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The Otago Central Rail Trail
follows the old railway line built through Central Otago
in the late nineteenth century. The trail takes you over
bridges and viaducts and the 150 km long track can be
done completely or you can take off bite size parts to
do. So whether your walking, biking or riding a horse
with your family this is an adventure worth doing.
The trail was opened in the
year 2000 by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and is
owned by the people of New Zealand. It starts (or
finishes) at Clyde in Central Otago, which is some 60 km
from the resort town of Queenstown. The trail itself
consists of 19 bridges and viaducts that DOC were
modified or strengthened when the department took over
the trail.
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Picture to
left: I have to say I have a soft
spot for this place, not really family
friendly, although they were looking at
providing for families at a late date.
My hubby booked the honeymoon suite for
us as our first nights accommodation on
the trail in April 2006 and it was just
beautiful, it comes with its own lounge,
big old iron bed and bathroom. Worth a
look in I think, but I maybe bias!
Website:
www.dunstanhouse.co.nz
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Who can use the trail?
The trail is restricted to
walkers, cyclist and horse riders. Dogs, overland
vehicles and motorcycles are not allowed to use the
track. The track does have toilets, but as they are some
ways a part it is suggested that you get younger members
of the family to use them when they see them. In
addition all uses of the track must take their rubbish
with them.
Cycling the track
This track is ideal for
children, although I would recommend that children
cycling on their own should be around ten years old -
more to do with staying power than due to the any
difficulty they encounter. There are several companies
that hire out bikes out and most will have tandems or
trailers for younger children to ride in. It is
essential to carry water with you and warm but light
clothing, including water proof gear when doing the
trail. Although not usually essential during the summer
months, Otago can get very cold and snow has fallen as
early as April on some parts of the track.
Don't forget to carry a
repair kit with you as help is many kilometres away and
parents should remember that there are a few public
roads to cross along the way and children should be
supervised at these crossing points. Some of these
public roads have traffic travelling at 100 kph.
Walking
Because the track has had
all the chunky gravel removed, it makes it a pleasant
track to walk on. You won't have to worry about motor
vehicles either as they are not allowed on the track.
Ideally walkers can stay at one of the local towns and
use this as a starting point for daily walks.
Horse riders
On the whole this is an
awesome track for horses, due mainly to the lack of
traffic. However there are a few high viaducts and scary
tunnels that riders will have to negotiate. Some
accommodation do provide paddocks for you to keep your
horse safe in and well fed over night.
Getting to the trail
Depending from which
direction you are coming from will depend on how you get
to the trail. From Dunedin you can catch the Taieri
Gorge Railway (www.taieri.co.nz
) which is a treat in itself and recommended if you
can fit it into your holiday or several companies run
daily shuttle services between Dunedin, Christchurch and
Queenstown.
Accommodation
Accommodation along the
track ranges from providing your own tent to luxury
lodges. Over summer and early autumn accommodation can
be booked out months in advance and so bookings are
essential. Some accommodation does not take children and
so make sure you give the ages of your children to staff
so they can make sure they can accommodate you
correctly.
Horrific Train accident
on the Hyde railway
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The remains of Hyde Railway
Station can be viewed as you cycle along the old
rail trail. Not far from here is where there was
a terrible train accident. The accident happened
on the stretch of rail near
Hyde station and you will find a small rock cairn which bears the
name of the 21 people who lost their lives on 4 June
1943 when the Locomotive Ab782 was involved in a
terrible accidents. Although not the only accident on
the track, it was the most serious.
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Useful links:
Transport and bike hire
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www.wanakaconnexions.co.nz
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www.atomictravel.co.nz
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www.intercitycoach.co.nz
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www.railtrail.co.nz
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