shebikeshebikes

24/08/2026

We’ve been beavering away on quite a few projects over winter, and one of significant ones is our all-new SheBikesHeBikes Trip Notes app, now covering all five Central Otago trails that we service.

And the best bit? It’s completely FREE for anyone to use.

Why? Because we want everyone riding the Central Otago trails to have the best possible time.

Sometimes the difference between a brilliant day on the bike and an “oh dear…” moment is simply knowing where the next toilet is, where you can refill your water bottles, or that there’s a 20 km stretch ahead with nowhere to top up.

Because we’re locals, we’re generally pretty well in the know about what’s where, what’s open, and what’s changed. Putting all of that into a digital format means less paper, less waste, and, importantly, we can keep the information up to date.

For example, Ranfurly has a new café, Frida Tacos, and it’s already in the app.

Take a look at the preview and let us know what you think in the comments below. We’d love to hear your feedback.

https://shebikeshebikes.co.nz/apps/tripnotes/

and if you want to go directly to the Ranfurly section to confirm that Frida Taco is there then you can just following this link

https://shebikeshebikes.co.nz/apps/tripnotes/trails/otago-central-rail-trail/trip-notes

09/08/2026

Some places are more than just a pub, they're where stories are shared, friendships are made, and communities come together.

Today, we're incredibly proud to announce the next chapter for one of Central Otago's most iconic country hotels.

The Oturehua Railway Hotel is returning to its original name and will once again be known as the Rough Ridge Railway Hotel.

From 4 September, this historic hotel begins a new journey, honouring its rich past while creating an exciting future for locals, travellers, cyclists and everyone lucky enough to pass through our beautiful corner of the world.

The Rough Ridge Railway Hotel has welcomed generations of visitors to the Ida Valley, and we're excited to bring that name back to life. It's about celebrating our heritage, our incredible community, and everything that makes Central Otago such a special place to live and visit.

We can't wait to share what's in store over the coming weeks as we prepare to reopen the doors under the Rough Ridge Railway Hotel name.

Here's to preserving history, supporting our community, and creating many more memories together.

Welcome back to the Rough Ridge Railway Hotel.

25/07/2026

You know a place is significant when...

It appears as a "place" on the MetService! This was a surprise, and we're not sure how long it's been there for... because we generally use the Norwegian forecasting service YR.NO as their models just seem to work better round here.

However, this is pretty cool! Yes, please do take up the option to purchase a passport when you ride the trail. The money is used by the trust to continually improve the trail.

24/07/2026

Is the Lake Dunstan Trail too hard for you? Here's how to tell before you book.

The trail is grade 2-3, and the honest answer is: most of it is straightforward, but the Cromwell Gorge section (Cornish Point to Clyde) is genuinely more demanding. Narrow, exposed, with steep drop-offs and no way off the trail once you're in it.

Run through this checklist:

✅ I'm comfortable riding on gravel and uneven surfaces
✅ I've ridden a full day (35km+) on a bike before, not just short local rides
✅ Steep drop-offs and exposure don't bother me
✅ I can handle tight switchback corners at a controlled speed
✅ I'm reasonably fit, or I'm happy to ride an e-bike for the climbs

Ticked most of these? You'll be fine, and an e-bike takes the edge off the climb up to the Cairnmuir ladder and near Halfway Hut.

Not quite there yet? No shame in building up to it. Two good options:

🚴 Ride the Clutha loop between Clyde and Alexandra. It's flat, forgiving, has a mix of trail surfaces and challenges, and is a great way to get comfortable riding without the exposure. Accumulate rides like this and build your skills and comfort.

🚴 A multi-day ride like the Otago Central Rail Trail helps compound your "oneness" with a bicycle, getting you to that stage where shifting gears, braking, choosing a line on the trail become subconscious.

🚴 The take home message is: build up to it in stages. Start with shorter day trips on the easier sections, then step up to the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. It's a good middle ground before you tackle Lake Dunstan's gorge section.

Did you find this helpful?

23/07/2026

Can you ride the Clutha Gold Trail without an e-bike? Short answer: yes. Here's when to consider one anyway.

The whole trail is graded Easy, so a standard bike will get you the full 135km if you're reasonably fit and used to a few hours in the saddle. However we start riders from Clyde, so the ride includes the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and brings the total distance up to 169km. There's also a little more fitness needed for the the second half of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail

Where it gets harder on the Clutha Gold trail is the Beaumont to Lawrence stage. It's a steady climb up to Big Hill Tunnel, the highest point on the trail, before you drop back down into Lawrence. Nothing technical, just a sustained pedal.

Distance adds up too. Lawrence to Milton alone is 45km in one day, and if you're doing multiple stages back to back, fatigue can compound if you find you haven't recovered overnight. Mother nature can also throw in some wind from time to time.

If any of the following sounds like you, an e-bike is worth it:
🔋 You're riding multiple days in a row and want energy left for the evening
🔋 You're travelling as a family or mixed-fitness group and want everyone finishing together
🔋 You want to know that you can stop for an extended fossick at any point and not be worried about getting in before dinner.

