Features

Bike Touring: The Otago Central Rail Trail
   Difficulty: Medium
   Distance: 150 km
   Time: 4-5 days recommended (could do faster or slower, depending on interests/ability)
 
   Located in our own backyard, the Otago Central Rail Trail runs for 150km from Middlemarch to Clyde and is not to be missed. Bike touring this trail will give you countless hours to enjoy the beautiful vistas. The Otago Central Rail Trail meanders through seemingly endless countryside, over classic viaducts, and into chilly tunnels. Small towns line the trail, usually with a quaint pub or cafe full of friendly locals. Bike touring the Otago Central Rail Trail is a perfect excuse to spend a few memorable days with a good friend surrounded by the natural beauty of Central Otago. 
 
   History
   Originally, the railroad running from Cromwell to Wingatui (near Mosgiel) carried fruit, wool, and meat from Central Otago back to the city. After ripping up the tracks in the 1990s, the resurfaced route now carries cyclists, hikers, and the occasional sheep. The Otago Central Rail Trail Charitable Trust and the Department of Conservation now manage the trail. 
 
   How difficult is the rail trail?
   Conveniently for the cyclist, this railway didn’t have steep hills, as this would have been impossible for a steam train to climb. Instead, the Otago Central Rail Trail follows a gently climbing gradient until it reaches the highest elevation about halfway on the route, near Wedderburn, and then gradually descends the rest of the way. With no steep hills, a well-signed route, plenty of places to rest, and the ability to alter daily distances, the rail trail can suit most abilities.
 
   When to go
   You can ride the Otago Central Rail Trail any time of the year. However, temperatures drop in the winter and extremely sunny days occur in the summer. Whenever you decide to ride, make sure you bring the appropriate clothing for the season. And, no matter what weather you might expect, be prepared for unanticipated conditions. 
 
   What kind of bike do I need and how can I rent one?
   The best type of bike to have on the route is either a mountain bike or a hybrid bike. Most people use mountain bikes with front suspension, since the surface of the route is not paved. Usually, the rail trail is a hard packed surface with loose gravel. 
   Bikes can be rented from several companies. Cycle Surgery (67 Stuart Street, Dunedin Central; 03 477 7473) offers bike rentals for $40 a day which includes a rear rack, two panniers (bike saddlebags that attach to each side of the rear rack), bike lock, helmet, flat tire repair kit (including pump, patches, spare tube, and tire levers), and water bottle cage. You must bring your own water bottle. Consider bringing along two bungy cords so that you can strap camping gear and/or groceries onto the top of your rear rack. Cycle Surgery rents their bikes from Dunedin, Middlemarch or Clyde. 
 
   How much support is there along the route?
   The route is well supported with toilets (take your own loo paper), information panels, and small shelters for shade. In addition, small towns along the route have varying degrees of food, drink, and accommodation on offer. However, be sure to bring along plenty of food. Do not rely on getting all your food in the towns. You will require more food than usual since you’ll burn a lot of calories cycling. Sandwiches, granola bars, energy drinks, candy, and fruit are good items to have on hand. Also, carry plenty of water with you. Two to three litres of water per person per day is recommended, and fill up at every opportunity (note that not all towns have treated water, so you may have to purchase it). The hot and sunny weather encountered in Central Otago (especially in mid-summer) can dehydrate you quickly! 
   Accommodation options are located on or near the route (campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels). It is a good idea to book ahead for accommodation so that when you are ready to stop for the day, you are sure you have a spot. To eliminate accommodation costs, there are a few spots to camp along the trail (in particular, a nice site between Kokonga and Ranfurly). Spend some time trying to plan out your route before you start to aim for these areas. If you are camping along the trail, it’s necessary to be a considerate, responsible camper. Keep in mind that it’s not particularly common to camp along the rail trail since this requires bringing more equipment, etc. However, with a bit of planning it can add to the adventure. Do not plan to light any fires – no fires are allowed.
 
