Explore Otago Cycle Tour  

​​📌New Itinerary

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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 starting in Queenstown and including an extra cycle day in the beautiful Wānaka region!

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Day 1: Queenstown - Otago 

We meet you around 2 pm in Queenstown and embark together into the Central Otago heartland. We arrive in the quaint little township of Lauder, where we spend the next two nights (only one night on ORC27-2203) 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: ~ 12 km / ~1:45 hours
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, from where we head back to our accommodation.

 

Cycling: ~ 57 km, easy
Accommodation: Lauder – School B&B (ORC27-2203: Roxburgh - Holiday Home & Cottages)
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. A true adventure experience, and our personal favourite. Our base for tonight (two nights on ORC27-1102) 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 (ORC27-1102: second night in Roxburgh - Holiday Home & Cottages)
Meals: B, L, D, S

 

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

Today we explore one of the very enjoyable sections of the Clutha Gold Trail, from Lawrence to Stuart Reserve.

The landscape changes again. Instead of rugged gorges, we ride through gentle farmland with wide views and a very different feel. In Waitahuna, we stop at the old railway station, where you’ll discover some rather creative “tool art”. There is now a small café here, which we won’t want to miss, especially not their cheesecake ;-)

From here, the trail follows the old railway line towards Mt Stuart. We pass through cuttings, ride through two tunnels, and cross a viaduct. There are also a few quiet, green sections that feel almost hidden. We don’t ride the full distance, which gives us time to enjoy the best parts without rushing.

At Stuart Reserve, a shuttle picks us up together with our bikes and takes us back to Lawrence. We continue with our own vehicle to Wānaka (about 2 hours), where we spend the night (two nights on ORC27-2203). In the evening, we head out for dinner at a local restaurant (not included).

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Cycling: ~ 30 km, easy
Driving: ~ 180 km / ~ 2:15 hours
Accommodation: Wānaka - Hotel

Meals: B, L, S

 

Day 6: Lake Hāwea to Wānaka Ride - Cycle Day 5 & Omarama

Today is another cycling treat: The Ultimate Hāwea to Wānaka experience.

We start near Lake Hāwea, in a quiet spot at John Creek and follow a network of scenic gravel trails back towards Wānaka. The ride begins along the Gladstone Track, part of the Te Araroa Trail, with beautiful views over Lake Hāwea. From there, we continue along the Hāwea River, Upper Clutha, and Te Araroa trails, leading us all the way back to Wānaka township.
The distance is around 37 km, mostly flat with a few gentle rises. Riding time is usually around 3 to 4 hours, with time to stop, look around, and simply enjoy where you are.

Back in Wānaka, we take time for a coffee before continuing with our van to Omarama, our final overnight stop. We take it easy and our kitchen stays closed, instead we head to a nearby pub for dinner (not included).

For those who feel like ending the day in a special way, there is also the option to visit the well-known hot tubs. As this is not for everyone, it needs to be selected when booking the tour. We have already reserved places so we can enjoy them at the best time of day, in the evening. (On our March tour, we stay an extra night in Wānaka, so the hot tub option does not apply)

Cycling: ~ 37 km, easy to moderate
Driving: ~ 115 km / 1:30 hours
Accommodation: Omarama - Motel (ORC27-2203: second night in Wānaka - Hotel)
Meals: B, L, S

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Day 7: Drive to Christchurch

Unfortunately, today is our last tour day. After breakfast, we have to make our way to Christchurch. A small consolation: with the right weather conditions, this is one of the most beautiful drives in the South Island. We follow Lake Pukaki, hopefully with views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, continue past Lake Tekapo, and then cross Burkes Pass before reaching Geraldine. From here, it is about two more hours to Christchurch, where it is time to say goodbye. You'll have the opportunity to have lunch in a cafe (not included). Otherwise, it’s a day to sit back a little, look out the window, and take in the last views of the South Island landscape. We expect to arrive in Christchurch around 4 pm.

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Driving: ~ 320 km / 4:30 to 5 hours

Meals: B

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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, ideal for taking in the beauty of Central Otago in a relaxed way.
Most of the cycling is off-road and Grade 2, with wide gravel paths and gentle gradients that are comfortable and easy to ride. On riding day 1, the trail is particularly beginner-friendly, with wide, flat sections that even allow you to ride side by side.
A few parts of the tour are a little more varied, with some steeper climbs, winding descents, and narrower sections. These require a bit more attention and confidence, but they are well manageable within the overall flow of the tour.

You can find more about how we grade our tours here: → Our Cycle Trail Grading System explained

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👉 Our recommendation

This tour starts with one very easy cycling day, then gradually builds up, making it a great option for Ebike beginners.
The second riding day (Roxburgh Gorge & River Trail) and the final riding day (Wanaka Trail) include a bit more variation and a few technical sections. With a bit of guidance from your guide and some confidence, they are very manageable.

And as always – you are never under pressure, and if you need to get off and push for a few metres, that’s absolutely fine.
 

Make it a longer adventure - Combine with another tour

This tour now starts in Queenstown - the same place our Lakes, Fiords & Mountains Cycle Tour ends that morning. Combining the two is straightforward and works across all scheduled departures. Together you get ten varied days on the bike (with break days in between) and 13 days of enjoying a wide range of different landscapes. If a combination interests you, contact us - we're happy to work out a combined price.

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