Biking the Timber Trail NZ with Kids

Biking the Timber Trail NZ with Kids

by | Dec 5, 2019 | get Inspired

Enjoy of story of the John whanau (Mum, Dad, 13 year old boy and a 11 year old girl) riding the Timber Trail situated in the lower part of the North Island, New Zealand over 2 days

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When we make the effort and take the time to go on a family biking adventure like riding The Timber Trail, we want it to be an enjoyable experience. To have a ‘great’ multi-day biking adventure it comes down to planning and preparation.

The Timber Trail is part of the NZ Cycle Trail Network making up one of the 22 great rides.

Where is it?

 It is located in the central North Island within the Pureora Forest Park and runs between the 2 small rural towns of Pureora and Ongarue. An even smaller settlement (if you can call it that) – Piropiro is located around halfway along the trail. The trail is well signposted and supported with shuttles/ tours bike hire (including electric bike options) but make sure you have booked in advance as the start and end of the track is quite isolated. Check out this link for all the different companies supporting the Timber Trail 

The Timber Trail is close to a number of larger towns making access to the trail from larger cities like Taupo, Rotorua, Hamilton on the day you start and finish the ride possible.

The ride and is it doable for you?

How far is the biking journey? 82km. It is suggested that you complete this over 2 days with a night in Piropiro… so your family needs to be able to ride 40km plus in one day to comfortably complete the ride. If time is limited or 2 days feels like a little much for your family – then there are day ride options that can be organised with the shuttle companies.

The topography suggests you ride the Timber Trail in a north to south direction starting at Pureora and finishing in Ongarue –  this is definitely recommended for families.

DAY ONE -Pureora to Piropiro = 40 km is it doable?

The day starts with a gradual uphill ride winding your way around the side of Mt Pueora to the tracks high point of 971m, located about 11km into the first day. From there it is mainly down hill as you gradually descend through flowing trails to PiroPiro. Allow between 5-7 hours to complete this section for a family.

Piropiro is remote. The accommodation options at the time of riding  to consider are:

1. Timber Trail Lodge.  Meals and accommodation provided (no child rates are available)

2. Black Fern Lodge (this lodge is located 6-7km off the trail – it is well signposted at about the 35km mark. You will need to consider whether adding in additional kms to your journey is ideal for your family. This Lodge offers a variety of meals/ shuttles as well as self catering.

3. Camp Epic offer the option of staying in a designated campground and can provide varied levels of support. Ranging from them supplying tents and all your equipment to you providing your own tent and equipment and Epic will shuttle your gear. A great family option.

4. DOC campground at Piropiro is free – the facilities here are very basic – running water and a couple of toilets. This campground is widely used by a large number of hunters.  You will need to be able to carry or have all your own gear shuttled into this area. Not all shuttles go into Piropiro so you will need to determine if this is a possible option for your family.

DAY TWO-Piro Piro to Ongarue track end = 42 km is it doable?

This flowing single trail continues through spectacular forest and amazing gorges with numerous swing bridges throughout day 2.

What skills will you need to do this ride? This track is graded as a beginner/intermediate track. It is well graded and the technical skills involved come from negotiating flowing winding single track.

What level of fitness will you need to do this ride? You will need moderate levels of fitness. The gradual climb of 500m sidling around Mt Pureora as well as the daily distance you need to cover approximately 40km per day means a good level of fitness is required.

How could the weather effect the success of your journey?  The track is quite remote there no services along the trail (except for the accommodation providers) so once you are on this trail there is very little option for any pulling out.

Is this ride possible with kids attached or towed? The remoteness of this ride as well as the daily distance means it is not an ideal ride for kids attached. If kids are riding independently a Tow Whee tow rope would be highly recommended. Easy and light  to carry you can help assist them up hills or over the long distance of the day.

Single trail riding Timber Trail

Finish of day one setting up camp.

Checking out information before heading out for the start of day 2.

Be safe and comfortable when riding the Timber Trail

This trail is quite remote. You need to self sufficient for your ride. 

Gear List for Multiday Mountain Biking
Carrying Gear Multiday Unsupported
NZ Cycle Trail - Am I Safe to goRide?

Enjoy the experience and have fun

Riding the Timber Trail and experiencing this part of New Zealand on a bike is very rewarding. From enjoying the ancient forest, to the 11 swing bridges and gorges you traverse, to the information boards and the history of the area.

