The original great ride in new zealand, this trail established the concept of routing an easy biking trail along a disused railway line. It features easytofollow route notes and maps, railway and natural history, and tips to help you plan and enjoy your walk or ride. Shut one eye cycling the otago rail trail a curious. The characteristics of abandoned railwaysflat, long, frequently running through historical areasare appealing for various developments. Railstotrailsconservancy has 14 books on goodreads with 392 ratings. Stunning scenery, amazing and important historical and. The otago central rail trail is ideal for cyclists who wish to see some spectacular central otago scenery, at an easy pace, on flat gravelled terrain. New zealands original great ride is open all year round. Rail trail mountain biking trail in park city, utah. Its a fairly mellow walk if you just want to check out the tunnels, although you can spend hours up here exploring. See more ideas about suspension bridge, bridge and steel bridge.
Nestled between the niagara river and the niagara scenic parkway, this short but stunning railtrail offers unparalleled access and views of one of north americas greatest and most famous natural wonders. From clyde its a little over an hour, by road back to queenstown. There are plenty of diverting sights both on and near the trail, including eerie tunnels, unusual bridges, abandoned gold diggings and stacks of historic buildings in. Once returning the second i stepped up on the rim the wind ceased. Train tunnels, tracks, and miscellaneous stuff blogging the. Most of the line within boulder city has been consumed by development. Historic union pacific rail trail state park utah trails. Experience the best parts of the trail even with a limited time on the 2 day queenstown to dunedin otago rail trail transit package. Tunnel no 1 is in public reserve, appears to be no access to others. The gentlegradient ride takes you through farmland, past characterrich towns, along a deserted railway track and through dark tunnels. To convert the abandoned or unused rail corridorswhich were closing at an increasingly rapid pace across americainto public trails. In 1990 the decision was made to remove the rail tracks of the then defunct rail line and luckily the following year the department of conservation took over managing the area and launched the otago rail trail cycle trail, as a means to reinvigorate the small towns left a little in the lurch by the removal of the rail. I choose trail journeys as it was recommended by a friend and they wre fantastic. Buy the book and help the ongoing enhancement of the.
Crossrails tunnelling marathon began in may 2012 and ended at farringdon in may 2015 with the arrival of. Nelson salmo great northern trail mountain biking trail. Rail trail middlemarch 2020 all you need to know before you. Catherine stewart planning tips for otago rail trail read more from catherineis there a right time to go. When it first opened to the public in 2000, trail journeys were the first to offer bike rental on the trail and today are the leading cycle operator on the otago rail trail. The otago central rail trail is a unique recreational facility located in the central otago region of new zealand. Please note that the story of forest rail is compatible with train simulator 2015. As the railway served a large country district there were many stops along the route, but now few original stations and buildings remain. A beautifully crafted book with amazing photography by peter andrews showing central otago as it truly is, one of the most rugged, extreme and. Its all offroad, no traffic, just central otago s big skies and distinctive landscape to enjoy and our famous southern hospitality. In 2008, howard schultz, the president and chairman of starbucks, made the unprecedented decision to return as the ceo eight years after he stepped down from daily oversight of the company and became the true story of one family, caught between americas two biggest policy disasters. Otago central rail trail new zealand, central otago rail. We suggest you plan your trip and book accommodation. If you arrange your own trip, check out the closest road entryexit points and car parks, and organise your transport at each end and you can factor in uphilldownhill sections, as well as the wind direction.
Several books on the trail and the surrounding area can be purchased at bookshops throughout new zealand. Trains typically travel through hills, around hills but if it can be avoided not uphill the maximum gradient is 2%. Not a rail trail offer fully inclusive and supported small group cycle trail tours on the new zealand cycle trails and great rides near queenstown, nz. There are plenty of diverting sights both on and near the trail, including eerie tunnels, unusual bridges, abandoned gold diggings and stacks of historic buildings in styles from agrarian. The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the.
Cycle on two of the most beautiful sections of the renowned otago central rail trail in this 2 day1 night independent cycle adventure that takes you from queenstown to dunedin. Prekids, we had always talked about this holiday, and then we had three energetic kids eager for adventure. The original rail line ran 10 miles up into boulder city, meandering through hemenway wash to keep the grade at or below 4 percent. Get your copy from selected bookshops, operators on the trail or buy it online from.
