in the quaint village of St Bathan’s. Experience the warmth of southern hospitality while our hosts enjoy some ‘downtime’ that the season brings. Challenge yourself with something new and partake in clay target shooting on the Duncan farm in Wedderburn, or try Nasebys’ thrilling new ice luge, or more sedate ice skating.

See the complete itinerary below...

Day 1 Christchurch - Hyde

We depart Christchurch at 8:30am for the drive south via the eastern coastal route. We make a mandatory detour to Moeraki for lunch, where seafood chowder - fresh from the ocean, awaits us at Fleur’s Place. Later in the afternoon we head inland to Hyde via Macraes Flat. Alternatively you can opt to start the trip in Queenstown, where we’ll organise a shuttle (departing Queenstown at 9am) for you to join us in Hyde in the afternoon. Spend the night in the cosy Otago Central Hotel. (L/D)

Day 2 Hyde - Dansey's Pass

We travel to Middlemarch and commence our bike ride (43km). Enjoy views of the Kakanui Mountains as you bike north to Hyde, where we lunch back in the warmth of the hotel. After lunch, bike the scenic Price’s Creek viaduct and tunnel section of the trail to Kokonga. At the conclusion of the biking, we bus up the Kyeburn to the wonderfully rustic and welcoming Dansey’s Pass Coach Inn, where we settle in for the night beside their giant open fireplace. (B/L)

Day 3 Dansey's Pass - Wedderburn

After a leisurely breakfast at the Inn, we bus back to Kokonga and the trail. Bike around the fringe of Lake Taieri and onto the Maniototo Plain (31km). Enjoy the views of the magical snow clad Hawkdun’s as you traverse the Plain. Lunch in the warmth of the Ranfurly Hotel before continuing on to Wedderburn and our accommodation in the picturesque Wedderburn Cottages. This afternoon we visit the historic gold mining town of Naseby where you have an opportunity to join the locals on some great winter pursuits – the thrilling ice luge, or the more sedate ice skating. We head back to our cottages and warm up in the legendary Wedderburn Tavern. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Wedderburn - St Bathan's

This morning brings an opportunity to challenge yourself and have a go at clay target shooting with our host Stuart Duncan! Bike from Wedderburn to Lauder via the iconic Ida Valley and through the magnificent Poolburn Gorge (34km). Enjoy a hearty lunch in the welcoming Oturehua Tavern. After the biking we bus to the beautiful village of St Bathan’s. Enjoy a walk beside the Blue Lake on dusk, when the colours are at their best. Spend the evening in the cosy Vulcan Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 5 St Bathan's - Queenstown

After a leisurely breakfast we bus back to Lauder. Bike from Lauder to Chatto Creek (downhill!), enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding Dunstan and Old Man Ranges. Relax in Lesley’s Chatto Creek Tavern by the fire, with a warming lunch and beverage, before you tackle the final leg of the trail to Clyde (44km). At the conclusion of the ride, we travel to Queenstown by bus where our sojourn concludes, arriving at around 4pm. (B/L)

Those wanting return travel to Christchurch are welcome to join us tomorrow as we return home. We anticpate arriving back in Christchurch by 4:30pm.

Included in the tour package:

All prices are in New Zealand dollars and include New Zealand Goods & Services Tax of 15%. The fare includes just about everything including: 4 nights accommodation; 3 evening meals, 5 lunches, 4 breakfasts and plenty of healthy snacks in between (as indicated on the itinerary by B/L/D); a friendly guide(s); all transport and vehicle support; and bike repair support.

Not included in the tour price is one evening meal where we eat out at a local restaurant (Dansey’s Pass Coach Inn); wine and beer; optional bike hire ($170); clay target shooting ($25); ice luge or ice skating in Naseby; return travel to Christchurch ($40).