For our family holiday we decided to link up the Timber Trail with a trip to Rotorua to enjoy its cultural diversity as well as spending time on the Mountain biking trails.

Looking back at one of the many swing bridges that you cross.

Crossing one of the many swing bridges.

Hollie enjoying the trail day 2 

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

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Read stories about NZ trails, tracks & parks.  Find out what other families & riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?

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Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

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Rotorua Mountain Bike Park, NZ with Kids

Rotorua Mountain Bike Park, NZ with Kids

by | Jul 5, 2019 | get Inspired

When we make the effort and take the time to go for a ride with kids, we want it to be an enjoyable experience. To have a ‘great day’ on the bike with kids there are simple things to think about, plan and do.

In this story we are riding in the – Rotorua Mountain Bike Park (Whakarewa Forest) in Rotorua on some of the beginner to intermediate tracks with Sam 13 yrs old and Hollie 11yrs old  and Mum and Dad. 
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Where is it?

The main entrance to the park is off state highway 5. Waipa Carpark. There are other car parks available to offer easier access to other parts of the mountain bike park

What is there?

Simply great facilities. Masses of car parking but don’t be fooled it still can get quite full, toilets/showers, cafe, wash down station for bikes, bike hire and repair, Map boards showing the multiple trails for all riding levels, skills park.

Shuttles are also available to take you and your bike further into the park. Check out all the info – where/how/times etc here. Tickets can be pre-purchased or you can pay by cash/eftpos/visa on the bus. A great way to get the kids further into the park.

The ride – is it doable for you?

This park has something for everyone. It is a matter of working out what will work best for your family.

Biking Distance? The length of this ride is entirely at your discretion you have an extensive network of tracks spread out over a large area.  These tracks range from grade 1 through to grade 6 advanced. It is about you picking the level that suits your family. Trails range from approximately 0.5km through to 4km.

Biking Surface/Biking Skills required/Level of biking fitness:  The surface, the level of skills required as well as your fitness requirement will depend on the level of difficulty of that particular trail. Match the trail to your requirements.

Can you ride with Kids Attached? This is a ride that you can enjoy with kids attached.

  • Some additional support may help get the kids riding in the Rotorua Mountain Bike Park.
    • For independent riders : The Towhee Tow Rope may help assist getting them up a hill, or keeping up with the siblings.
    • Attached to your bike: The Shotgun offers you the ability to enjoy the mountain biking park with your younger kids. You will need to ride to your ability making sure you are keeping them safe.  A rear bike seat could also be used by an experienced rider (on a bike with no rear suspension) Grade 1 or Grade 2 Trails.

Some Trails that our Family Enjoyed.

For younger and/or less confident riders:  From the Waipa Carpark there lots of fun little loops to create on the Kids Loop/Tahi/The Dipper/Pig Track. Bike along the Very Safe Trail and gain access into Ball and Chain/Purarenga and Yellow Brick Road Trails. The Dodzy Skills Park can be a great place to have a play. You can tailor the skills area to your level of skill development.

For intermediate riders: There are just so many options – that is the joy. Here are a few we loved Challenge, Tokorangi, Turkish Delight, Split Enz, Roller Coaster, B Rude Not 2 and more. Basically you need to come and give them a go and find your favourites.  We all enjoyed the intermediate trails everyone in our family got something from them.

Getting the shuttle up into the park

Kids enjoying riding trails to match their level

Washing the dirt and grit off the bike at the end of your riding session

Be safe and comfortable when riding the Rotorua Mountain Bike Park.

How far you are venturing away from your base will determine the amount of gear you need to carry. As the riding network is quite extensive it is good to be prepared so you can manage any situation. Whether that be an injury, energy or water requirements. Also the option of layers to ensure everyone is riding at a comfortable temperature.

Gear List for Day Riding
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Carrying Gear - Mountain Biking

Enjoy the experience and have fun

Some things to look out for on the

  • Dodzy Skills Park is a great play area on the  bike for all levels.
  • Let the kids lead the way.  Let them find the tracks and work out what signs and names they should look for along the way.  The signs in this mountain bike park are really well done so are perfect for those new to map reading.
  • If you get high enough there are some neat views over the lake to enjoy

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Ride More Places

Read stories about NZ trails, tracks & parks.  Find out what other families & riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?