Shut one eye this is the advice given to us from a stranger. A beautifully crafted book with amazing photography by peter andrews showing central otago as it truly is, one of the most rugged, extreme and beautiful locations on the planet. Order from our australian book shop for free shipping australia wide. The dunedin tunnels trail trust has the aim of promoting and developing a safe, familyfriendly cycle and walking trail from the centre of dunedin through to the taieri plains via the two old rail tunnels at caversham and chain hills. Generally speaking, the western portion of the trail near parkersburg is more manicured and developed, and the further east you travel, the rougher the trail gets. There are also lots of options to divert a bit from the trail to visit other places and to. Not a rail trail run fully supported and inclusive cycle trail tours from queenstown.
Otago central rail trail itinerary queenstown, new zealand. Dec 26, 2019 train tunnels, tracks, and miscellaneous stuff a172 the nolichucky river along the clinchfield route in the heart of the blue ridge mountains, c. We want to open up the two old rail tunnels, and create a trail that would. Rail trails of victoria 2020 ebook ie a downloadable electronic publication in pdf format this electronic file or publication is your indispensable guide and companion to victorias rail trails. This season on the trail is gearing up to be our busiest season yet, make sure you book your accommodation as soon as you can. Enjoy our multi day experiences with 7 cycle trails to choose from, including the alps 2 ocean, roxburgh gorge, clutha gold, west coast wilderness and around the mountains cycle trails. Highlights included seeing thyme in flower and newborn lambs,in january i experienced changeable weather, windy, hot days, some very cold days and lots of people on the trailduring march i found the. A pioneering project for new zealand, the successful rail trail joined the new zealand cycle trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it.
The successful design of bridges, trestles, and tunnels along the transcontinental route was critical for the railroad to function. The railstotrails guidebook series all seasons cyclist. Three tunnels on the former roxburgh branch ranging from 226 to 443 m. Canadian railway books traingeek trains and photography. It covers the minuteman bikeway in arlington, lexington and bedford plus the reformatory branch rail trail between bedford and concord and the narrowgauge rail trail between bedford and billerica. The cost to you will be in accommodation and meals while you are riding the trail. Otago rail trail cycle tour our scenic otago rail trail cycle tour includes five days of cycling on the 150km otago rail trail route from clyde to middlemarch. It began in the mid1960s as a quiet midwest phenomenon barely noticed in the major metropolitan areas of america. Rail and trail in three north alabama counties, plans to turn an abandoned railroad beds into a hiking and biking trails have hit a snag.
A pioneering project for new zealand, the successful rail trail joined the new zealand cycle trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it the trail runs in an arc between middlemarch and clyde, along the route of the former otago. You may also like to bring a torch for the tunnels along the way. Off the rails central otago rail trail epic deals and. Bike the otago central rail trail my moments and memories. The immensely popular rail trail runs for 150kms between clyde and middlemarch close to dunedin and is a public reserve, motorised vehicles are not permitted. Nov 20, 2016 the pull off to the tunnels is on the left if you are heading west from truckee up old 40.
Rail trails of victoria 2016 ebook ie a downloadable electronic publication in pdf format this your cycling fun starts here discover melbournes top scenic bike paths and victorias rail trails this is the only tv series dedicated to rail trails that we are aware of. The otago central rail trail trip is not just about the cycling but rather exploring the many small towns and abandoned gold diggings and meeting local inhabitants on the otago rail trail. Otago central rail trail new zealand adventure south nz. Otago central rail trail official website of nzs original.
Bridges and tunnels on the transcontinental railroad. When the preference for using road freight brought about the closure of the otago central railway, the rail corridor was vested to the department of conservation who, with the help of a newly established otago central. Admire the handbuilt viaducts and tunnels along the trail. The trail traverses the foothills of the 1400metre high rock and pillar range with its huge rocky outcrops, before meandering through the valleys productive farmland to the ngapuna station site. The 150km cycle trail is a disused railway corridor originally built for steam trains so the gradient is a very gentle incline and as such the otago bike trail is rated easy to negotiate with no. A network of new rail tunnels have been built by eight giant tunnel boring machines, to carry crossrails trains eastbound and westbound.
Otago central rail trail central otago, new zealand. An online bookstore catering to railroad enthusiasts and avid readers. Otago central rail trail otago, new zealand alltrails. Otago central rail trail itinerary saddle up for new zealands original great ride the otago central rail trail featuring pioneering history and bucketlist scenery.
