TRANSPORT

Whether you arrive on the Rail Trail from Queenstown, Wanaka, Christchurch or Dunedin, we can organise your transport. We are ticketing agents for all Central Otago transport services from Dunedin, Queenstown and Wanaka, airport shuttle to Dunedin and the Taieri Gorge scenic train. Rail Trail Services at Blind Billy's Holiday Camp is the Catch-a-Bus Wanaka pick-up and drop-off point for passengers, mountain bikes and luggage forwarding.

Arriving by Road

We have provided an overview map for getting to the Rail Trail by road from all directions.

Arriving by Train

» Check summer and winter train timetable.
» Check our Taieri Gorge Railway and Rail Trail overview map.

Cycling from Pukerangi to Middlemarch (21 km) is a great warm-up (this is real back country stuff) before rail trailing. We have put together an alternative route to Middlemarch that takes in some of the local history and provides a great view over the Strath Taieri Plain (Middlemarch is the township located in the centre of the Plain). Then overnight at Middlemarch, which gives time for orientation and local information.

Arriving by Air

Dunedin International Airport (Momona) is 45 min drive from Middlemarch (northwest) and a 20-min shuttle trip to the city of Dunedin (northeast). You can cycle from Dunedin Airport to Wingatui where the Taieri Gorge train will pick you up by prior arrangement. Wingatui is approx 14 km from the airport:

.Directions for cycling from Dunedin Airport to Wingatui

Directions  From the Airport, follow signs towards SH1 and Dunedin for five kilometres. When you reach SH1 turn left towards Dunedin. After three kilometres take the first turn left into Riverside Rd, then the first right into Gladstone Rd. The first part of this long road is a gravel road that has some corrugation (December 2005). You may, therefore, prefer to stay on the main road for the next 2 km until you reach Gladfield Rd. Along Gladstone Rd you cycle parallel with a railway line for eight or nine kilometres till you reach Wingatui Station, where the Taieri Gorge train will stop by prior arrangement. Wingatui Station is currently being renovated and access is from the north (the Race Course side). Turn up the short Crossan Terrace to access the platform. On the way to Wingatui you pass through Mosgiel, a suburb of Dunedin. The entire journey is mostly on the flat.

We also arrange connections from Queenstown Airport to the Rail Trail. Please inquire.

MAPS

Detailed 1:50,000 topographical maps of Central Otago are available from Clearwater Tarn's online shop:

Dave & Donna Thomson · Mold St · Middlemarch · Central Otago · New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 464 3355 · Fax: +64 3 464 3322 · Email: info@railtrail.co.nz

© 2005-2009 Rail Trail Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved        Last updated 18 January 2009