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Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments.  So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

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Biking The Old Coach Road with Kids

Biking The Old Coach Road with Kids

by | May 29, 2019 | get Inspired

When we make the effort and take the time to go for a ride with kids, we want it to be an enjoyable experience. To have a ‘great day’ on the bike with kids there are simple things to think about, plan and do.  In this story I am going to introduce you to riding with kids on the Old Coach Road, Ohakune NZ,

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The Old Coach Road was a section of the main trunk railway line that in the early 1900s was incomplete. So between 1906 and 1908 passengers would have to disembark from the train to travel by horse and coach through the Old Coach road largely covered in cobblestone. The road also provided access to completing this missing section on the main trunk line and in 1908 with the railway line complete the services of the road was no longer required. You now get to enjoy the road by bike (or by foot) and appreciate the history of this area as well as understand some of the challenges and hardships faced in these times and be impressed by their successes and achievements.

Where is it?

The Old Coach Road Bike Trail is located in Ohakune in the centre of the North Island.  The trail traverses between the town of Ohakune and Horopito

The ride – is it doable for you?

Biking Distance? The old coach road is 15km one way or can be ridden as a there and back trip for a 30km round trip. Shuttles are readily available from Ohakune and they will drop you and your bike at Horopito  allowing you to leisurely make your way back to Ohakune. This is definitely the way to ride. Horopito is about 500ft higher than Ohakune therefore offering more of a downhill experience.  You would need to allow 2 hours plus if enjoying one way and 4 hours plus if riding the round trip.

Biking Surface? The biking surface is variable. It includes a wide trail sometimes grassy/muddy farmland, sometimes old cobblestones to a compacted surface that can contain a few rocks and tree roots. There is also single track to enjoy.

Biking Skills required? This is NOT a technical ride. Some of the skills involved are riding uphill, downhill, cornering and picking a riding line to avoid some obstacles but generally there are not too many obstacles and there is plenty of space to avoid them.

Level of biking fitness? This will either be a 2 hour ride or a 4 hour if doing the round trip. Do you have the endurance levels required? If riding in the downhill direction then fitness requirements will be less though remember there is still some uphill.

Can you ride with Kids Attached? The Towhee Tow Rope could be the asset you need to get some younger kids riding on their own bike through this ride… at least stashed in your bag with the ability to pull it out if needed.  The Mid mount – Shotgun Mountain Bike Seat is a good option for riding with younger kids attached and a rear bike seat are all options on this trail for those who are experienced riders.

On the trail

On the trail

Looking out to the Hapawhenua Viaduct

Safety

It doesn’t matter what ride you are doing or where you are going, you will always want to be safe. Check out the goRide guide How to have a “great day’ on the bike for general information on how to make sure you are safe on the bike.

 

Gear List for Day Riding
Mountain Biking - Am I Safe to goRide?
Carrying Gear - Mountain Biking

Enjoy the experience and have fun

If you have worked through the points above then you will be more likely to enjoy and have fun on your ride.
There is so much fun to be had when out exploring on a bike

Some things to look out for on the Old Coach Road.

This ride is filled with history. Some of that history can be read along the way on information boards as well as viewed in the viaducts and tunnels. There are certainly many little stops to enjoy on the way. Taonui Viaduct, crossing the Hapuawhenua Viaduct, entering the curved tunnel.

More can be read about the history and things to see: Department of Conservation and the official Old Coach Road website.

Biking the swing bridge

Stopping for food

The Taonui Viaduct.

Crossing the Hapawhenua Viaduct….don’t look down!

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Ride More Places

Read stories about NZ trails, tracks & parks.  Find out what other families & riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?

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A collection of stories that will help you learn about bike gear. goRide supporting you to get the right bike gear solution for the type of riding you do or want to do.

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Types of Riding Stories

Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments.  So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

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Spooners Tunnel with Kids

Spooners Tunnel with Kids

by | May 23, 2019 | get Inspired

When we make the effort and take the time to go for a ride with kids, we want it to be an enjoyable experience. To have a ‘great day’ on the bike with kids there are simple things to think about, plan and do.  In this story I am going to introduce you to riding with kids on the Spooners Tunnel Trail in Nelson, NZ

 

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Where is it and how to get there?