Central otago rail trail is a must for cyclists visiting this part of nzs south island. Catherine stewart planning tips for otago rail trail. The otago central rail trail is a recreation reserve managed by the department of conservation in partnership. After years of working with the local communities along the trail, the otago central rail trail was opened in 2000.
Following the path of the former railway route between clyde and middlemarch, the otago central rail trail offers easy riding through everchanging scenery. Examples of popular tunnels on railtrails can be found in rtcs tunnels on trails report, along with additional information about 78 tunnels along railtrails across the country. The following is my collection of canadian railway books. Jul 18, 2012 like the other books in this series, this guidebook is loaded with maps. Read more from blog the globe about otago central highlights. Otago rail trail nz cycle tours package with vehicle support. Otago central rail trail cycling tours with trail journeys.
Named after the original railway line built between 1891 and 1907, the otago central rail trail is new zealands original great ride. Cycling along the great victorian rail trail the new york times. It was the first day of our cycling the otago rail trail. Cycle the queenstown trails and the otago rail trail by ebike. The book is divided into sections by state, and there is a map at the beginning of each section to show you where the trails are located, then another map and description for each trail. Clyde middlemarch 151km clyde alexandra 8km alexandra chatto creek 17km chatto creek omakau 10km omakau lauder 9km lauder oturehua 23km oturehua wedderburn 11km wedderburn ranfurly 14km ranfurly waipiata 6km waipiata hyde 26km hyde. While, great rail trails, doesnt have the lines depicting the trail on the map, nor does it have any pictures, the layout isnt put in a pretty graph, and it doesnt have the extra facts info such as crosscountry trails, trails that run along rails, and other various info, what it does have is a pretty complete list of all the rail trails. Everything you need to plan a unique central otago rail trail experience. This is a paper version of the large rail trail map that appears on the kiosk at bedford depot park. Construction of the ocr began in 1877 and the 27km section to hindon was opened in 1889. Popular itineraries one day trips otago central rail trail. Official otago central rail trail website otago central rail trail on bikemap interactive map with gpx download. This ebook includes tips for taking photos, not only of the southwest chief, but of tourist trains, rail museums, and private rail cars close to the southwest chief route.
Rakis and tapui tunnels on the former tokarahi branch. Local property owners whose land is bisected by the rail. Jan 25, 2011 rtc publishes a series of excellent guidebooks covering railtrails in various regions of the u. Enjoy the wonderful scenery and exploring the small towns along the route with full vehicle guide support along the way.
With the decline and closure of the railway, many buildings were disposed of before their historical value was realised. Who should i book with to do the otago central rail trail. Cycling the otago central rail trail is one of the classic active experiences in new zealand. Aug 01, 2016 one stretch of the great victorian rail trail, which runs through a rural part of the australian state of victoria. The rail trail makes a large arc through the otago central valley along the foothills of the south islands east and west coastal mountain ranges, running slightly uphill for first half, generally nw from clyde to its halfway highpoint 618 metersjust over 2,000 ft elevation near wedderburn and then turns gently sw running slightly downhill to middlemarch for the full 150 km. Cycling the otago rail trail in new zealand we12travel. The otago central rail trail is ideal for walkers and cyclists who wish to see some spectacular central otago scenery, at an easy pace, on flat,gravelled terrain. Cycling the otago rail trail if you want to experience a fun and exciting time with the family in central otago, why dont you consider cycling the central otago rail trail.
Already, in our lodgings at clyde, we had encountered the warmth of southern hospitality. Enjoy central otago s big skies, distinctive landscape and famous southern hospitality. New zealands original great ride, open all year round. This trail is designated as a multiple purpose regional trail. First sod turned 1879 dunedin completed 1906 clyde central otago rail trail officially opened. Take in the dramatic landscapes, valleys and gorges. The links below may be affiliate links, meaning that i earn a small commission when you purchase an item after following those links, at no additional cost to you. The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the south island of new zealand. Pennsylvania, new jersey and new york is one of the best of the series. Railway books and train books available in australia at 30% below the rrp. Otago rail trail guide book this is the single most important resource you can own if you plan to travel the central otago rail trail.
