Otago Central branch started 1879 with 215 km done in 1907 by hardy souls using pick, shovel, dynamite, horse and cart: it transported supplies, wool and livestock. Road transport caused closure by 1990. Within 10 years a Rail Trail was started.
OSM map layer · LineString
-45.17, 169.90 · rel 11680889
-45.17, 169.90 · rel 11680889
Central Rail Trail
152,2 km from Clyde to Middlemarch .
Clyde
→
Middlemarch
linear
152,2km
Distance
multi-day
Climb · estimate
moderate
Difficulty · estimate
linear
Shape
20
views
01 · Character of the route
Is this one for you?
Remote
Uncrowded
compiled from map data (OSM) and points of interest along the route — no editorial layer
02 · The story
What makes this route special
03 · 20 points along the route
What will you encounter?
20× Attraction
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Sun
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Earth, with Moon
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Earth, with Moon
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Jupiter
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Tunnel No. 13
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Venus
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Saturn
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Poolburn Tunnel No 1
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Ōmakau Train Station
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
45 Degree South Latitude
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Middlemarch Railhead
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Mercury
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Mars
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Uranus
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Mars
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Otago Central Rail Trail - Clyde Trailhead
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Mercury
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Jupiter
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Saturn
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
Interplanetary Cycle Trail - Venus
Attraction ·
on the route
0,0 km
0%
04 · Landmarks
Steady waypoints
Start
Quarter of the way
Halfway
Three quarters
Finish
05 · Intersecting routes
Where you meet other trails
06 · From the trail
Through the eyes of hikers
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07 ·
no reports yet
What hikers experienced
Log completion · Start your adventure
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08 · Before you go
Answers to common questions
Central Rail Trail is 152.2 km long.
At an average walking pace, Central Rail Trail takes approximately 37h 53min to complete.
No, Central Rail Trail is a linear (point-to-point) trail. It runs from Clyde to Middlemarch. Plan ahead for return transport.
Central Rail Trail starts at Clyde.
Central Rail Trail is a strenuous hike requiring excellent fitness and prior hiking experience.
Central Rail Trail is maintained and managed by Department of Conservation.
Yes, Central Rail Trail is part of the National Walking Network (NWN), a wider network of long-distance hiking trails.