New Zealand's Premier Cycling Region
From golden schist gorges to glacial lakes, Otago's trails trace the edges of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes — on some of the world's finest off-road cycling routes.
Explore the TrailsOtago is the birthplace of New Zealand's Great Ride movement. The Otago Central Rail Trail — the country's original Great Ride — opened the world's eyes to what off-road cycling in New Zealand could be.
Since then, the region has built a constellation of trails linking schist-rock gorges, glacial lakes, gold rush towns, and working vineyards. Whether you have a day or a week, there's a ride that fits.
The trails range from Grade 2 family-friendly paths to technical alpine singletrack, with the majority suited to confident recreational riders on hybrid or e-bikes.
The heartland of Otago cycling — ancient schist rock, deep gorges carved by the Clutha and Kawarau rivers, historic rail lines, and world-class pinot noir. This is where New Zealand's trail network began.
New Zealand's original Great Ride and the trail that started it all. Follow the old Otago Central Railway through breathtaking schist gorges, past historic stone viaducts, and through charming gold rush towns like Naseby, Ranfurly, and Omakau. The trail's gentle grade (following a disused railway) makes it accessible to a wide range of riders.
Full trail infoAn outstanding newer addition to the region, hugging the shores and cliff faces of Lake Dunstan between Cromwell and Clyde. Dramatic tunnels carved directly through the schist rock, sweeping lake views, and easy access to Cromwell's renowned fruit orchards and wineries make this a must-do companion trail to the Rail Trail.
Full trail infoLinking Queenstown and Cromwell, this dramatic trail follows the wild Kawarau River through one of Otago's most spectacular gorges. Pass the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge — site of the world's first commercial bungy jump — and ride through the ancient gold-mining landscape of the gorge floor. A natural connector between the Southern Lakes and Central Otago trail networks.
Full trail infoFollow the mighty Clutha — New Zealand's largest river by volume — from the inland schist country down through historic gold towns to the lush Catlins hinterland. Two exceptional trails trace this waterway.
An exhilarating combination of trail cycling and jet boat, this route traces the remote Roxburgh Gorge — a place inaccessible by road — between Alexandra and Roxburgh. The sheer gorge walls, turquoise river, and remnants of the gold dredging era make this one of Otago's most visually spectacular rides. Jet boat transfers are required for certain sections.
Full trail infoWinding south from Roxburgh to Lawrence, this trail explores the quieter, pastoral heart of the Clutha Valley. Orchards, historic Chinese market gardens, remote farmland, and the endlessly fascinating story of the 1860s gold rush accompany the route. Lawrence — where Gabriel Read first struck gold — is a rewarding finish point, rich in heritage and character.
Full trail infoThe Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails combine into a single multi-day journey of around 106 km following the Clutha River from Alexandra to Lawrence. Link this with the Otago Central Rail Trail and Lake Dunstan Trail for an epic week-long Otago cycling odyssey — one of the finest multi-trail experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.
Queenstown and Wānaka sit at the foot of the Southern Alps, surrounded by glacial lakes and mountain terrain. The riding here ranges from sublime lakeside paths to world-class mountain bike parks.
A comprehensive network of trails linking Queenstown's lakefront to Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, and beyond. The Queenstown Trail is a Grade 2–3 route offering vineyard visits, river valley crossings, and spectacular alpine backdrops. Multiple day-trip options fan out from Queenstown's centre, making it perfect for riders based in the adventure capital.
Accessed via gondola, the Skyline MTB Park offers over 30 km of trails for all abilities on the slopes of Bob's Peak. From flowy intermediate trails to technical expert lines, it's one of New Zealand's premier mountain bike destinations — all with gondola uplift and jaw-dropping views across Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Wānaka offers a quieter alpine alternative to Queenstown, with excellent cycling around Lake Wānaka's foreshore and the stunning Lake Hāwea circuit. The developing trail network here connects orchards, vineyards, and small townships, while the nearby Mt Iron and Rob Roy areas provide options for more adventurous riders seeking the mountains.
New Zealand's Edinburgh of the South is also the gateway to the Rail Trail and home to a growing urban cycling scene, coastal tracks, and the wild Otago Peninsula beyond.
Dunedin's developing cycle network links the city centre with the Otago Harbour foreshore via the popular Harbour Path — a stunning, mostly flat ride along the inner harbour edge to Port Chalmers. The city's Victorian architecture, the Octagon, and the famous Baldwin Street provide a rich urban cycling experience before heading inland on the Rail Trail.
The Otago Peninsula — one of New Zealand's great wildlife corridors — offers extraordinary cycling through farming land alive with wildlife. Ride to Taiaroa Head to see the world's only mainland albatross colony, pass yellow-eyed penguin habitat, and take in the dramatic harbour and Pacific Ocean vistas. Best tackled on e-bikes due to the rolling hills.
Most riders begin or end their Otago Central Rail Trail journey in Dunedin, taking the Taieri Gorge Railway to Middlemarch — a magnificent heritage rail journey through dramatic river gorges that itself rivals the trail for scenery. Dunedin's compact city offers excellent accommodation, great food, and a vibrant university town atmosphere to celebrate your ride.
When the Otago Central Rail Trail opened in 2000, it changed how New Zealanders thought about cycling. By converting a disused railway line into a world-class trail, it proved that off-road cycling could be accessible, social, and deeply rewarding for ordinary people — not just elite athletes.
Today, over 15,000 riders complete the trail each year. Communities like Naseby, Ranfurly, Omakau, and Clyde have been transformed by the economic activity the trail brings, and the trail model has been replicated across New Zealand's Ngā Haerenga network.
The full 152 km route, typically ridden over 4 nights. Shuttle services, luggage transfers, and guided options widely available.
The landscape is quintessential Otago — golden tussock, ancient schist rock, dry air, and enormous skies.
The trail passes through towns shaped by the 1860s Central Otago gold rush — pubs, stone buildings, and legends remain.
e-Bikes have transformed access to the trail. Hire is available at multiple points, and the gentle grades suit electric assist perfectly.
October–April offers the best conditions. Summer (Dec–Feb) is warm and dry. Autumn (Mar–May) brings stunning foliage and quieter trails. Avoid the rail trail in July–August when frosts and snow are possible.
Fly into Dunedin, Queenstown, or Invercargill. All three airports are gateways to different parts of the Otago trail network. Shuttle and rental services connect airports to trailheads.
e-Bike hire is available at multiple trail start points and townships. Pre-booking is essential in peak season. Operators including SheBikesHeBikes offer packages with bikes, luggage transfers, and accommodation.
The Rail Trail corridor has excellent accommodation ranging from farm stays and historic pubs to boutique lodges. Book well ahead for summer, especially on the OCRT which sees high demand December–February.
Most Otago trails are free to ride. The Roxburgh Gorge Trail jet boat section requires booking and fees. Some trails have e-bike access fees. Allow for accommodation, food, and transport in your budget.
Grade 2 (Easy) trails like the OCRT and Lake Dunstan are suitable for most reasonably fit adults. Grade 3 (Intermediate) trails suit confident cyclists. e-Bikes make Grade 3 accessible to a wider range. Always check current trail conditions.