New Zealand’s Rail Trail System is very similar to that in America. The concept being that it’s a shame to waste those wonderful flat rail beds which are no longer used for trains. The longest and possibly most rural of these is the Otago Central Rail Trail at 94miles (151 km). This is considered to be the most comfortable trail for most mountain bike riders. In local lingo–she’ll be right (that’s cool).

Climate And Safety

Although rural, there aren’t any harmful snakes, rabid mammals or venomous bugs to worry about on the trail. But the intestinal parasite, giardia, may be in the water in some regions. Treat or boil drinking water in the wild.

The people of New Zealand are called “Kiwi” and are said to be friendly and law abiding. Seasons are reversed from those in North America so December, January and February are the warm months. It’s not Miami! This is a mild but sunny climate prone to wind and rain.

Climate is similar to that of the North Western United States only in opposite months. The NZ July is like the Oregon December and so on.

Take Along

Really there aren’t many things that can’t be purchased in New Zealand’s larger towns. Bringing a mountain bike can be done but it costs quite a bit to ship and rental may end up being advantageous.

This is especially true when rentals include helmet and other gear. Considering the number of things that travelers want to bring back home in the way of mementos it is probably better to pack light. A good tour book is a must have though.

Getting There

Admittedly the air travel from most destinations will be the biggest expense of any visit to New Zealand. Fly into Queenstown or Dunedin International Airports; both are served by several car rental companies, some with 4WD vehicles.

Taxi service and limousine rental are also found here. It may also be possible to use bus service to your accommodations. Check these bus services when planning your trip:

• InterCity Coachlines. www.intercitycoach.co.nz
• Atomic Shuttles. www.atomictravel.co.nz
• KnightRider Bus Service and Bottom Bus also offer limited service in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Train service is also available. The Queenstown-Dunedin Track & Trail can provide reasonably priced touring.

Check their website www.transportplace.co.nz for fares and times.

International Travelers Information

Generally people from Australia, Europe, North America, South East Asia and Japan don’t need a visa to travel in New Zealand.

Most items of food can be brought in but honey or other bee products are not allowed. Products made from endangered animals are also disallowed. And of course, they drive on the opposite side of the road. NZ uses a dollar rather than the euro and the U.S. dollar spends about fifty percent better there than it does in North America. Exchange it first, though.

Rail Trails of New Zealand

The Otago Central Rail Trail starts in Clyde and ends in Middlemarch. There are 68 bridges along the path.

Lights will be needed in the two tunnels along the path. It runs between the Dunstan Mountains and the Raggedy Range.

It circles North Rough Ridge and proceeds through the Maniototo Plains. The entire region is punctuated with rock formations and breathtaking views. Bed and breakfasts are found in nearby towns as are motels, restaurants and bike rentals.

The Little River Rail Trail reopened for recreational use on May 28, 2006 from Motukarara to Caton’s Bay Reserve. This trail is in an area of extreme biodiversity.

Sight Seeing

• Taieri Gorge Vintage Steam Train runs between Dunedin and Pukerangi. The train can be ridden from Dunedin to Middlemarch and the mountain bike Otago Central Rail Trail taken to Clyde.

• St. Clair Beach near Dunedin. The west end is the location of a heated and restored historic nineteenth century salt water/chlorine pool. St. Clair and nearby Brighton are also surfing beaches.

• Wildlife including the yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, albatross, 13 varieties of sharks, and many others are seen along the Otago Peninsula.

• New Zealand Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium at Portobello is part of the University of Otago and is open to the public for a reasonable fee.

• Several wineries have sprung up in the fertile soil and perfect weather conditions of New Zealand. Many have tours. The Grape Escape and Central Otago Wine Trails offer tours of Central area wineries.