Top Things to do in Central Otago
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The 8 Best Hiking Trails in Central Otago, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Central Otago, New Zealand including Otago Central Rail Trail, Clutha Gold Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Alexandra to Clyde River Track, Flat Top Hill Conservation Area, Blue Lake Walk, Bullock Track Roxburgh, Come in Time Battery Walk.
Restaurants in Central Otago
1. Otago Central Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,149 reviews
The Otago Central Rail Trail - New Zealand's Original Great Ride. Open all year round this cycleway takes you through 152kms of remarkable Central Otago landscape away from roads and vehicles, yet never far from the next town. Whether you start from Clyde or Middlemarch, the wide easy gradient is suitable for riders, walkers and cyclists of all ages. You may choose to go solo, or share the experience with friends, either way it's a trail of discovery best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Discover historic villages, enjoy local food and drink and the famous southern hospitality. As you travel through this untamed natural environment there is plenty to explore on and off the trail. Don't miss this 'must do' experience.
Reviewed By talloaks1
We completed the Otago rail trail at the beginning of this week starting in Clyde and ending in Middlemarch. We had an awesome tour operator Nick, who went above and beyond and organised awesome accommodation including his own home, a well appointed home near St Bathans. We loved the whole experience including curling in Naseby. Highly recommend, especially on an E - bike for this 58 year old!
2. Clutha Gold Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
The Clutha Gold Trail is one of the ‘Great Rides’ of Nga Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail. Open year-round, this smooth, wide, well-formed trail over undulating, flat and meandering terrain requires moderate fitness. Whether you walk or ride, the trail offers a unique heritage experience in a diverse and stunning landscape - a journey of discovery around every corner.
Reviewed By Kiwibird248 - Christchurch, New Zealand
This trail has a different character to the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Otago Rail Trail. The first section from the Roxburgh Dam is beside the river. Millers Flat is a lovely place to stop for refreshments. In the following section from Millers Flat to Beaumont it is worth taking the time to visit the bridge at Horseshoe Bend. And, prior to Lawrence the Big Hill Tunnel is fun to ride through. It is a pleasant and peaceful trail on a well-maintained track.
3. Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
Open all year round, the trail is a well-formed 2.5 metre wide gravel surface with some climbs. It will take up to four or five hours to complete depending on how you choose to experience it. The trail’s proximity to the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail will also ensure that visitors to the area will have the opportunity to experience even more of Central Otago’s unique scenery.
Reviewed By brentloe54 - Auckland, New Zealand
A great trail not hard or technically or physically challenging and suitable for bikers with a moderate level of fitness. The first 10km is low down to the water then an interesting 40-45 minute jet boat ride seeing gold mining relics between doctors pt and shingle creek and then completing the gradual uphill climb up to the rim of the gorge and then down and around to the Roxburgh Dam to trail end A good well graded trail with fantastic rocky open scenery
4. Alexandra to Clyde River Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By jonathank893 - Inverness, United Kingdom
This track which follows the Clutha is much nicer, and no longer that the rail trail route, which, especially if there is a head wind, is just a flat boring slog. The little twists and turns and small undulations add interest, and on a hot summer day the shade from the trees is always welcome.
5. Flat Top Hill Conservation Area
6. Blue Lake Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By greg_wanders - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We drove past St. Bathans on our drive from Moeraki to Wanaka. Although the town is about 8km away from the main highway (Hills Creek), along a gravel road, it is worth the detour. It's a small village stuck in time, with it's blue lake surrounded by the mountains in the distance. The walk of 1.5 hour is a beautiful way to explore the place. There are shorted circuits, but if you have the time it's well worth the extra time, although it can be a bit muddy after heavy rain or snow. It was a cloudy day when we visited, so the lake wasn't all that Blue, but didn't take anything away from the beauty of the place. While Leaving St. Bathans if you take the road to Becks to meet the highway again, it is a sealed road in better condition.
7. Bullock Track Roxburgh
8. Come in Time Battery Walk
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