If none of that applies, a standard bike will do the job just fine.

Not sure which is right for your trip, check out our trail page where you can look at the trail profile as a starting point.

https://shebikeshebikes.co.nz/clutha-gold-trail/

22/07/2026

Riding the Clutha Gold Extension? Here's what you need to know about the Lawrence to Milton section.

This section is longer and a bit more remote than the rest of the trail, so it pays to be prepared.

📏 It's a solid 45km day (Lawrence to Waitahuna, then Waitahuna to Milton). Pack plenty of food and water. You are descending so it's far from a slog along the flat.

☕ The great new cafe at Waitahuna is your last food stop before Milton, so make the most of it.

🚇 Two tunnels and a viaduct on the Waitahuna to Milton leg. Our bikes come with lights, but you're on your own bike, some illumination is a good idea. Always walk your bike through tunnels. Riding into the side of a tunnel because you're night blind is not a great experience.

🌦️ Keep an eye on the weather. You're dropping from the inland elevation down toward the coast, and the weather systems can genuinely be different by the time you reach Milton.

🛏️ Accommodation in Milton is limited. If you're riding over a holiday period, book well ahead.

Planning the full Clutha Gold Extension to Waihola? We can help you sort the logistics, get in touch.

https://shebikeshebikes.co.nz/clutha-gold-trail/

21/07/2026

Otago Central Rail Trail or Clutha Gold Trail? Here's how to choose.

The Otago Rail Trail is New Zealand's original great ride and should be the first multi-day trail you try if you're starting out with cycling holidays. It's a easy ride with lots of small towns along the way.

The Clutha Gold Trail extends your riding skills a little more with it's ever changing alignment, it simply doesn't have the long straights of the Rail Trail. We combine it with the Roxburgh Gorge Trail which has a short "intermediate" section on it, so you need to be comfortable with changing gears and braking. Townships are spread apart a little more so planning for food and snacks becomes more important. That's all information we help you with.

🚴 OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL
152km, Clyde to Middlemarch
Most riders take 3-5 days
Big Central Otago high country: tussock, pasture, viaducts, old rail tunnels, and classic towns like Omakau, Oturehua and Ranfurly along the way

🚴 CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL
107km Clyde to Lawrence, or 169km through to Waihola
Most riders take 3-5 days depending on how far they go
Follows the Clutha Mata-au River the whole way, through orchard country and gold rush towns like Millers Flat and Lawrence

Can't decide? Ride both! We routinely create packages to combine the Rail Trail and Clutha Gold Trails for a longer trip through Central Otago.

Got questions, check out the trail pages and reach out to us

Otago Central Rail Trail - https://shebikeshebikes.co.nz/otago-central-rail-trail/
Clutha Gold Trail - https://shebikeshebikes.co.nz/clutha-gold-trail/

20/07/2026

Done the Otago Central Rail Trail? The Clutha Gold Trail is the natural next ride.

It picks up where the Rail Trail leaves off, following the Clutha Mata-au River from Clyde through to Lawrence, with the option to keep going all the way to Waihola, just down the road from Dunedin Airport.

Most riders do Clyde to Lawrence over 3 days, or Clyde to Waihola over 5 if they've got the time up their sleeve.

Yes, we combine this trail with the fabulous Roxburgh Gorge Trail, so you get to ride two great trails.

Heads up if you're planning around Christmas or Easter: accommodation along this trail is very limited in the smaller towns and books out fast over holiday periods. Get in early.

Full maps and route info here:

Ride the Clutha Gold Trail from Clyde to Waihola, 169 km of Central Otago river scenery, gold-rush history and small-town character. Self-guided packages, bike hire and shuttles sorted for you.

16/07/2026

Why would you want to stay a night in Clyde before your multi-day adventure?

Clyde runs at its own pace. Old stone buildings and heritage, excellent cafes, even better restaurants, and nowhere much to be. It gives you the time and space to slow down so you'll start the trail in the right headspace, not still catching up on your travel day.

Best of all, if you're arriving off early afternoon transport then you can get set up on your bike and tootle off down to Monte Christo for a sneaky wine tasting. At less than 3km from central Clyde on the Otago Central Rail Trail, you could call it a "warm-up." During the season, they're open until 6pm, so time is absolutely on your side before dinner.

If wine is your "thing" then take it to the next level at this birthplace of wine in Central Otago and go all in on a private tasting and charcuterie platter. Guaranteed to get you into holiday mode and add to your knowledge of New Zealand wine.

Hmmmm, maybe you should just stay the night.... you can do that too.

As always, we're happy to help get something like this sorted for you.

14/07/2026

How do the Central Otago trails slot together?

Five trails, one region, and more than one way to ride them. Some stand on their own as a full multi-day trip. Others are the extra day you bolt on to build a custom adventure.

That's where we come in. Tell us your skills, your time, and what you're chasing, and we'll help you build a journey that actually fits, instead of guessing and hoping it works out.