• Central Otago
    at its best!

Central Otago at its Best

A fantastic South Island cycle tour, this short itinerary takes in New Zealand’s premier cycle trail, the Otago Central Rail Trail.   Over four days, you will cycle 150km’s through amazing scenery including riding over viaducts and through tunnels.   We have also included a few of our favourites – the spectacular Milford Sound, Taieri Gorge Train and a day on Dunedin’s Peninsula.

Highlights: Milford Day Trip with Cruise and Scenic Flight, Three Day Otago Central Rail Trail Cycle Ride, Taieri Gorge Train and Dunedin’s Peninsula Experience.

Day By Day

1

Arrive Queenstown

Kia Ora and Welcome to Queenstown, the adventure capital.   On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation:
Hotel St Moritz, Lakeview Room with Full Breakfast  

This is a contemporary, lodge-style hotel that offers a choice of apartment and traditional hotel style accommodation decorated in the rustic themes of the surrounding central Otago region. From the sweeping entrance with its enormous stone fireplace, to the contemporary artworks on every floor, St Moritz Queenstown epitomises style and glamour in a wonderfully understated way.

2

Milford Sound Day Trip

Board your luxury glass roofed coach and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and across the tussock-grassed plains to Te Anau.

After a morning tea break (own cost) the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road with photo stops along the way. At Milford Sound, cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Enjoy excellent viewing and plenty of time to enjoy the waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife.

Return to Queenstown by a spectacular scenic flight over the Southern Alps, a fitting finale to the trip.

Accommodation:
Hotel St Moritz, Lakeview Room with Full Breakfast  

3

Queenstown

Today is at leisure.

Optional Activities:
Queenstown offers a range of active and relaxing activities for you to choose from.   We would suggest a gentle one day cycle along Lake Wakatipu, between two high country farm stations.  See our team for more information.

4

Queenstown to Otago Central Rail Trail, Day One

Clyde to Ophir
Distance: 39-47km’s* (24-29 miles)
Fitness level: easy gradient
Trail Grade: 1 -2

Join your independent cycle adventure on the Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand’s Premiere Cycle Trail. You will cycle between 3 ½ and 4 ½ hours per day on a vehicle free, easy gradient trail. During your four day trail, you will pass through some amazing scenery and ride over viaducts and through tunnels.   You will also experience a guided tour through the historic goldmining township of Naseby, where you will try your hand at Curling and at the end of your trail, experience the scenic Taieri Gorge Train.

Today, your adventure starts in Queenstown where you will be transferred through to Clyde for your bike fitting and trail briefing.    Set off from Clyde and cycle past vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge. * For the more adventurous, there is the option to ride on the Clutha River Centennial Track through to Alexandra which adds another 8km to your cycle ride. (highly recommended).

From Alexandra, bike to Chatto Creek Tavern (winner of the best country pub 2015) and a great option for lunch. Continue up Tiger Hill, an easy gradient of 1 in 50 and from the top, it is all downhill to Omakau. From here, head over to Ophir and to your accommodation.

Please note, one piece of luggage (15kg’s per person) is transferred between your accommodation daily, while two further pieces (per person) will be transferred to the end of your cycle adventure and stored.

Accommodation: 
Pitches Store Ophir with Breakfast

Hidden from the world in this small historic gold-mining town of Ophir, the Pitches Store provides boutique accommodation with all the charm and comforts. With six rooms and a restaurant onsite, it’s easy to enjoy passing the time with some great food, wine and good company or simply unwind in the thoughtfully designed rooms.

5

Otago Central Rail Trail, Day Two

Ophir to Oturehua
Distance: 31km’s (19 miles)
Fitness level: easy gradient
Trail Grade: 1 -2

 From Ophir, return to Omakau and cycle onto Lauder to begin one of the most spectacular sections of the trail, the Poolburn Gorge and home to the rare New Zealand Falcon.  Travel through two tunnels and cross the 37m high impressive Poolburn Viaduct. We would suggest stopping at Lauder for lunch or grabbing something from the café and taking it with you, as there are plenty of places on this section to stop and enjoy the scenery. After the Poolburn Gorge, travel through the Ida Valley and onto your accommodation in Oturehua.  In the afternoon, you will be collected for your guided tour through the historic goldmining town of Naseby and have a go at Curling!

Accommodation:
Marchburn Lodge, Oturehua with Breakfast

Marchburn Lodge sits at the base of North Rough Ridge facing north across the Ida Valley. From all three rooms enjoy spectacular views from their picture windows. See Mt Ida, the Ida Range, the Hawkdun Range, the Home Hills, Mt St Bathans, Blackstone Hills, and the full length of the Ida Valley stretching westward to the Old Man Range and the setting summer sun.

