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OTAGO RAIL TRAIL27th – 31st March 2025
This 5 day – 4-night tour is designed to cater for people who enjoy fully hosted tours.
Join us on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Queenstown to Dunedin with a 3-night “relaxed” version of the NZ iconic Otago Rail Trail. We have a lot of knowledge of this area to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for up to 10 participants.
All accommodation places are double/twin share with full linen beds.
Day One, 27th March – Fly from New Plymouth (or other destinations by arrangement) to Queenstown. Depart New Plymouth at 6:30am and arrive Queenstown 9:45am via Christchurch.
Once we have our van we will travel to Clyde (or Alexandra) to get fitted out for bikes. You will then ride the first 29kms to the little village of Omakau. This section follows the Manuherikia River upstream; after crossing over the river you head to Chatto Creek to see NZ smallest Post Office. From there it is 12km into Omakau.
Meals today – Lunch and Dinner
Day Two, 28th March – Ride Omakau to Wedderburn – todays 42km ride has a lot to offer. You will reach the highest point of the trail of 618m as well as crossing 45 degrees Latitude South. Other highlights are Poolburn Gorge, Ida Valley, 2 tunnels and the Poolburn Viaduct. From the high point you descend into the Maniototo Valley into Wedderburn.
Meals today – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Three, 29th March – As part of a team building initiative, we have planned a visit to Naseby this morning, where we will indulge in a 1.5-hour Curling activity. A word of caution to those who have never tried it before Curling can be addictive. The entry fees have been taken care of as part of the package.
Once we are done Curling, we will embark on a 46km ride to Hyde. Beginning with an easy ride across the Maniototo Plain to Ranfurly then downhill across farmland to Waipiata. Waipiata means ‘shining water’ referring to the Taieri River. You cross the historic stone cap Burn Bridge then over the 32m high Prices Creek Viaduct and through Prices Creek Tunnel before Hyde.
Meals today – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Four, 30th March – Nice leisurely 28km ride to Middlemarch where we will meet our bike operator and say goodbye to our faithful new 2-wheel friend, that we are sure you got very attached to (literally). We then head into Dunedin for our final night stay. During this section of the ride is the memorial to a tragic train crash in 1943. We will make a visit to Sutton Salt Lake, NZ’s only salt lake, approx. 7km south of Middlemarch.
Meals today – Breakfast and Lunch included.
(Dinner own cost)- restaurants within walking distance of motel, however van and sober driver 😉available)
Day Five, 31st March – Most of today will be spent in Dunedin. We can drop people off at the Octagon or visit Larnach Castle etc. We are also happy to drive to the sites around the city ie First Church, Balwin Street, Railway Station etc – keeping in mind the van can only be in one place at a time. There is a local 2-hour city tour for around $90.00pp we are happy to arrange.
Our flights depart Dunedin at 4:55pm arriving at New Plymouth at 8:35pm. Other destinations by arrangement
Price per person $3,350.00 all-inclusive of flights (refer to notes below), 4 nights’ accommodation, full linen beds (twin/double share) all meals as outlined, E-Bike hire, all transport and full support during ride.
$1200.00pp ($650.00 if booking own flights) deposit is required by 27th September to purchase flights and make necessary deposits to secure accommodation etc.
Flights – as we offer flights at cost price there are conditions as below
a) There is $550.00 allowable in the $3,350.00 price for flights. If you would like to book your own ie using credits etc that is not a problem and $550.00 will be deducted from the amount of $3350.00.
b) Once flights are booked the difference between $550.00 will be deducted or added to the $3350.00 amount. This gives individuals the option to choice flexichange or refundable fairs. The amount will be minimal (either way)
c) If you would like to stay on longer in Dunedin independently and/or arrive in Queenstown prior to trip, meeting as at the airport on 27th we are more than happy to book your appropriate flights, with the same conditions as above in any price differences.
d) You can also fly from/to other destinations eg if you are not a Taranaki person
Bike Hire conditions – price includes E-Bike, helmet, gel seat pad, repair kit and more.
If you prefer a normal mountain bike type the difference between the two types will be deducted from your amount.
Contact via contact page or pm for further information or any queries you may have
[email protected]
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