Rail Trail
(Galloway to Chatto Creek)
Track Overview
Approx. 13km each way.
The Rail Trail is a total of 150kms and travels from Clyde to Middlemarch.
You can travel the entire distance over a few days crossing bridges, sneaking through dark tunnels and staying at some great locations for the evenings.
This section, to Chatto Creek, is popular with horse riders.
Follow the Central Otago Rail Trail along a nice easy flat, gravel track. Beautiful scenery awaits you as you meander along and to the Chatto Creek Tavern for lunch. There is a cosy paddock located right next to the tavern for horse parking but only a fence to hitch to so maybe take some twine or something with you.
There are bridges on the rail trail and is stated that horse riders are to lead their horses across for safety, as the rails aren't high enough and its a long way down! Wooden bridges also have anti slip mesh so be aware if your horse is shod.
You will encounter cyclists and walkers.
If you wish to travel one way, they have a large carpark for a few horses to be loaded.
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Please respect other track users and kick poo off the formed tracks!
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I recommend you phone ahead to the Chatto Creek Tavern and let
them know your plans. (03 447 3710)
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Directions and Float Parking
A suitable place to park and start from is the intersection of the rail trail and Lower Manorburn Road Marked on map.
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Details to be updated soon.
Click for Maps
Accommodation
There are several great locations for accommodation on the length of the Rail Trail.
Please check out the "Where to stay" tab for options.
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Rail Trail
(Lauder and Poolburn Tunnels)
Track Overview
5km from Lauder to Tunnel no. 2
900m from Tunnel no. 2 to Tunnel no. 1
6.5km from Lauder to Poolburn Viaduct.
23km from Lauder to Oturehua.
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Starting from Lauder, take a torch and a brave pill if heights make you nervous!
Dismount for the Viaducts! Don't die.
Tunnel no. 1 is 201m long and Tunnel no. 2 is 229m long and curved.
Going over the Raggity range in a very easy climb, across the Manuherikia Viaduct through the tunnels, then over the Poolburn Viaduct, you will be treated to beautiful views of the Hawkdun Mountain Range and North Rough Ridge. Then it's easy going back down and along the valley to Oturehua. Or return to Lauder (13km).
There is one part by Lauder you need to cross the main highway, but is a relatively quite road.
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The bridges and viaducts are noisy (clunky), the rails are not very high.
There will be cyclists.
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Please respect other track users and kick poo off the formed tracks!
Poolburn Viaduct
Lauder to Oturehua
Directions and Float Parking
Enter Lauder Station into google maps.
This will take you to Lauder road (very quiet). Beside Lauder station is a large grassy area adjacent to the rail trail carpark. Park on the grass, there is heaps of room! The Rail Trail carpark is behind the trees in the photo and the station is to the left. Head NW from there.
There are several great locations for accommodation on the length of the Rail Trail.
Please check out the "Where to stay" tab for options.
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Accommodation