Located 30mins from central Nelson on State Highway 6, just past Wakefield.

Parking can be difficult right at the base of Spooners Saddle so about 500m before the track leaves the side of the road is a large open area for parking.  Opposite Belgrove Tavern.  Don’t block the track entrance with your car and be considerate of the local residents.

Spooners Tunnel is part of The Great Taste Trail.  A section called Belgrove to Kohutu.  For a story on biking from Nelson to Kaiteriteri along this trail with kids go HERE.

The ride – is it doable for you?

The ride needs to be doable for you and any riders (kids) you are biking with.

From the carpak join the Great Taste Trail heading southwest.  Please be careful as this section is right next to the main road and there is a couple of crossings of the 100km highway.  The biking surface is compact dirt with gravel

How far is the ride? It is 500m to the start of Tunnel road from the carpark.  The northern end of the tunnel is approximately 4.5kms up Tunnel Road.  Then the tunnel itself is 1.35km long.  So the one way ride to the south end of the tunnel is roughly 6.35km, return 12.7kms.

Are your kids capable of riding this distance…I think most kids would be capable of this ride.  Listen to them and stop when they need to.  The return trip down the hill is so easy they won’t even need to pedal.

For this particular outing we were testing out the Tow Whee tow rope which worked really well.  The gradient is gentle enough for most adults to be able to pull someone along.

Once through the tunnel it is possible to continue along the recently opened section of The Great Taste Trail….so you can choose to go further if you wish.

What skills do you need to enjoy this ride? The track is grade 2, easy, a gradual gentle uphill climb to the tunnel entrance, making the return trip all downhili. It is two way so watch for riders descending at speed.  It is also multi use so expect to see walkers as well.

The tunnel itself continues along the same gentle uphill gradient for 1.35km  It has no lighting and is extremely dark inside.  You will definitely need bike lights.  It is also noticeably colder than the outside temperature so even on a sunny day you will need to add a layer.  It can take a while to adjust to your dark surroundings so keep the kids close and just keep chatting to them.  This is a popular local ride so expect to see other riders or walkers.  The tunnel is about 3m wide so it is possible to pass others – it can be very hard to judge exactly where an approaching light is so remind the kids to keep left and watch the tunnel floor in front of their bike wheel.  In other words warn them not to stare into the oncoming lights.

Can you ride with Kids Attached? This is a simple ride on a well maintained wide track so is ideal for riding with all types of kids bike seats or trailers.  The only barrier to this type of riding is the design of the gates – seen on a lot of NZ Cycle Trail rides.  The photo below shows the design and how awkward they would be with a bike trailer or rear bike seat.  I think most trailers would have to be detached and lifted over the gate.  There is one of these gates right at the beginning of the ride as you start on Tunnel Road.  The gate in the photo is after the tunnel heading out along the valley.

 

Tunnel Road – Easy Grade 1 & 2 riding

Gates that will be challenging if you have kids attached

Towing is an option for kids who may find the gradient and distance a challenge. 

Safety

It doesn’t matter what ride you are doing or where you are going, you will always want to be safe. Check out the goRide guide How to have a “great day’ on the bike for general information on how to make sure you are safe on the bike.

You and safety – Am I safe to goRide?  A checklist to complete that ensures you are safe to goRide
Your bike and safety – goRide pre ride bike safety check – is it safe? A checklist to complete pre-ride so that you know your bike is in working order

 

Enjoy the experience and have fun

If you have worked through the points above then you will be more likely to enjoy and have fun on your ride.
There is so much fun to be had when out exploring on a bike

  • Let the kids lead the way.  Let them work out distances as they ride up Tunnel Road
  • Stop in the tunnel and turn off your lights to see just how dark it is!!
  • Make a day trip of it my taking lunch to have

Information Board

Biking to the entrance Spooners Tunnel.

The start of the 1.35km tunnel – lights are required.

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Ride More Places

Read stories about NZ trails, tracks & parks.  Find out what other families & riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?

Bike Gear Stories

A collection of stories that will help you learn about bike gear. goRide supporting you to get the right bike gear solution for the type of riding you do or want to do.