   Expenses
   Cost will vary depending on the comforts and luxuries you desire while on the Otago Central Rail Trail. However, here are some estimates of the necessary costs, assuming you do the rail trail in five days. 
* Rented bike with panniers: $200 
* Food: $100
* Accommodation: $80-$500/person (designated campsites or hotels)
* Getting there and away: varies (see below for options)
* Total: $380 to $800 for a five-day trip (not including getting there or away)
 
   Getting there and away
   There are three main ways to access the Otago Central Rail Trail from Dunedin. 
* Option 1: Take the Taieri Gorge Railway. This is a popular option for getting to and from the trailhead in Middlemarch. If you bring a bike to and/or from Dunedin, bikes are carried for free on the train. Try to book a train that goes all the way into Middlemarch. Otherwise, the train will stop 20km away in Pukerangi. If your schedule doesn’t let you catch a Middlemarch train, you can cycle from Pukerangi to Middlemarch. It’d be a good first day! There are accommodation options in Middlemarch and you could begin the rail trail the next day. Tour operators can shuttle you back to Middlemarch from Clyde to catch the train back to Dunedin (Cycle Surgery charges $45 + $10 bike relocation fee – book in advance). Taking the Taieri Gorge Railway is the most expensive option (about $90 round trip for the train, plus the $55 mentioned above to get both you and your bike back to Middlemarch), but includes the experience of the Taieri Gorge Railway. It is also possible to hop on an Intercity bus in Clyde back to Dunedin (see intercity.co.nz – book in advance).
* Option 2: Shuttle your cars. Drive to Middlemarch with friends, in two cars. Drop off your gear in Middlemarch first, if necessary. Drive both cars to the end of the trail in Clyde. Leave one car in Clyde. Return to Middlemarch in the other car to start the trail and leave one car in Middlemarch. Once you’ve finished the trail in Clyde, shuttle back to Middlemarch to get your other car. The benefits of this are that the only costs are petrol and the only headache is a bit of car shuttling. Not a bad option if there is a group of you bicycling the trail with two cars between you. 
* Option 3: Bike there and back yourself! This adds 6-7 days, and 280kms (80km from Dunedin to Middlemarch, 200km from Clyde to Dunedin). This is a great option if you are a confident cyclist, are riding on a hybrid or touring bike, and want to extend your bike tour. Instead of starting your bike tour in Middlemarch and ending in Clyde, you can bicycle out to Middlemarch from Dunedin and then return from Clyde on the roads! Give yourself two days to ride out to Middlemarch from Dunedin. Head towards Mosgiel on side roads (the South Bike Route is a marked bike route out of Dunedin that keeps you off the motorway), then head north on 87 towards Outram and Middlemarch. Prepare yourself for one long climb (about 10km) over the hills before descending towards Middlemarch. Leaving Clyde, return to Alexandra either on the rail trail or the road that runs parallel to it. From here, take 8 south towards Roxburgh, Raes Junction, Lawrence and Milton. Enjoy the downhill through Manuka Gorge Scenic Reserve. In Milton, turn northeast onto SH1 heading back towards Dunedin via Waihola and Mosgiel. For a route with less traffic, turn right off of SH1 in Waihola and ride over the hill (another long climb) and descend to Taieri Mouth. Here, turn left (north), returning to Dunedin via a coastal road through Brighton. Make sure to plan your accommodation and food/water accordingly. If you plan on camping along the way, make sure you camp in acceptable areas. If you require accommodation, plan this in advance as there is not much to choose from along the way.
 
   Where can I look for more information?
   The best source of information while planning your bike tour is the Otago Central Rail Trail website (otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz). Another great source is a book available at the iSite office called Otago Central Rail Trail: From Steam Trains to Pedal Power ($15). It’s also helpful to talk to the bike shops in town and others who have done the trail, as this will help you get the right preparation for your journey. 
 
 
   Road Biking: The Otago Peninsula
   Difficulty: Medium
   Distance: 40km
   Time: 4-5 hours’ riding time (not including time for suggested stops)
 
   Want something to do on one of our precious sunny Dunedin days? Hop on a bike and check out a great loop on the Otago Peninsula! The first half of the ride is flat and the second part climbs before descending back to Dunedin. 
 