6

Otago Central Rail Trail, Day Three

Oturehua to Kokonga
Distance: 42km’s (26 miles)
Fitness level: easy gradient
Trail Grade: 1 -2

From Oturehua, it’s a slight uphill to the highest point on the trail, then downhill to Wedderburn and onto Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital of Otago. We suggest you stop here for lunch and coffee before crossing the Maniototo Plains and riding to Waipiata. From Waipiata, it’s a further 11kms to your accommodation.

Accommodation:
Kokonga Lodge, Kokonga with Breakfast

Nestled in a rural paradise and set amidst five acres of gardens, Kokonga Lodge offers a true New Zealand experience. The lodge provides six rooms with ensuites, guest areas and extensive outdoor decks where guests can relax and enjoy views of the distinctive Ida and Kakanui Mountain ranges.

7

Otago Central Rail Trail, Day Four - Dunedin

Kokonga to Middlemarch
Distance: 43km’s (27 miles)
Fitness level: easy gradient
Trail Grade: 1 -2

Today’s highlight is the section between Daisybank and Hyde, ride alongside the Taieri River crossing the Capburn Bridge, Price’s Creek Viaduct and the last tunnel (152m long). You will then pass three former train stations and the site of the Hyde Rail disaster where 21 lives were lost in 1943. Continue to Middlemarch, the end of the trail and return your bikes.  There is access to showers (charges applies).    Transfer by vehicle to Pukerangi and board the Taieri Gorge Train for your two hour rail experience through the rugged and unforgiving Taieri Gorge into Dunedin.  Transfer to your city hotel.

Accommodation:
Distinction Dunedin Hotel, Executive Studio with Full Breakfast

The 1937 former Chief Post Office has been transformed into an elegant 4 1/2 star luxury hotel, located in the rejuvenated and vibrant exchange area in the heart of the city. Enjoy the luxury of more space in your Executive Studio with your own lounge area complete with comfortable chaise couch, 55″ flat screen TV with SKY channels, air conditioning, writing desk, fridge & microwave and free unlimited WiFi. The spacious ensuite features a bath and separate shower featuring both a standard and rain shower head, double handbasins, washer/dryer.

8

Dunedin

Join your Nature Guide for an in-depth exploration of Otago Peninsula with its spectacular scenery, nature and wildlife. The trips focus will be on native forest, tidal inlet bird life, marine mammals, Northern Royal Albatross, and Yellow-eyed Penguins.

Accommodation:
Distinction Dunedin Hotel, Executive Studio with Full Breakfast

9

Depart Dunedin

Grab your last minute shopping before transferring to Dunedin Airport and connect with your onwards flight (flights not included).

Your New Zealand Cycle Tour concludes today.

Want to spend more time in Queenstown and Dunedin, contact our team for a personalised quote.

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Contact Details

Phone Us
+64 3 3555 990
+64 21 461 971

Our Physical Address
21 Verona Place, Ohoka
Christchurch 7692
New Zealand

Our Postal Address
PO Box 36437, Merivale
Christchurch 8146
New Zealand

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Tour Inclusions

New Zealand Cycle Tour

Terms & Conditions

Booking Terms & Conditions:

Currency

All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars and includes 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax).

Pricing

Pricing is subject to availability and confirmation of the stated itinerary at time of booking.  If we are unable to confirm the stated hotels and services, we will endeavour to confirm substitutes at similar rates, however additional costs may apply.

Rental Car Terms & Conditions:

Inclusions: unlimited kilometres, airport/ferry collection fee, full insurance (subject to reduced excess), front windscreen cover, personal accident insurance, guaranteed replacement vehicle in case of accident.

Exclusions: insurance excess reduction of $345.00 including GST (note, standard insurance excess is $3,450.00 including GST), bond, petrol costs, one way fee ($57.50), optional extras, (all additional expenses to be paid direct)

Payment Policy

We do require a non-refundable deposit of NZD$250.00 per person before we go ahead with securing any reservations.

In addition, some of our suppliers may require further deposits to cover their strict cancellation policies, in this case we would advise you at the time of quoting and confirming your itinerary.

The balance of your booking would be required 45 days prior to your travel date.   If you book inside 45 days, full payment would be required at time of booking.

Payment can be made by electronic wire transfer and should include the additional NZD $25.00 bank fee.   We also accept Visa and Mastercard at an additional fee of 3.1%.

Bank Account Details

Bank Name & Address: Westpac Bank, Mid City Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand

Account Name: Inspired New Zealand Travel

BSB Number: 03-0296

Account Number: 0011146-000

Swift/Routing Code: WPACNZ2W 

Amendments

We are happy to amend your itinerary and dates, however please keep in mind that some of the original services may not be available for your new dates, which may incur additional costs for substituted services.   Amendment fees may apply with multiple changes.

Cancellation Fees

Once Confirmed               Non-refundable Deposit of NZD $250.00 per person

Inside 45 – 21 Days          A Cancellation fee of 30% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 20 – 8 days             A Cancellation fee of 50% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 7 Days                      Full Cancellations, 100% charge

We will however do our very best to recover and minimise these cancellation fees but recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to cover yourself.

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