Otago Rail Trail Classic

After an early morning briefing in Queenstown we saddle up for our first ride on arguably the best of the Queenstown Trails. We set off riding from our hotel and quickly join the Frankton Trail, a well formed shingle track along the shore of Lake Wakatipu with stunning mountain and lake views. On reaching the old Kawerau Bridge at Frankton, we join the Twin Rivers Trail and then the Countryside Trail through to Arrowtown, a delightful old gold mining town, in time for lunch. We then continue onto the Arrow River Bridges Trail which includes 2 spectacular suspension bridges and is a delightful ride through to the historic Kawerau Bridge where we can witness bungy jumpers and zipliners getting their adrenaline fix! Loading up our bikes here, we enjoy a scenic drive through the Kawarau Gorge past the historic Roaring Meg and Kawerau gold diggings to the historic gold-mining town of Clyde, our home for tonight. Accommodation : Dunstan House, Clyde Cycle : 42km/26 miles, +432m/1416ft

Meals:  L,D

From the original railway trailhead, we start riding on the Central Otago Rail Trail via the historic railway line, tracking across rural plains encircled by dramatic mountain ranges. Beyond the tiny settlement of Chatto Creek, the trail climbs gently before levelling off to reach our lunch stop, near Omakau. We’ll then hop on the bus for the short detour to must-see Ophir township and the Raggedy Range lookout for a bird’s eye view of the region. Back on the bikes, it’s another 9km of easy riding to reach the tiny settlement of Lauder. Late afternoon we’ll drive to St Bathans for a walk around the surreal Blue Lake formed during the 1800s gold days or a self guided wander through the main street. Enjoy a game of pool or banter at the Lauder pub before we tuck into a well-earned dinner. Accommodation : Lauder School B&B, Lauder Cycle: 44km/28miles, +379m/1243ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s ride features the trip’s first tunnels and bridges as we trace the pretty Poolburn Gorge and head into the Idaburn Valley. We’ll stop at Hayes Engineering Works, a delightfully rustic heritage site, and Oturehua’s old-fashioned grocery store. After lunch, it’s a gentle climb to the rail trail’s highpoint, then a downhill roll to Ranfurly with its striking art deco architecture. Late afternoon, we’ll take the short drive to Naseby, a cute forestry town famous for its indoor curling rink. Here’s your chance to try ‘bowls on ice’ – it’s very addictive! Naseby is also terrific for a stroll or a sip at the old pub, both nice ways to wind down before we return to Ranfurly for dinner. Accommodation : Hawkdun Lodge, Ranfurly Cycle : 47km/29 miles, 410m/1345m

Meals:  B,D

Today combines the trip’s biggest daily distance with some of its most fun riding. The trail tracks towards Waipiata, then follows the edge of an old lake before entering the Taieri Gorge with yet more bridges and tunnels. It’s a flowing downhill run to the historic Hotel Hyde, a picturesque spot for a breather. From here, the final 27km takes in the poignant 1943 Hyde rail disaster memorial, then wends across rolling plains towards the trail’s end at Middlemarch. After a well-earned café lunch, we’ll board the support vehicle to follow the rest of the still existing railway line through to Dunedin. Tonight, we'll be staying in New Zealand’s only historic Castle, built in 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Our final group dinner will be in one of the Castle dining rooms. In keeping with the historic setting, we'll enjoy a four course 'Trust the Chef ' menu. Accommodation : Lanarch Castle, Otago Peninsula Cycle : 61km/38 miles, +290m/951ft

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we head off on our bikes to explore the Otago Peninsula, overlooking the Otago Harbour, surrounded by volcanic hills on both sides, and home to nesting albatross, penguins, and seals, as well as the site of historic shipwrecks. We'll finish our ride at Glenfalloch Gardens, where we'll enjoy lunch overlooking 30 acres of historic garden, begun in 1871, and listening to the beautiful birdsong. This afternoon, we'll get up and close and personal with the Harbour marine life as we board the vessel ‘Sootychaser’ for a mini wildlife tour during which we’ll hear about history of the area, see the boats, make a detour to see harbour birds and Larnach Castle from a distance. The Sootychaser is named after the Sooty shearwater, New Zealand’s muttonbird. Our cycle tour ends with a drop off in the centre of Dunedin, for those wanting to extend their stay in this fascinating city, known for its Scottish and Maori heritage and stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Guests can also be dropped at the airport around 4pm, in time for early evening flights. Cycle: 47km/29 miles, 481m/1577ft

Meals:  B,L