Central Otago cycle trails in the news
Air New Zealand’s inflight magazine, Kia Ora, celebrated the cycle trails that feature along the Southern Way in September 2025 edition, including those that immerse riders in Central Otago. The article leans heavily into the ease of accessibility for people of all inclinations and abilities that these trails provide.
Otago Central Rail Trail
The Otago Central Rail Trail was New Zealand’s original Great Ride and it’s exemplary of these factors. Following what was once a rail line between Clyde and Middlemarch, it's 152km stretch is gentle (no steep climbs), fascinating (features include tunnels and shaky bridges) and the most glorious way to wander through big sky country. It’s a wonderful way to experience some of Central Otago’s heritage towns and meet the locals preserving nods to times gone by.
Lake Dunstan Trail
The Dunstan Trail was launched as recently as 2021 and stretches some 40+ kilometres between Clyde and Cromwell via some delectable Bannockburn vineyards and concluding at Cromwell Heritage Precinct. A more demanding ride, it is a route carved into the rock face or guided over cantilever boardwalks and bridges. You’ll need to dedicate at least half a day to it unless you’re really bike fit. There’s a stop almost halfway but closer to the Cromwell end where a cafe afloat operates in the warmer months. It’s also possible to book the Lake Dunstan Explorer to take you one way or even part of the way.
Clutha Gold Trail
The Clutha Gold Trail leaves Alexandra at the bridge following the Clutha River downstream towards Dunedin. At the time of writing, it’s only possible to cycle as far as Doctor’s Point, from where you’ll need to have booked a boat ride for you and your bike to continue onwards from Roxburgh. The good news is that the missing part of the trail is being worked on and is expected to be complete before the decade is out!
Clyde bike hire
The Otago Central Rail Trail, the Clutha Gold Trail and the Dunstan Trail are our nearest cycle trails - you can access each of them within a 5-minute shuttle. You can enjoy any or all of these trails as part of your stay at Kaihanu Lodge. We work closely with the teams at Bike It Now and Central Cycle Trails in Clyde and know they’ll look after you. E-bikes are common currency round here, so if you want to ride a ‘real’ or ‘acoustic’ pedal bike let us know and we’ll put in a special request!
The Southern Way is a circuit recently relaunched to promote international flights from Brisbane to Dunedin - Dunedin’s first international route since before COVID - encouraging the idea that Australian visitors fly into either Dunedin or Queenstown, cycle the Southern Way and then fly out of the other airport.