New Zealand’s First Railtrail
The Otago Central Rail Trail at 150 kilometres long is the single longest recreational facility of its kind in New Zealand. Since 1993 it has been re-developed from abandoned railway line into a unique trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The railtrail links many small communities near Dunedin through to the Central Otago heartland.
Work on the trail has involved redecking and handrailing over 60 bridges, several over 100 metres long, grading, removing the heavy rock ballast, clearing weeds, and the provision of visitor information kiosks and signage.
The trail will be officially opened on Sunday 20 February 2000 by the Governor-General of New Zealand. The opening ceremony will be part of a full weekend of events and activities including the first ever 150 km running and cycling duathlon along the railtrail.
For more information: Owen Graham, Executive Officer, Otago Central Rail Trail Trust. C/- Otago Conservancy, Department of Conservation, Box 5244, DUNEDIN, New Zealand.
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More News
Paul Baker has cycled over 2,400 kilometers since the start of January. The 47-year-old set himself the goal of riding a...
Plans for a rail trail in the NSW regional city of Goulburn are a step closer, after the Goulburn Mulwaree Council voted...
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After the recent Rail Trails Australia annual general meeting, attendees were treated to discussion from legendary cycli...
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The restoration of the 770m long iconic Snowy River trestle bridge on the East Gippsland Rail Trail has not been immune ...
The plan to link the Great Southern Rail Trail and Bass Coast Rail Trail at Nyora has taken a further step as tenders fo...
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