Your autumn holiday in Otago by rail and bike
Ngahuru (autumn) is a beautiful time of year to enjoy an off-road holiday in Otago. This four-stop Tohu Whenua journey takes you off the roads and through vibrant city architecture, feats of engineering and rural heritage, all amid spectacular scenery. Discover it all by train and cycle - let's go!
Start at Dunedin Railway Station
Begin your journey at one of Ōtepoti Dunedin’s most iconic architectural landmarks, taking pride of place in the central city. Arrive early so you can marvel at the ornate interiors, which include an intricate mosaic of a locomotive on the booking hall floor.
Don't miss your train - the next leg is worth racing for.
Your first leg: Taieri Gorge Railway
Whether you're snapping photos, learning about the rail line’s history, or simply sitting back to enjoy the ride, the Taieri Gorge Railway offers a unique way to experience Otago — with history, nature and rail engineering at the heart of the journey. Onboard storytellers bring to life stories of gold miners, early farming families, railway workers and the natural forces that shaped this landscape over millions of years.
Remember to book your bike onboard the train journey to Pukerangi—you can cycle onwards to Middlemarch to connect with the Otago Central Rail Trail Great Ride.
Pedal the Otago Central Rail Trail Great Ride
The section of railway line between Middlemarch and Clyde, now the famous rail trail, was built between 1893 to 1907. Engineering challenges in the rugged and isolated gorges were huge, overcome by the construction of countless viaducts and tunnels.
Allow a few days to enjoy the beautiful scenery—ablaze in autumn—and warm rural hospitality that the Otago Central Rail Trail is famous for. Take a break in any of the traditional country towns to sip a beer with locals at the pub or shop in a general store. Be sure to stop at Historic Hayes en route!
Time for a break at Historic Hayes
From their rural Ōtūrehua farm, Ernest Hayes and his wife Hannah worked as a resourceful team. Ernest forged ahead with inventing and manufacturing devices to make life on the land easier, and Hannah cycled throughout the district in her ankle length skirts marketing their wares and taking orders.
Open spring through to autumn, Hayes boasts excellent coffee and kai at Hannah's Cafe. Once you are sated, explore Ernest Hayes’ engineering workshop with its labyrinth of overhead shafts, belts and pulleys driving various lathes, drills and saws.
Finish your ride in the fruit bowl that is Clyde - their apples and pears are amazing this time of year. Get home via the closest transport hub, Tāhuna Queenstown, or explore more Tohu Whenua in Otago. We hope you are feeling inspired to travel!
