The Rail Trail

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Central Otago
October 2nd 2006

Published: November 8th 2006

The idea to cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail came straight out of the Rough Guide - a 150Km, 3-day bike ride from Clyde to Middlemarch, really appealed. Originally the Otago Central Branch Railway was built (completed in 1921) to support the gold rush in the valleys of Otago, transporting important supplies to the then booming towns along the way. As its demand became less important and road r... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 48, Displayed: 21

Laura On Lauder Swing

Poolburn Gorge

In The Gorge

This was an attempted 10 sec auto shot but I couldn't get back to my bike quickly enough.

Approaching A Tunnel

The light at the end can be seen.

Taking A Break

A quick choc-ice at Oturuhea then it was on with the ride.

Latitude 45°S Marker

Pedal Power

Wedderburn Station

Near the highest point on the trail. The station is the only remaining Vogel Period class 5 station. It is a simple lean-to structure and the country's smallest staffed station.

Old Po Backpackers In Ranfurly

After day 2 this place provided the perfect resting place - lots of videos available to watch after a long day on the bike.

Ranfurly Station

Big Iron Bridge Near Ranfurly

Ominous Looking Clouds

Cap Stream Bridge

Daisybank Gorge

Taking A Break

At the Red Dwarf hut/shack

Daisybank Red Dwarf

Hyde

Hyde Station

Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial

Hyde Culvert

The Rock & Pillar Range

8th November 2006

The Taylors
non-member comment

Gentle images
Glad to see that you are involved in a sensible recreational activity for once and not some hair raising experience! Hope the soreness has worn off...

23rd May 2007

Bruce
non-member comment

Excellent photo record!
As a local 'Otago-ite' who has ridden most of the trail (doing a bit more tomorrow actually), I thoroughly enjoyed your story and pics. A great advertisement for the Rail Trail. Note, though, the correct spelling of 'Oturehua':-)) Those Maori names are a bit daunting aren't they. My family came from Kokonga (Koko - nah), which is between Hyde and Ranfurly. The house is now a bike-back-packers. Good luck with your future wanderings!

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The Rail Trail

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