This day was to be a big one. We needed to take our car down to Middlemarch and then return in the bus to Waipiata. There is camping allowed in the Domain so we joined several others doing likewise.
By the time we were ready to start our 52km bike ride it was nearly 11:25am. The day was very hot but with a slight breeze in our face it was very pleasant.
This part of the trail takes you through farmland, through the Upper Taieri Gorge and another tunnel and then down into Hyde. We did a small detour on foot to walk down to the river, just before the tunnel, to look at a second tunnel that had been created many years ago, to divert the water from the main river flow in the hope of finding gold. (They were unsuccessful.) The trail continues along the river and down into Hyde. Here we stopped to eat our sandwiches before going into the cafe for a cool drink and to replenish our water supplies. (They certainly know how to charge for fresh water and there is no where to refill your bottles anywhere on the trail.)
After a good rest in Hyde we set off on the last 30km of our journey. The first point of interest was the site of NZs first major rail disaster where 21 people were killed in 1943 when he driver had been speeding and failed to take the corner. He had been drinking in one of the hotels and was convicted for manslaughter. A memorial now stands close to where the derailment occurred.
Along the trail there are lots of 'ganger' sheds that have left for shelter or a rest as you travel along the trail. Many of them have information boards in them telling you about points of interest, history and notes on flora and fauna in the area. They also tell you how far it is to the next place, which helps especially as you near the end of the journey.
The last 7km from the Ngapuna station was the hardest. It was one long straight and the head wind had picked up so we found it a very hard ride. We were very pleased to see Middlemarch and be able to get in the car and drive back to our camp at Waipiata for the night.
Although we haven't biked all sections of the trail we have completed over half of it. There is some wonderful scenery to see, interesting history to discovery and a great way to get some exercise. I am not sure which way is the best way to do it though most people start in Clyde. There is always going to be a gradual climb to the highest point at 600m near Wedderburn but starting in Clyde usually has the wind behind you.
The link for more information again is: The official Otago Central Rail Trail website.
By the time we were ready to start our 52km bike ride it was nearly 11:25am. The day was very hot but with a slight breeze in our face it was very pleasant.
This part of the trail takes you through farmland, through the Upper Taieri Gorge and another tunnel and then down into Hyde. We did a small detour on foot to walk down to the river, just before the tunnel, to look at a second tunnel that had been created many years ago, to divert the water from the main river flow in the hope of finding gold. (They were unsuccessful.) The trail continues along the river and down into Hyde. Here we stopped to eat our sandwiches before going into the cafe for a cool drink and to replenish our water supplies. (They certainly know how to charge for fresh water and there is no where to refill your bottles anywhere on the trail.)
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| Looking back along the trail towards Tiroiti. |
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| Looking down the Upper Taieri Gorge just before Prices Creek Tunnel. |
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| Historic photo of the derailment. |
After a good rest in Hyde we set off on the last 30km of our journey. The first point of interest was the site of NZs first major rail disaster where 21 people were killed in 1943 when he driver had been speeding and failed to take the corner. He had been drinking in one of the hotels and was convicted for manslaughter. A memorial now stands close to where the derailment occurred.
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| Red Dwarf Ganger shed between Daisybank and Hyde. |
Along the trail there are lots of 'ganger' sheds that have left for shelter or a rest as you travel along the trail. Many of them have information boards in them telling you about points of interest, history and notes on flora and fauna in the area. They also tell you how far it is to the next place, which helps especially as you near the end of the journey.
The last 7km from the Ngapuna station was the hardest. It was one long straight and the head wind had picked up so we found it a very hard ride. We were very pleased to see Middlemarch and be able to get in the car and drive back to our camp at Waipiata for the night.
Although we haven't biked all sections of the trail we have completed over half of it. There is some wonderful scenery to see, interesting history to discovery and a great way to get some exercise. I am not sure which way is the best way to do it though most people start in Clyde. There is always going to be a gradual climb to the highest point at 600m near Wedderburn but starting in Clyde usually has the wind behind you.
The link for more information again is: The official Otago Central Rail Trail website.
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