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Types of Riding Stories

Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments.  So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

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A Bike Tow Rope – Make Riding Easier for Kids

A Bike Tow Rope – Make Riding Easier for Kids

by | Apr 3, 2019 | get Inspired

Make riding more enjoyable for your family with a Bike Tow Rope. Support kids to: ride further, ride terrain they would otherwise find difficult, and to ride in challenging weather.  Help the whole family enjoy the ride.

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SHOP Bike Tow Rope
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Families that ride bikes together have to deal with a range of abilities as well as the varying likes and dislikes.  As the saying goes you can generally only perform to the level of your weakest player.  Maybe you choose not to ride in certain places because you know it will be too hard for little legs to cope with.  Things that normally put you off will probably include hills and distance but weather conditions that were unexpected can cause an upset as well.  Could a bike tow rope make riding more enjoyable for your family by making it easier for kids?

Climb further and climb steeper hills

Tow ropes are a perfect match to helping kids climb hills.  Hills can be a big barrier to going on a bike ride at all, especially if there is a big one right at the beginning of the ride.  Kids simply do not have the power or stamina to go very far when the gradient is steep.  Kids bikes have smaller wheels and also do not have the gear range that adult bikes have.  Both these things make keeping up during a climb hard work, if not impossible.

Using a tow rope to assist on hills can also be really helpful over multi day riding when the youngest member of the family can start to feel more tired or struggle to keep up with older siblings.  This can be more of a problem if the younger rider is a girl trying to match the strength of her pre-teen or teenage brother/s. A rope can be taken as a “just in case” if tiredness or time become an issue.

Ride greater distances

Deciding to take kids for a long ride can involve some degree of risk.  Wouldn’t it be great to eliminate that feeling of risk by taking a tow rope that could be easily attached if needed.  It can be hard to tell how capable your kids are of tackling a bigger distance than they usually ride.  A negative experience can be a real block to getting them out on their bikes again.

The cumulative effect of distance involved in multi day riding is another hard thing to judge.  Keeping them well fed and watered with plenty of resting is key. Again, as with hill climbing, if they are attempting to keep up with older siblings a tow rope can be a real asset to help your whole family enjoy their riding.

Outwit the Weather

We all like to think that when we make plans the weather will play along and be perfect.  Unfortunately it does not always do this.  Wind in particular can be hard to predict.  Certain areas are known for certain types of prevailing wind patterns so riding can be managed.  Battling into a head wind is never any fun.  Riding through pouring rain isn’t much better.  Having a tow rope to pull a child along at a faster pace so that everyone is not exposed for longer than necessary is a great back up to take along.  Most families don’t choose to get themselves into these weather situations but if you have planned for a family biking holiday and dates are not flexible you may just find yourself in one.

Multi day riding because of its length, has the opportunity to throw all kinds of weather at you.  A tow rope is a simple solution that will give you more confidence in your safety out on a trail.

A Tow Rope a Safe Towing Option

A bike specific tow rope will have several features that make it safer to use than other choices.  People use rope, old tubes, strapping… to try and assist their kids while riding.  So what makes a bike tow rope any better?

  • The durability and strength of its attachment points that will be specifically designed to take weight
  • It’s rebound or stretching ability will be amazing compared to anything else.  It will be designed to always have tension when two bikes are following one another.  This means no drooping and getting caught in wheels
  • The pull will be soft and the feeling smooth rather than a sudden or jerky take off & ride
  • Designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached a bike specific tow won’t waste any of your precious ride time

The Tow Rope can assist through a variety of situations… hills, distance, and weather.

Hollie being towed in a Wellington wind… she was making no progress without the Tow Rope.

The lightweight compact Tow Rope can be worn across your body or put in a bag and used when required.

Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

Ride More Places

Read stories about NZ trails, tracks & parks.  Find out what other families & riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?

Bike Gear Stories

A collection of stories that will help you learn about bike gear. goRide supporting you to get the right bike gear solution for the type of riding you do or want to do.

Women and families learning ...

Read our stories that support you to learn about all things biking related.  Be confident that you know how to safely ride & care for your bike.

Buying Guides

Use our full range of buying guides to get the right solutions for you and your family.

Solution Finder

We are here to help. Use goRides quick and easy Q&A forms to receive personalised support… support specific to you and your family.

Types of Riding Stories

Stories in Types of Riding support you to learn about riding a bike in different environments.  So you can successfully choose to ride more place, more often.

