Otago Central Rail Trail cycle tour: Poolburn Gorge & viaduct

Ride through the Poolburn Gorge and its towering viaduct carved into the Raggedy Range.

Cycle a section of New Zealand's Otago Central Rail Trail in a single morning and afternoon, starting with a 9am fitting at the shop in Clyde and a transfer to Auripo. You ride 17 kilometers to Muddy Creek Cafe in Omakau, then choose to continue toward Chatto Creek or detour to historic Ophir. The route passes through the Poolburn Gorge with its signature viaduct, two tunnels and the trail's longest bridge. Bike, helmet, drink bottle and pannier bag are included. A driver collects you at 2:30pm from Chatto Creek or you can ride on to Clyde. Children are welcome from age 5.

The experience

Start at 9am in Historic Clyde, where you'll be fitted to a Merida bike and briefed on the day's route and points of interest. An air-conditioned vehicle then transfers you to Auripo, where the ride begins. From there, it's a short pedal to the Poolburn Gorge: the standout section of this trail. The gorge cuts through the Raggedy Range between two valleys, and as you ride through it you'll pass the 37-meter Poolburn Viaduct, two tunnels, and the trail's longest bridge, all framed by Central Otago's high country landscape.

After 17 kilometers you reach Muddy Creek Cafe in Omakau, a natural stop for coffee and food. From here the day opens up: you can take a side trip to the historic gold-mining village of Ophir before dropping down Tiger Hill to Chatto Creek Tavern, or skip Ophir and head straight there. The tavern is where the day ends (you'll be picked up at 2:30pm), though riders who want more can continue on to Clyde instead. Cycling distances are marked clearly: Auripo to Omakau is 17 kilometers, Omakau to Chatto Creek is 12 kilometers, and if you ride through to Clyde it's another 8 to 12 kilometers depending on your route.

No high fitness level is needed for this ride. The bike comes with a helmet, a drink bottle mounted on top, and a pannier bag for your belongings. Your driver provides full commentary on the drive to Auripo, and the whole experience runs about six hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Merida bike hire.
• cycle helmet.
• drink bottle with top mount.
• pannier bag for belongings.
• morning transfer from Clyde to Auripo in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver commentary.
• pickup at 2:30pm from Chatto Creek Tavern.

Options for this experience

2 options

One Day Wonder cycle tour on the Otago Central Rail Trail09:00

E-bikes for the ODW OCRT09:00Merida electric bike

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 11

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Bike It Now!

Is this one for you?Choose the standard bike if you want a straightforward ride through the gorge and viaduct with time to stop for coffee. Pick the e-bike option if you'd rather have pedal assistance on the climbs, especially if you want to explore the side trip to Ophir or ride all the way through to Clyde without tiring.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Poolburn Gorge like to ride through?

The Poolburn Gorge is the highlight of this section of the Otago Central Rail Trail. It cuts through the Raggedy Range between the Manuherikia and Ida Valleys, and as you cycle through it you pass the 37-meter Poolburn Viaduct, two tunnels, and the trail's longest bridge, all set against Central Otago's high country landscape.

How far do I cycle and what are the stops?

You cycle 17 kilometers from Auripo to Muddy Creek Cafe in Omakau, where you stop for coffee and food. From there it's 12 kilometers to Chatto Creek Tavern, where you're picked up at 2:30pm. If you choose to continue, it's another 8 to 12 kilometers to Clyde depending on which route you take.

What's included in the bike hire?

The Merida bike comes with a helmet, a drink bottle with a top mount, and a pannier bag for your gear. You're fitted to the bike at the shop in Clyde before the morning transfer to Auripo.

What time does the day start and end?

You start at 9am at the shop in Historic Clyde with a bike fitting and briefing, then transfer to Auripo. The day ends with pickup at 2:30pm from Chatto Creek Tavern, or later if you ride on to Clyde.