As they say, preparation is everything! If you’re keen for an Otago adventure, I’d definitely recommend the Otago Rail Trail provided you prepare ahead. Having ridden the ORT in winter, there’s definitely some things I would change if I did it again (see my wild experience here). Read on to discover your packing list and essential tips for cycling the Otago Rail Trail. The list is by no means exhaustive or ideal, so feel free to modify it for your own journey.

Packing List for Otago Rail Trail

Main Items

• Giant ATX Mountain Bike
• Helmet
• Pannier rack
• Bottle cage
• Detachable front wire basket
• 2 rear pannier bags
• Backpack
• Small waterproof bag (for cameras & snacks that can fit in the basket)
• Hikers carabiners in a variety of sizes
• Adjustable luggage straps (to secure your load to pannier rack)
• Bike lock
• Gel seat cover
• 2x dry bags for valuables

Bedding & Camping gear

• Lightweight, one-person tent (not recommended- I’d rather have stayed in hostels due to the cold!)
• Tarpaulin
• Foam sleeping mat
• Sub-zero sleeping bag (I used a synthetic rather than a down one because they tend to dry faster)
• Warm blanket
• Foil emergency blanket

Travel Essentials for the Trail

• Toilet paper! (trailside toilets have none)
• Hand sanitizer
• Camera, phone & chargers
• Cash (eftpos in small towns is not always reliable)
• Head torch (helpful when going through the pitch black tunnels)
• Maps of ORT and surrounds (the ORT map can be found at Otago Information Centres for free)
• ORT ‘passport’ to collect stamps (optional)
• Pens, notepad/diary
• Tissues

Clothing

Many of these items are for riding in winter, the least popular season to do the ORT (because it’s freezing). If you are cycling in summer, bring appropriate light clothes (light, long sleeve shirts are ideal to protect you from sunburn). Central Otago is known for its scorching, long summer days.

Hindsight: things I wish I’d had…

I couldn’t bring the following items because I didn’t have space, or simply never thought they’d be helpful until it was too late.

• A lightweight, hikers gas stove & pot to cook and heat water for camping
• More water bottles (water access was limited on the trail)
• My biggest regret: a more comfortable bike seat!

How to lighten your load

Book a comfortable stay rather than camp. If you stay in hostels rather than camping some nights as I did, you would dramatically cut your bike load. Mine was about 20kg, and not being very fit, I almost found it unbearable to peddle up hills. It’s better to be over than under-prepared, but if you are not used to cycle-touring, try to aim for a weight that’s under 15kg.

Where should I stay?

You’ll find lots of cosy BnBs spread out across the trail but be quick! They book out fast in peak season. The ORT passes through several towns which make ideal stopovers: Middlemarch, Ranfurly, Oturehua, Omakau, Lauder, and Alexandra. Compare your options on Expedia. The number of nights you stay will depend on how much time you have to ride the trail.

Summer cycling: Otago Rail Trail

If you are riding the Otago Rail Trail in summer, modify your packing list by swapping winter items with these additions: sunscreen, a broad brim hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and more water bottles. Most of all, remember to bring your sense of adventure. Have fun and happy cycling!

Don’t miss these fantastic experiences nearby!

• Learn more about the 4 awesome places you must visit in the Maniatoto
• Ranfurly as some beautiful nature walks nearby, discover them here.
• Heard about New Zealand’s largest inland saltwater lake? See activities to do near Middlemarch for more details
• For maps and details for the Otago Rail Trail, check out their official website.

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