Middlemarch (west) – Clyde (east) : 151km, rough crushed rock
nearest major centres: Queenstown & Dunedin
mountain biking, horse riding, tramping

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.

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.