Books by railstotrailsconservancy author of railtrails. We offer the most comprehensive information on accommodation, transport and bike. Railstotrailsconservancys most popular book is railtrails northeast. Aug 03, 2019 the nelsonsalmo great northern trail provides recreation trail use on the former burlington northern santa fe rail line from troup junction to the village of salmo. Otago central rail trail one day wonder tour bike it now. We pride ourselves on our 5 service and provide you the latest trek roscoe 7 bikes and electric bike options. Dec 09, 2016 while you could technically take a road bike onto the nbrt, youll be much more comfortable on a cross bike or mountain bike. The otago central rail trail is paradise on two wheels. The otago central rail trail is a recreation reserve managed by the department of conservation in partnership with the otago central rail trail charitable trust. Once a busy railway, the historic rail trail used to connect many small inland gold towns to the big city of dunedin. Rail trails of victoria guide downloadable electronic pdf.
Highlights of this section of the trail include the 37m high poolburn viaduct, two tunnels, the trails longest bridge and central otago stunning landscapes. Even one day is enough to get a taste of the rail trail and experience some of the more spectacular sections. Mountain biking irresponsibly during the covid19 pandemic puts you and others at risk. If you want a little more exercise, the historic donner pass trail is a 5. The otago central rail trail is ideal for easy pace cyclists. In 2010, this incredibly scenic rail trail joined the rail trail hall of fame. Follow the 150kilometre section of former railway line and explore heritage features, historical buildings and bridges and enjoy the wide open scenery of central otago. Official otago central rail trail website otago central rail trail on bikemap interactive map with gpxdownload. Based on my experience, november was fine every day, very cold mornings and evenings. Theres so much to see and do on and near the trail, including spectacular railway bridges and tunnels, abandoned gold diggings, and historic architecture from art. The trail is steep heading down and curves to the junction with the railroad tunnel trail.
Like bridges, tunnels contribute to a memorable trail experience and often act as the signature of their associated trail. Historic railroad trail lake mead national recreation area. Read the easy guide book first and youll arrive better prepared for your trip. Rail trail tours our most popular rail trail bike tours. Imagine a dedicated bike trail where you can pedal comfortably for several days along the gentle grade of a.
The single most important resource when travelling the central otago rail trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and road biking and is accessible yearround. A rail trail is the conversion of a disused railway track into a multiuse path, typically for walking, cycling and sometimes horse riding and snowmobiling. Otago rail trail accommodation, tour planning, transport. Excellent trail through amazing landscape and with lots of good facilities on and off the trails. Construction crews built these structures as they worked ahead of the tracklayers. Hike through these abandoned railroad tunnels at donner pass. The otago central rail trail walkers musthave book. The otago central railway ocr or in later years otago central branch railway, now often referred to as the taieri gorge railway, was a secondary railway line in central otago, in the south island of new zealand.
The trail going west under the road, the river mountains loop trail, follows the the old rail bed 3. That region is one of the densest railtrail areas of the country. A 5 day 4 night cycle from clyde to middlemarch along new zealands most iconic cycle trail, the 150km vehicle free otago central rail trail trip highlights ycle the dedicated cycle trails of nzs original great ride. Its rightfully a very popular adventure through spectacular otago scenery, with tunnels and viaducts smoothing out dry, rocky hills and deep gorges. There are a number of companies offering this service. Best section is auripo to omakau otago central rail trail. The otago central rail trail was the first established in new zealand. When you are from the netherlands, aka the country where everyone always rides a bike and not, the country where everyone visits family on their ice skates because we have so many canals, as it has been said during the recent winter olympics, theres no way we could say no to a little adventure on the otago central rail. Our otago central rail trail cycling tour ends with one of the worlds great train trips as we travel on the spectacular taieri gorge railway into dunedin. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates. There are now rail trails throughout most of new zealand, but if you mention to a kiwi that youre doing the rail trail, it is the otago central rail trail theyll immediately think of.
There are stone sheds and historic markers describing the railroads heyday when gold was the currency of otago and prospectors disrupted the farmland. Securely purchase vintage books and magazines about railroads and trains all in one place online. Mosgiel, dunedin puke rangi otago central rail trail. Three tunnels on the otago central rail trail former otago central railway, ranging in length from 152 to 229 m. The otago rail trail rates as among the easiest of all the cycle trails in new zealand, and is a good trail to start with if you are new to cycling.