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Central Otago & the Rail Trail
What is the Rail Trail and what is it all about? Where can one stay for the night,
take a break, have a coffee, rent a bike, stop at the pub, have a meal. All the places
that will make a visit to Otago Central a more fulfilling experience.
A person doesn’t even have to ride or walk the Rail Trail to enjoy the places in
traveling the area. These businesses are what makes Central Otago so wonderful
along with the grandiose scenery as a backdrop.
Do you know about the Cavalcade? or the Art Deco Weekend at Ranfurly?
or visited historic Naseby and tried the ancient sport of curling? or taken the Taieri
Gorge Railway, one of the world's great train trips? That's just the beginning of the
adventure one finds in the Otago Central region.
If you miss Central Otago you miss a magic part of New Zealand.
So what is this Rail Trail?
From Middlemarch to Clyde it is one of the finest pathways in the world designed
especially for walkers, mountain bikers and the occasional horse. The path was
created on the old railroad bed of the former railway line that began life at the turn
of the century. It was the link from Dunedin, then New Zealand's largest city, to the
newly discovered goldfields and for 83 years carried passengers and freight.
throughout the region.
it was in 1990 the 150 kilometre line was closed. In 1993 the New Zealand
Department of Conservation purchased the line and after six years and $850,000 the
rail trail became a reality.
All the 68 railway bridges have been upgraded and hand railed and all the railway
rails, sleepers and crushed rock were removed and replaced with gravel that is
easy to walk and ride upon.
The official opening was in February 2000 thus forever saving an area of extreme
importance to those who wish to enjoy a ride or a walk through one of the most
majestic and remote areas of New Zealand here-to-for not available. Even
historically it is of great importance knowing it shall forever be a place that once the
golden heart of the country and still is as far as beauty is concerned.
The catch phrase is - Ride It! Walk It! Experience It!
On is able to pick and choose how much or how long you want to ride or walk the
Rail Trail. Don't rush! The scenic beauty is why one goes there to enjoy and the
various stopping off spots need to be savoured.
It is more than possible to meet new friends at one of the pubs and decide to stay the
night who knows?
A person can travel either direction on the Trail entering or leaving at any
intersection with a public highway. Dogs are allowed, on a leash, only between
Clyde and Alexandra.
Most people just do sections as day trips. If one plans to do the entire trail by bike
allow at least 3-5 days and if you are walking 5-7 days.
There are many attractions along the way such as the tunnels, viaducts and the old
trestle bridge at Muttontown. The Trail passes through or by historic towns such as
Clyde, Ranfurly, Matakanui and by historic country pubs still used as the local
watering holes.
Stop to visit the ghost of St. Bathans and the Blue Lake created by the early gold
mining. The Hayes Engineering Workshop in Oturehua or the Naseby Forest and
the Curling Rink. Much, much more.
The Rail Trail has been broken down into six segments so one can figure out how
best to plan the visit. Remember a person can pick and choose where to get on or get
off when the Rail Trail crosses a public access and can go either direction. Car
parking and visitor information is at most of the railheads at the towns mentioned
below.
Segment One - Clyde to Chatto Creek (25kms)
Clyde to Alexandra (8kms)
Alexandra to Chatto Creek (17kms)
Clyde is the beginning or end of the RailTrail. A trail rider/walker will cross
a wooden trestle bridge on this segment. This portion of the Trail provides a close
look at the beautiful Otago schist rock formations along the way.
Segment Two - Chatto Creek to Lauder (19kms)
Chatto Creek to Omakau (10kms)
Omakau to Lauder (9kms)
This portion goes through the lower Manuherikia Valley with the 1650 metre
Dunstan Mountains to the southeast. The community of Omaka came into being as a
result of the railroad. The town of Ophir was once the most popular until the
building of the railroad. Near Lauder is the Poolburn Gorge.
Segment Three - Lauder to Oturehua (23kms)
Good place for a day visit and/or a picnic at Poolburn Gorge. A great little coffee
place in the shape of a train engine is located by the car park near Lauder. This
portion takes one over the longest bridge (110.6m), through two tunnels, Poolburn
Gorge,the 37m high Poolburn Viaduct and crossing the Ida Valley passing the
Idaburn Dam.
Segment Four - Oturehua to Ranfurly - (25kms)
Oturehua to Wedderburn (11kms)
Wedderburn to Ranfurly (14kms)
Climbing Rough Ridge the descent down and then crosses the Maniototo
Plains ending in Ranfurly. an exciting portion of the Trail.
An authentic 1930's GIlchrist's Store is still in operation plus the fabulous historic
Hayes Engineering Workshop.
Segment Five - Ranfurly to Hyde (32kms)
Ranfurly to Daisybank - (21kms)
Daisybank to Hyde - (11kms)
Through the Maniototo Plain to the town of Waipiata. the Trail then follows
the Taieri River to Hyde. This is where the historic stone bridge is located at
Tiroiti, the 32m high Price's Creek Viaduct and the 152m long Price's Creek tunnel.
Segment Six - Hyde to Middlemarch - (27kms)
The Taieri Gorge out of Hyde becomes the Strath Taieri Plain.
The Trail crosses over numerous small bridges and by three former railroad
stations.
______________
So now one has been on the Rail Trail from beginning to end. Remember a person
need not need use the Rail Trail to enjoy all this area has to offer. The many small
towns, pubs and businesses around are all worth having a visit. Traveling through
by vehicle one can more than enjoy exploring the region. There is ample good
accommodation, food and supplies, bicycle rentals and repairs, good coffee.
Discover the historical information that drove thousands to descend upon Central
Otago in search of gold. and meet their descendants who usually have a story or two
worth buying them a beer for.
A list of businesses is being added shortly meanwhile if you need any further
information get in touch. be glad to help.
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