Wings Over Wairarapa 2011 
5 Day Otago Rail Trail Classic Tour
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The Otago Central Rail Trail trip is not just about the cycling but rather exploring the many small towns enroute and meeting the locals. The trail follows the old Maniototo rail line from Clyde in central Otago to Middlemarch and ends with one of the world's great train trips as you travel on the spectacular Taieri Gorge railway into Dunedin.
This guided tour travels through historic and scenic countryside on cycle trails based on the unused railway corridor. With easy gradient cycling and character lodgings this tour is suitable for all levels of cyclists. Based in the spectacular Maniototo region this is a journey into New Zealand's past.
Difficulty: Moderate
Departs: Selected Mondays from 1 November 2010 to 25 April 2011
Accommodation: Twin share in hotels and lodges
Includes: 5 days guided cycling, fully fitted bike hire, 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners, luggage transport, Taieri Gorge Railway Journey
Start/Finish: Christchurch / Dunedin or Christchurch
Season: 01 Oct 10 - 30 Apr 11
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Departures
2010:
Oct 18th - 22nd
Nov 1st - 5th, 15th - 19th, 29th - 2nd December
Dec 6th - 10th, 13th - 17th, 27th - 31st
2011:
Jan 3rd - 7th, 10th - 14th, 17th - 21st, 24th - 28th, 31st - 4th February
Feb 7th - 11th, 14th - 18th, 21st - 25th, 28th - 4th March
Mar 7th - 11th, 14th - 18th, 21st - 25th, 28th - 1st April
Apr 4th - 8th, 11th - 15th, 18th - 22nd, 21st - 25th Easter, 25th - 29th
* Also available as a Queenstown/Dunedin or Queenstown/Christchurch Option
Prices are based on per person twin share, single rates available.
Winter tours available - contact Kirra Holidays for details
Pricing | Day by Day | Comments |
Pricing Table
| Prices per person | ||
|---|---|---|
| Double | Twin | |
| Otago Rail Trail | ||
| 01 May 10 - 30 Sep 10 | $1,422.00 | $1,422.00 |
| 01 Oct 10 - 30 Apr 11 | $1,453.00 | $1,771.00 |
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations up to 65 days out will lose your deposit, between 10 and 30 days prior to departure incurs a 50% penatly and within 10 days of departure - full 100% cancellation penatly applies.
Clients are urged to take the necessary insurance to guard against the unexpected.
Day 1 - Christchurch to Clyde
| After collection from your pre tour accommodation in Christchurch, a quick lunch stop in Tekapo precedes your cycle program with a quiet ride alongside a canal system with spectacular views of Mt Cook & the
Southern Alps. Descend down to Cromwell and travel alongside the scenic river gorge before arriving at your historic accommodation in Clyde. The rest of the afternoon will be free to explore before the evening is finished off with your first group dinner. (D) Cycling Distance: 24kms |
Day 2 - Clyde to Lauder
| The real riding starts today, from Chatto Creek the trail starts to rise before leveling off to Omakau. Then head to the top of the Raggedy Range before the remaining 9km flow under the wheels until you arrive
at Lauder. Late afternoon take a drive to the historic gold mining village, St. Bathans for a walk around the beautiful blue lake. This evening it is time for a relaxing beer and a game of pool at the local pub before dinner. (B, D) Cycling Distance: 44 kms |
Day 3 - Lauder to Naseby
| Start this day by heading inland and ride through the first two tunnels and two rail bridges on the trip. Following these, one last short easy climb takes you to the summit of the trail and the beginning of the
downhill descent that will take you first to the art deco township of Ranfurly. After this there is a short drive to the beautiful township of Naseby and to your hotel where you will stay for the night. For those wanting to try their hand at something new, try the sport of curling in the local indoor rink, the first in the southern hemisphere. (B, D) Cycling Distance: 48 kms |
Day 4 - Naseby to Dunedin
| There is an early start for your longest ride today but it is some of the best riding of the trip. From Waipiata the trail follows the edge of the old lake before entering the Taieri Gorge. Then the trail crosses through further tunnels and bridges before a fast downhill run to the final 27kms which takes you out onto the rolling plains slowly descending into Middlemarch. This is the end of the trail and time to join the famous Taieri Express for a spectacular two hour rail experience through stunning and rugged scenery. Travel on to Dunedin, dinner tonight is in the form of a group celebration to acknowledge the 150kms of Rail Trail riding. (B, D) Cycling Distance: 59 kms |
Day 5 - Dunedin to Christchurch
| The riding is still not finished as you head north to Oamaru, leaving behind those who wish to finish in Dunedin. Via the beautiful coastal roads visit the famous Moeraki Boulders before turning onto the final
quiet 24km coastal ride along the cliff tops and farms that take you into Oamaru. Back on the road again, continue across the Canterbury Plains and finally reach Christchurch and be transferred to your chosen
accommodation. (B) Cycling Distance: 24-40 kms |
Accommodation |
Other 
