Otago rail trail NZ

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Nebulous

Guru
Location
Aberdeen
Anyone cycled the Otago rail trail in New Zealand?

It’s 150 km on gravel. We’re intending doing it as a relaxed leisure trip, enjoying the scenery, food, towns etc. I’m a keen cyclist, but my wife has arthritis, using an e-bike at home. Its a holiday trip, it isn’t intended as a challenge / test.

I’m struggling with the description of the recommendations for the trail. The tour companies seem to recommend 4 to 5 days. I can’t see any reason why 3 wouldn’t be quite straightforward and leisurely. We can hire an e-bike for my wife and get it charged at the accommodation providers overnight. Am I missing something, or is the average person who undertakes it a non-cyclist?
 

slow scot

Veteran
Location
Aberdeen
I did it a few years ago. It took me two and a half days on a road bike carrying camping gear. It is not at all difficult, but very attractive. My Australian friend did it with his girlfriend; she is a non cyclist and did it on an e-bike with no problems. They took, I think, three whole days.
The rail trip to Dunedin to end the trip is fantastic.
Do it west to east for wind advantage.
 

JoshVT

Member
I did it in 4 days on a recumbent trike. Could probably do it comfortably in 3 on a gravel bike, or 2 if you wanted to push through. That would be no fun, though, as you would miss a lot of the scenery.

I did mine during an early spring snow storm and it was beautiful. I would recommend March as the best month, as the leaves are changing colour and it’s a bit cooler and less populated.

I’m looking forward to repeating in again soon.
 
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