Support and inspire other riders and families to ride

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.

goRide SHARING FORM

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A family biking holiday in the Central Otago town – Naseby

A family biking holiday in the Central Otago town – Naseby

by | Mar 8, 2019 | get Inspired

A family biking holiday in the little Central Otago Town of Naseby. Could this be an option for your family?

 

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Naseby was once a gold mining town servicing 4000 miners, now it is home to 120 permanent residents. However, this quiet Central Otago town comes alive in the summer as families come to their baches and the campground fills up. Kiwis come to enjoy the simple summer lifestyle, a lifestyle that is reflected in the Naseby town tagline – Naseby ‘2000ft above worry level’ and there is one item they certainly don’t forget to bring – their bicycle.

Much of the town has been preserved from the gold rush in the 1860s offering a historic gems often lost in other parts of New Zealand.

The sign says it all

Historic building of Naseby. 

Where is it and how to get there?

Naseby is located in the Maniototo region of Central Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. The largest town nearby is Ranfurly. How you get to Naseby will depend on where you are coming.

What does Naseby have to offer for biking

Naseby Forest – Mountain Biking Trails

A network of trails from beginner to experienced. The trails weave there way through the privately owned Naseby Forest. With the campground and the safe swimming dam on its doorstep the trails were enjoyed by groups of kids, families, couples and friends. Plenty of day trippers also come to Naseby to explore the trails.

The best thing to do is turn up and go explore trails that suit your technical and fitness requirements. There is something for everyone. Best enjoyed if you are wanting an area of trails to pop in and ride for 1/2 hour through to a few hours.

I want to give mention to the family favourite – the Mount Ida water race that winds its way along the stunning Hawkdun Range. This has achievable terrain for all and is always great no matter what the weather. Built back in 1873, this wonderful engineering feat was used for sluicing gold and now provides much needed irrigation for local farmers and tracing its path is enjoyed by many riders.

Before you get going you do need to check to see if the forest is open. If there is logging or the risk of fire is high, the forest will be closed.

ride

Dansey Pass

This one is for enthusiastic riders. A 26km (oneway) often narrow and windy road initially sealed but quickly turning to gravel to the top of Dansey Pass (935m) . The pass provides a link between the Waitaki Valley and Central Otago (the road offering entry to this area from the north for early gold mining traffic).  It is a well graded climb through high country farmland covered in outcrops of schist and tussock covered hills.

The road is reasonably remote but it is used by those that farm this land and through peak times by travelers. I choose an early morning ride to bet the traffic and any wind. A few vehicles passed me on my journey and I did have a compulsory rest as I shared the road with sheep being moved between paddocks.

Along the route there is the treat of Dansey Pass Coach Inn (about 20km) from Naseby. Built in 1862 and as with many things built in this time…there is a story to tell, and what a great place to enjoy that story.

Top of Dansey Pass

Some oncoming traffic

Central Otago Rail Trail.  Day trip – Multiple Day Trip

Naseby (though about 9km off the Rail Trail) is quite central along the Otago Rail Trail so really any part of the trail is only a short drive away. Both Middlemarch and Clyde, the start and finish of the trail (depending on the direction you ride), are both about an hours drive from Naseby. All of the Rail Trail is family friendly and because the trail is well serviced really it is about working out what your family wants and are capable of doing. There are some great day trip options to be had, or you could do some multi days. Our family favourite, for a day trip, is the Poolburn Gorge so we suggest this should be on any day trip that you do. Read through some further information here to help your family plan some riding on the Otago Rail Trail.

Helping each other as we ride towards the gorge

Riding across the bridge at Poolburn Gorge

About to head through one of the 2 tunnels in Poolburn Gorge

Bike around the town of Naseby…

OK it is not going to take you very long but there are plenty of historic sites and buildings to enjoy. Information on the town and its heritage can be obtained from the volunteer run Information Centre.  Stops could include:

  • one of the historic hotels
  • the very much enjoyed cafe – there is always plenty of bicycles lined up outside
  • the domain to join in with the kids cricket games that frequently take place
  • the playground and tennis courts
  • many historic buildings
  • the curling rink
  • gold panning

The kids will just choose to bike, to go explore, to get around. The slow pace makes it a pretty safe place to bike.

It is a different experience to some of the other busier Central Otago towns. But an experience that should be treasured, one that can be enjoyed by the family and you definitely need to bring your bikes!

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