Central Otago Rail Trail

The Central Otago Rail Trail follows 150 kilometers of abandoned railway line through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic gold rush territory. Built in the early 1900s to service remote mining towns, this route crosses 36 historic bridges and passes through tunnels carved from solid schist rock. The trail winds from Clyde through Alexandra, past the infamous Poolburn Gorge viaduct, and terminates at Middlemarch, offering constant reminders of the railway’s engineering ambitions through unforgiving terrain.

This is a moderate route suitable for most high-clearance vehicles, though the gravel surface and occasional washouts demand respect. Best tackled April through October when Central Otago’s extreme summer heat won’t cook you alive. No permits required, but fuel up in Alexandra or Clyde — services are sparse between towns. Multiple historic pubs and basic camping spots dot the route. What you get is pure New Zealand history mixed with Big Sky country that’ll remind you why this place earned its reputation as Middle-earth.