Tour De Otago

The Otago Central Rail Trail is an experience that can't be missed if your visiting the south island of New Zealand. After taking a historic train from Dunedin to Middlemarch we rented our slick rides from Cycle Surgery. 

Below is a brief review of our journey in words & numbers:

Day 1 - Hyde Disaster Memorial Cairn to Waipata - 31km - 2:32 hours - 12.5km avg. 

Highlight: A black and white bird, yet to be named, dive bombed Gil 

Day 2 - Waipata to Oturehua - 34.49km - 3:59 hours - 8.6 avg. - EXTREME wind

Highlight: Seeing all stages of sheep giving birth + overcoming the headwinds & brief rain to enjoy an incredible burger & jug of local beer 

Day 3 - Oturehua to Omakau - 32.32km - 2:12 hours - 14.7 avg. -

Highlight: Poolburn Gorge Tunnels &  Viaducts

Day 4 - Omakau to Clyde - 38.7km - 2:34hours - 15.2 avg. - 13k Wind

Highlight: 2 flat tires, hoards of Magpies (previously unknown bird, we feel This article explains them best) on the attack, & finally being able to wear shorts & a tank top!

The Ride in Photos

Mt. Doom

Known as one of the most spectacular day walks in the world, the one day Tongariro Alpine Crossing, lived up to the hype. With snow capped hills, bright colored lakes, & an active volcano our senses were awakened.  

Most importantly to a lot of my nerdy friends it connected me to the Lord of the Rings & shortly after completing the tramp I went on a Lord of the Rings movie binge. Although Frodo saved the people of middle earth & my biggest accomplishment  was making the sandwiches we had for lunch, I hope you enjoy the photos of our day trip. 

Our Lord of the Rings Adventure

Thermal Beauty

The southern region of the south island of NZ has coupus amounts of thermal activity brewing. We discovered a small and free warm stream to swim in and paid to view some incredible thermal pools @ Wai-O-Tapo

Thermal Beauty Photos