OUR NEW ZEALAND CYCLING TOURS  

Cycling through history with spectacular views

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The trails are varied, some climbs and downhill sections, but all with an easy surface. Into tunnels and over viaducts, spanning remote gorges, along lush farmland and following the majestic Clutha River, the scenery is always amazing. Now including the new section of the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail from Lawrence to Waihola!

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Day 1: Christchurch – Lake Tekapo – Lindis Pass - Otago 

We meet you in the morning around 9 to 9:30am in Christchurch and head South. We have a long drive ahead of us today, but will stop at several picturesque spots along the way and stretch our legs. We'll break for lunch at a cafe either in Geraldine or in Tekapo (not included). From the stunning colour of Lake Tekapo to the dramatic alpine area of tall, tussock-covered mountains of Lindis Pass - there are definitely many great photo opportunities today!

In the middle of the Otago heartland we arrive in the quaint little township of Lauder, where we spend the night in a lovely B& B in the former school building. For dinner (not included), we just have to cross the road to get to the Lauder pub and experience the local lifestyle first-hand.

 

Driving: 485km/6h (stops not included)
Accommodation: Lauder – School B&B
Meals: no meals included today 

 

Day 2: Otago Central Rail Trail - Cycle Day 1

We drive the short distance to Auripo, the starting point for today’s cycle tour, our favourite part of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Our bikes get delivered to us here and we embark on our first ride - the peaceful Ida Valley, made famous by the paintings of Graham Sydney. Soon we get swept up in gold mining history, as we pass through two tunnels, ride over viaducts and into the secluded and rocky Poolburn gorge. Of course, we also stop for some good food along the cycle trail. There are almost endless views where you will want to stop to take photos. Today's cycle ride takes us all the way to Clyde where we spend the night.

 

Cycling: 57 km, easy
Accommodation: Clyde - Lodge & B&B
Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 3: Roxburgh Gorge Trail - Cycle Day 2

A fun start to the day is our cycle ride from Clyde to Roxburgh along the mighty Clutha/Mata Au River with its beautiful scenery. In Roxburgh, the Clyde River Trail meets the remote and unique Roxburgh Gorge Trail. A real gem awaits us here - we think it is the most beautiful bike track that you can ride in the South Island! The trail is filled with incredible scenery and includes a 12km boat trip along a section that is not accessible by bike. A true adventure experience, and our personal favourite. Our base for tonight is in beautiful Teviot Valley right on the banks of the Clutha River in Roxburgh.

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Cycling: 41 km, moderate
Accommodation: Roxburgh - Holiday Home & Cottages
Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 4: Clutha Gold Trail - Cycle Day 3

Over the next two days, we will enjoy the Clutha Gold Trail, a highly memorable ride at an easy grade. There are secluded valleys, lush farmland, a 434m long tunnel, the Beaumont gorge, small towns with tasty food options, and many other highlights along the way to keep us motivated and amazed as we cycle along. The last stretch today follows an old railway line to the highest point of the trail, Big Hill Tunnel, followed by a wonderful sweep down to the small settlement of Lawrence, Otago's very first gold rush town. Can you believe its population once topped 11,500? Southern home-baking, local stone fruit, wild herbs and world-class hot pies and lamingtons beckon. We are sure to stroll around and visit the most interesting small gem of a museum here. This lovely township is our resting place tonight.

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Cycling: 64 km, easy
Accommodation: Lawrence – Holiday Home
Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 5: Clutha Gold Trail - Cycle Day 4 & Dunedin

Today, we have the opportunity to explore the most captivating segment of the newly extended Clutha Gold Trail -  from Lawrence to Stuart Reserve. We first traverse rolling farmland, a landscape distinctly different from the rock and tussock terrain we encountered in the Roxburgh Gorge. In Waitahuna, we take time to appreciate a unique form of art: tool art (we will let your imagination run wild with this until we get there). Hopefully, the coffee cart beside the historic Waitahuna Railway Station is open, but even if not, we’ll be able to have a look around this gorgeous part of local history.

From Waitahuna to Mt Stuart, the trail generally follows the old railway corridor, navigating through rail cuttings and featuring two tunnels and a viaduct. This section of the trail also passes through some picturesque woodland glades.

As we won't be cycling the entire route, we have ample time to savour the most interesting parts of the cycling trail. We will be picked up at Stuart Reserve with our bikes and taken back to Lawrence. From here, we take our bus to Dunedin (about 1.5 hours away), our overnight stop. In the evening, we dine in one of the local restaurants (not included) and share our favourite stories from our time together.

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Driving: ~1.5h / 90km

Cycling: ~30 km, easy  
Accommodation: Dunedin - Motel
Meals: B, L, S

 

Day 6: Dunedin - Moeraki Boulders - Oamaru - Christchurch

We make our way back to Christchurch and enjoy several interesting stops on the way. We take our time to look at the mysterious and unique phenomenon that is the Moeraki Boulders - huge spherical stones, found strewn along a stretch of beach. Then we stop in Oamaru - renowned for its Victorian architecture, and love of Steampunk. Finally, we weave our way through the wide Canterbury Plains to arrive back in Christchurch around 4 pm. 

Driving: 4.5h / 360km
Meals: B, L

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B-Breakfast  L-Lunch  D-Dinner  S-Snack

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Tour Grading

🚴‍♀️ Explore Otago Cycle Tour – Grade 2 (Easy) to Grade 3 (Moderate)

This tour offers a lovely mix of easy and scenic riding – perfect for soaking up Central Otago’s beauty at your own pace.

Most of the trail is off-road and Grade 2 (Easy), with wide gravel paths and gentle gradients. 

The Otago Rail Trail section is particularly beginner-friendly – wide, flat, and easy to ride side by side.

The Clutha Gold Trail is a gentle mix of Grade 1 and Grade 2, making for very relaxed cycling days.

The Roxburgh Gorge section, however, is Grade 3 (Moderate). It includes a few steeper climbs, winding descents, and narrower trail sections, which require a little more concentration and confidence on the bike.

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👉 Our recommendation:
Overall, this is a tour with three very easy cycling days, making it a great option for beginners.
The second riding day (Roxburgh Gorge & River Trail) does involve more variation and a few technical spots – but with a bit of confidence and a willingness to take your time, it’s absolutely manageable.

And as always – support is nearby, and you’re never under pressure!

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You can find more about how we grade our tours here:

→ Our Cycle Trail Grading System explained
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