We can plan, organise and book your Otago Rail Trail trip from a range of options available. You can choose to ride or walk the 150km trail independently or enjoy the benefits of a fully supported package.

We will customise your trip to suit your needs, including time available and budget. Let us know your requirements and how we can best help to ensure a hassle free adventure.

Client feedback:

I would really like to thank you for looking after Sue and myself so well on our rather gruelling Otago Rail Trail. We appreciated the attention you paid to our welfare. (Yes…. I remember!! We were wrong!).

Rose Cottage was by far the best bed and breakfast we stayed in on the Rail Trail. Noel was a most considerate and helpful guide. Noel’s knowledge of the area meant that we got to see very interesting sights after our day’s biking that we would never otherwise have known about. Noel took very good care of us. Accommodation and activities on our Rail Trail trip were carefully planned and were very enjoyable.

Despite our lack of preparation and the weather we both really enjoyed biking the Rail Trail and we attribute that enjoyment in large part to you Noel. Thank you.

Julie Girvan
Sue Pearson

Rail Trail Packages

At Rail Trail Planner we provide a range of bike riding/walking options. Choose from the following:

Personalised self-guided packages to suit your own needs and time requirements
Fully supported guided packages for small groups (maximum of ten people), which includes off-the-trail side trips.

Personalised packages

Before bookings are finalised we seek your input and approval to ensure the itinerary and services required are right for you. For example, we can arrange a one-day Rail Trail highlights tour or a full Rail Trail experience lasting from three to seven days. We take pride in being able to provide you a very flexible, efficient and friendly service.

Sample Personalised Self-Guided Rail Trail Package (5 days)

or download as PDF (140KB)

Day One

Arrival in Middlemarch: We can collect you from Dunedin Airport or off the Taieri Gorge Train at Pukerangi.
Visit cafes /museum/ Sutton Salt Lake.
Selected accommodation: Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast.
Tariff: $130 per couple (includes breakfast).
Suggested venue for evening meal: Quench cafe

Day Two

Mt Ida Adventure Tours air-conditioned minibus and trailer takes you to Clyde.
Cycle from Clyde to Omakau - (37km).
Selected accommodation: Omakau Accommodation.
Tariff: $140.00 per couple (includes breakfast).
Suggested venue for evening meal: Omakau Hotel.

Day Three

Cycle from Omakau to Wedderburn - (40km).
Selected accommodation: Mountain View Accommodation.
Tariff: $140.00 per couple (includes breakfast).
Naseby: Experience Curling. $40 per couple for one hour.
Suggested venue for evening meal: Falconer Restaurant, Naseby.

Day Four

Cycle from Wedderburn to Hyde - (46km).
Selected accommodation: Hyde Central Hotel.
Tariff: $160.00 per couple (includes breakfast).
Venue for evening meal: Hyde Central Hotel.

Day Five

Cycle from Hyde to Middlemarch - (27km).
Celebrate trail completion at Kissing Gate Cafe in Middlemarch.
Stay another night in Middlemarch or departure. We can return you to Dunedin Airport or book you a Taieri Gorge train trip to Dunedin.

Itemised cost per couple for 5-day self-guided Rail Trail Adventure:

Taieri Gorge Train ticket or bus transfer to airport:	$132.00
Accommodation 4 nights + breakfasts:	$570.00
Mini bus transfer from Middlemarch to Clyde	$120.00
Bike Hire: 4 days (panniers included):	$320.00
Returning bikes to base:	$20.00
Bag transfers: Five shifts of one bag (maximum weight of 15 kg)	$50.00
Curling:	$40.00
Total cost per couple for 5-day self-guided Rail Trail adventure:	$1252.00

What to bring

The following items provide a useful checklist.

First-aide kit
Rail Trail map (Supplied)
Toilet paper
Torch; for tunnels
Spare tube, pump and bike tool-kit (Supplied)
Water bottle
Cell phone
Wind and rainproof jacket
Sunscreen and sun- glasses
Polypropylene or thermal gear in case of inclement weather
Plastic bags for storing clothing/snacks etc.
Gloves/helmet/cycling shorts (helmet supplied with bike)
Credit card and cheque- book

Fully Supported Guided Packages with Side Trips

Our complete Rail Trail packages are priced to include all accommodation, breakfasts, bike hires, transport and guiding. Side-trips to the historic goldfield towns of St Bathans, Naseby and Hamiltons are an important part of our Rail Trail experience. If your time permits we also include a visit to Dry Gully Vineyard on Earnscleugh Rd at Alexandra.

We book your evening meals after discussing with you the different dining experiences available. Although we can provide daily lunches it is recommended you choose to buy these, including snacks and coffee, at the various cafes and pubs along the way.

Chilled water, energy bars and sunscreen are available from your support vehicle. You will enjoy a relaxing and satisfying time surrounded by beautiful scenery.

These trips are limited to a maximum party size of ten and can be booked for dates to suit your group.

To request further information or to tell us about your requirements please email us at inquiries@railtrailplanner.co.nz or phone: 64 3 464 3755 Mobile: 027 251 0049

Sample fully supported and guided package with side trips (5 days)

or download as PDF (172KB)

Day One:

Pick-up from Dunedin Airport. Transfer to Middlemarch.
Arrival in Middlemarch:
Visit cafes /museum/ Sutton Salt lake
Selected accommodation: Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast or Strathmore Bed and Breakfast. Tariff: $130 per couple. (Includes breakfast)
Venue for evening meal: Quench café.

Day Two:

Mt Ida Adventure Tours minivan and trailer takes you to Clyde.
Cycle from Clyde to Omakau- (37km)
Selected accommodation: Omakau Accommodation. Tariff: $140.00 per couple. (Includes breakfast)
Trip to historic towns of Ophir, Cambrians and St Bathans. Visits include Blue Lake and Vulcan Hotel.
Venue for evening meal: Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans.

Day Three:

Cycle from Omakau to Oturehua- (32km)
Selected accommodation: Oturehua Lodge. Tariff: $150.00 per couple. (Includes breakfast)
Trip to Naseby. Experience Curling.
Venue for evening meal: The Falconer Restaurant or Royal Hotel in Naseby.

Day Four:

Cycle from Oturehua to Waipiata- (33km)
Selected accommodation: Waipiata Motels. Tariff: $156.00 per couple (Includes breakfast)
Trip to Hamiltons ghost town and restored cemetery located on the lower slopes of the Rock and Pillar Range.
Suggested venue for evening meal: Waipiata Hotel.

Day Five:

Cycle from Waipiata to Middlemarch- (51km)
Celebrate trail completion at Kissing Gate Café or Quench Cafe in Middlemarch.
Taieri Gorge Railway trip from Middlemarch to Dunedin. Departs Pukerangi at 4:45p.m. - Arrives in Dunedin at 6:30p.m.

Itemized cost per couple for 5-day fully-supported and guided Rail Trail Adventure:

Taieri Gorge Train ticket or bus transfer to airport:	$132.00
Accommodation 4 nights + breakfasts:	$576.00
Mini bus transfer from Middlemarch to Clyde	$120.00
Bike Hire: 4 days (panniers included):	$320.00
Bag transfers / Side-trips / full support for trip:	$480.00
Returning bikes to base:	$20.00
Curling:	$40.00
Total cost per couple with full support, guiding and side-trips	$1688.00

Minimum number for trip to go ahead: 4 people.

Trips can be customized to meet your specific requirements.