   Suggested Route
   1. Leaving from the Octagon in central Dunedin, head south on Princes Street, and turn left at Jetty Street. Continue on Wharf Street, which changes names to Portsmouth Drive. 
   2. Notice the large relief map on your left. It’s worth checking out. Also there is a tourist information sign here with some interesting information.
   3. Continue straight/merge left onto Portobello Road to cross the bridge onto the Otago Peninsula. Stop for a picture under the brown Otago Peninsula sign that spans the bike lane. 
   4. Continue for about 6km until the Glenfalloch Woodland Garden on your right. A nice place to wander and have a snack. ($5 admission)
   5. Continue for 10km to Portobello. Grab a snack or cup of coffee at the café in town.
   6. After your snack, take Highcliff Road out of Portobello. Stay on Highcliff for about 10km.
   7. Here, look to your left up the hill for Soldiers Memorial. There is a marked footpath that climbs about 500m up to the memorial and has great views of the harbour.
   8. Continue on Highcliff Road for 4km, going downhill. 
   9. Turn right at Silverton Street and a slight left at Musselburgh Rise. Continue on Musselburgh Rise for 1.5km.
   10. The road changes into Andersons Bay Road. Turn left onto Macandrew Road. Take the second right onto King Edward Street. Follow this around the Oval as it changes names into Princes Street. Follow Princes Street back to the Octagon.
 
   Additional Options
   The peninsula has heaps of neat spots to check out. If you want to make a longer day out of it, consider hiking down to Sandfly Bay or Boulder Beach. Also, this route goes near Larnach Castle ($25 admission to castle, gardens, and grounds), which can be accessed by taking Camp Road off of Highcliff. In Portobello, you could visit the Marine Studies Centre, which is 2km down Hatchery Road ($12 admission). This road is not paved, so if you’re on a road bike, leave your bike in Portobello and walk to the Marine Studies Center.
 
   Be careful! Peninsula roads are winding and narrow. Ride single file if you are part of a group of riders. Wear high visibility clothing so cars can see you easier. Bring extra clothing (layers, rain jacket, gloves, etc.) as the weather can change unexpectedly. Also, if you are out on the peninsula after dark, be sure to have lights on your bike to get you back to Dunedin safely!
 
   Renting a Bike. Cycle Surgery (67 Stuart Street, Dunedin Central; 03 477 7473) rents road and mountain bikes for $35/day, which includes a lock, helmet, and flat tire repair kit (pump, patch kit, spare tube and tire levers). If you are planning a whole day adventure, $5 more will add panniers and a rear rack to your bike which can be nice for food, a picnic blanket, extra clothing, etc. 
 
 
   Downhill Mountain Biking: Signal Hill, Dunedin
   Difficulty: Difficult
   Distance: about 2km (not including the ride there)
   Time: How fast can you ride?
 
   This track was used earlier this year in the Oceania Mountain Biking Championships, so it should provide plenty of challenging terrain: rocks, roots, jumps, switch backs, single track, four wheel drive road, and a boulder field! See the map for details of the downhill route.
 
   Get there
   From the Octagon in central Dunedin, go north on George Street 2.5km. Turn right on Bank Street, which changes names to Opoho Road. After 1km, turn left onto Signal Hill Road. Stay on Signal Hill Road for about 3km. Remember, you must go up to go down, so be prepared for a slow uphill ride. 
 
   Renting a Bike. 
   Cycle Surgery (67 Stuart Street, Dunedin Central; 03 477 7473) rents mountain bikes for $35/day, which includes a lock, helmet, and flat tire repair kit (pump, patch kit, spare tube and tire levers). 
 
   Other options and more info. 
   The Signal Hill area has mountain biking trails for all abilities. For other mountain biking options in Dunedin, visit mountainbikingotago.co.nz. 
 
 
    Jennifer Turek grew up in the small town of Athens, Ohio, USA. After completing an undergraduate degree at Boston University, Jenn was eager to see the world and has shared her experiences through travel writing in both newspapers and magazines for the past four years. Currently, she lives in Dunedin, New Zealand, attending the University of Otago for her Master’s degree. She continues to pursue travel writing and is working on her first children’s book.