"Great Cycle Tours since 1992"

 

The Rail Trail cycling starts today as we leave town across the flat rural countryside. From Chatto Creek the trail starts to rise before leveling off to Omakau where we stop for lunch. After lunch the remaining 9km flow under the wheels until we arrive at Lauder. Late afternoon we will take a drive to the historic gold mining village, St. Bathans for a walk around the beautiful blue lake. Weather permitting we might even be able to go for a swim!

Rail Trail Ride - 44 kms/27 miles (B, D)

On this day we head inland and ride through the first two tunnels and two rail bridges on the trip. With the willow tree edged gorge below the trail and the welcoming pools beckoning we finally emerge into the scenic Idaburn valley. One last short easy climb takes us to the summit of the trail and the beginning of the downhill descent that will take us first to the art deco township of Ranfurly. After lunch at a local cafe we check into our luxurious local lodge accommodation complete with spa pool & family lounge. This afternoon we will visit the quaint village of Naseby. There are some nice local walks around the village or for the keen cyclist an easy forest trail alongside an old water race, but the highlight for all the family is a chance to try your hand at something new, the sport of curling in the local indoor ice rink.

An early start for our longest ride today but it is some of the best riding of the trip. From Waipiata the trail follows the edge of the old lake before entering the Taieri Gorge. The trail crosses through further tunnels and bridges before a fast downhill to the lovely café at the old hotel at Hyde. From here a final 27kms takes us past the scene of the famous Hyde rail disaster of 1943 and then out onto the rolling plains slowly descending into Middlemarch. This is the end of the trail and time for a celebratory drink at the Kissing Gate Cafe. However the day is not yet finished and by 4.30pm we join the famous Taieri Express for a spectacular ride through the gorge described as one of the worlds great train journeys. We travel into Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South. Our dinner tonight is in the form of a group celebration to acknowledge the 150kms of Rail Trail riding.

This morning we have breakfast at our accommodation, but remember, don’t eat too much as the next stop is the Cadbury Chocolate factory! After enjoying the yummy chocolate we jump back in the van and drive on to Moeraki – the home of Moeraki boulders. After grabbing some lunch there will be plenty of time to explore the boulders or should I say dinosaur eggs! For those who wish there is the opportunity to do some more cycling. This cycling is along the quiet coastal road heading towards Oamaru. After everyone has had enough cycling we jump back into the van for the last short drive into Oamaru. After refreshing ourselves at the accommodation we step back in time to the old days of Oamaru. Heading over to the limestone quarter we watch the dramatic true story of Oamaru’s early days in a wonderful show – you might even get to dress up! We then head off to dine in one of New Zealand’s oldest restaurants with a two course traditional meal. The days not over yet as we go and view the penguin parade as the enchanting little blue penguins return to their nests at dust to breed, rear their chicks and moult. Eco- tourism at its best.

 

Last day of the tour today. This morning we head inland to Duntroon along the Vanished World trail. Here we visit the Vanished World Visitor centre, which has many displays about the areas geological past – and lots of cool fossils! We then continue on to explore Elephant Rocks. If you are a fan of Narnia the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe you will recognise the Elephant Rocks as Aslan’s Camp. We cycle today alongside the Waitaki River & through the scenic Waimate Gorge to end our cycling at the historic village of Waimate, famed for its local wallaby population. Here is time for an optional visit to the local wildlife park before driving back to Christchurch.(B)