'Cycling' and 'luxury' are two words not often used in the same sentence but thanks to the team at one of Central Otago's leading cycle tour companies, that's recently changed. 

Like glamping to camping, Clyde-based Bike it Now's luxury cycle tour is raising the stakes—and eyebrows—at the upscale end of the market.  This three night/two day experience takes in scenic highlights from two 'Great Rides' of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, all wrapped up in the very best accommodation and dining the region has to offer.

Think super-king beds, quality cotton linen, feather duvets and eiderdowns, and luxurious en-suite rooms that cleverly combine history with elegant contemporary interiors.  Dating from the 1860s, and assigned the highest heritage classification from Heritage New Zealand, Oliver's was originally a stone store and stable complex servicing gold prospectors.  Now transformed into a unique boutique accommodation, cafe, craft brewery, bakery and restaurant space, it's everything that a leg-weary cyclist might look forward to.  Imagine freshly-baked breakfasts, gourmet packed lunches and dinner menus that showcase the fresh, clean flavours of local produce and the region's premium pinots.

As for day-one cycling, a glorious 39 kilometre section of the Otago Central Rail Trail—New Zealand's original and most popular great ride—stretches out into the grand wide-sky Maniototo plain.  Ahead, the historic gold-mining village of Ophir and a five-course degustation dinner.  But meantime, there's pedalling to be done.  

Expertly kitted out with the latest gear—including that all important gel seat—it's a short ride through Clyde's heritage buildings before the trail passes through picturesque orchards and vineyards, and on to the bustling rural township of Alexandra. From here, the terrain changes sharply from pastoral to stark Central Otago schist rock.  Following the Manuherikia River, cyclists stumble across the tiny settlement of Chatto Creek with its famous schist tavern—a great place to down a cold beer and chat to the locals.  

Back on track, and with mountains rising to the north and south, it's full steam ahead through irrigated farmland before reaching the sweeping 'S' bend of Tiger Hill and its staggered water races.  Passing through Omakau township, a brightly painted 1880 suspension bridge welcomes riders to Ophir, the historic and beautifully restored Pitches Store Restaurant, and the reward of a much-deserved Central Otago inspired culinary experience.

Day two and it's time to take on the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail and explore one of the most unique landscapes in the country.   Departing Clyde on the gently undulating River Track, cyclists wind their way along the banks of the mighty Clutha River before reaching Alexandra, their last-chance coffee stop.  

Then, it's back on the bikes and under the bridge to where the Manuherikia and Clutha rivers meet and the gorge seems to rise up out of nowhere; the change from urban to remote and rugged vista is startling.  Along the length of the trail, dramatic bluffs rise up on both sides of the river—to almost 350 metres at its highest point—and remnants of the region's gold-mining history, including the remains of two small mining settlements with schist huts built into rock, are just waiting to be explored.  From Doctors Point, the thrills and spills of a 45-minute jet boat ride completes the middle section of the trail before the final 12 kilometre push from Shingle Creek to the impressive Lake Roxburgh hydro electric dam.

With everything—including transfers from Queenstown—taken care of by the professionals at Bike it Now, this high-end luxury adventure couldn't be more accessible, or more fun.

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Further information:

Alison Mason

Media and Marketing Manager, Tourism Central Otago

027 432 0689

alison.mason@codc.govt.nz