New
Zealand's best known (and most used) rail trail runs along the
formation of the Otago Central Branch Railway which ran from the
port of Dunedin to the Otago goldfields. Construction commenced
in 1879 and – one hundred bridges and thirteen tunnels later – was
completed 1921.
The line's useful
life was not much longer than its construction period. Closure
came in 1990 but a 77km section from Dunedin north to Middlemarch
(terminus of the rail trail) operates as the Taieri Gorge Railway
with daily departures. From
Middlemarch the Otago Central Rail Trail meanders onwards (and upwards)
for twice that distance again to Clyde. Most walkers
and cyclists choose to tackle the trail starting at Clyde.
The altitudes shown below reveal that there is a gentle hump in the
middle at Oturehua…
Clyde 170m – Chatto Creek 224m : 25km
Chatto Creek 224m – Lauder 333m : 19km
Lauder 333m – Oturehua 500m : 23km
Oturehua 500m – Ranfurly 423m : 25km
Ranfurly 423m – Hyde : 32km
Hyde – Middlemarch 200m : 27km
Access the trail from Queenstown or Dunedin. RailTrail.com
suggests that you contact one of the tour or bike hire companies
below.
Off the Rails offers achievable
adventure packages – bikes, accommodation, transport. Choose from leisurely (4-day/3-night) or speedy (3-day/2-night) tours…
The Taieri
Gorge Limited is Dunedin's prestige tourist train.
Departing daily, it takes you on a journey through the
rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge, across wrought
iron viaducts and through century-old tunnels.
With full commentary, photographic
stops and onboard refreshments, the train offers year
round, all-weather entertainment.
Ideally, use the Taieri Gorge Limited to complete your
Otago Central Railway experience, returnint to Dunedin
from the end of rail trail at Middlemarch.
www.railtrail.com
Middlemarch
(west) – Clyde (east) : 151km, rough crushed rock
