Dairy rail trail is sure to fail
Gerald Cunningham says the Otago Central Rail Trail is now at risk through degradation of the landscape Central Otago cyclists come to see.
Otago Central Rail Trail
Rail trail a 'great escape'
Rail trail a 'great escape'
Otago Central Rail Trail Trust chairwoman Kate Wilson thinks it is ''absolutely brilliant'' the 150km route has been named as one of 75 Great Escapes in Lonely Planet's latest publication of the same name.
New cycle trails all about balance
New cycle trails all about balance
The Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail have been an exercise in balancing preservation with public access.
Record use this season
Record use this season
Peak season patronage of the Otago Central Rail Trail has hit a record high of 14,000 people. Trail trustee Daphne Hull said counters recorded that number of people completing the full 150km length of the trail between September last year and April this year - the traditional peak season.
Watching the rail trail grow
Watching the rail trail grow
The Otago Central Rail Trail is something John Gibson has seen blossom into something larger than he ever anticipated. Sarah Marquet talks to the trail trustee and Inland Otago Conservation Award finalist about his work.
Central Otago Rail trail incorporated into network
Central Otago Rail trail incorporated into network
The Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand's first rail trail, has been officially incorporated into the national cycle trail network.
Rail trail still proving popular
Rail trail still proving popular
The popularity of the Otago Central Rail Trail shows no signs of waning, despite anecdotal reports of demand dropping or levelling off during the past season.
Lake Dunstan track considered too difficult
Lake Dunstan track considered too difficult
Cold water was poured on a proposal yesterday for a cycling and walking track between Cromwell and Clyde on the western bank of Lake Dunstan, that could link with the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Ideas on future direction of rail trail sought
Ideas on future direction of rail trail sought
The Otago Central Rail Trail cannot "rest on its laurels", despite its success, trail trust chairwoman Daphne Hull says.
Central tourism business with legs
Central tourism business with legs
It started as an adjunct to Neville Grubb's Alexandra cycle business - hiring a few bikes to tourists wanting to ride the sections of the Otago Central Rail Trail open to the public.
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Riders on the Otago Central Rail Trail were caught out by this week's unseasonal weather.
Ranfurly Red Lion Hotel duty manager Tracye Mossman said the hotel's restaurant had 99 customers at lunchtime yesterday, mostly people on the rail trail, "and they all seemed happy".
Great for the cycling public, but what about the landowner?
Great for the cycling public, but what about the landowner?
The Otago Central Rail Trail has been a boon to the region, but Gerrard Eckhoff says some landowners along a proposed new trail from Alexandra to Lawrence may be disadvantaged.
Tracks trust blazes trail for groups
Tracks trust blazes trail for groups
A leader in opening up public access by building tracks, the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust is a finalist in the Inland Otago Conservation Awards. Matthew Haggart talks to trust chairman Tim Dennis about its mission to develop a network of trails and public access around the region.
40,000 might use Alps to Ocean cycleway annually
40,000 might use Alps to Ocean cycleway annually
The Alps to Ocean cycleway which will wind through North Otago and the Mackenzie Basin could eventually attract more than 40,000 visitors a year, a report says.
PM will keep tourism role
PM will keep tourism role
In a Monty Python moment, Prime Minister John Key praised himself as Minister of Tourism for doing a "wonderful job", and said he planned to continue with the tourism portfolio.
No appeals lodged over rail trail development
No appeals lodged over rail trail development
Proposed traveller accommodation near the Otago Central Rail Trail at Lauder looks likely to go ahead, as no appeals have been lodged against the development.
Cyclist will be hit, Cadogan warns
Cyclist will be hit, Cadogan warns
The priority for the proposed Clyde underpass would "go through the roof" as soon as a cyclist crossing State Highway 8 was hit by a vehicle, "and that day is coming", Vincent Community Board member Tim Cadogan warned this week.
Traveller units gain consent
Traveller units gain consent
A controversial proposal to establish traveller accommodation near the Otago Central Rail Trail at Lauder has been approved, but opponents may appeal the decision.
Australians boosting number of rail trail users
Australians boosting number of rail trail users
More visitors are crossing the Tasman to cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Rail trail traveller cottages opposed
Rail trail traveller cottages opposed
Proposed traveller accommodation along the Otago Central Rail Trail at Lauder is concerning residents, as well as national, regional, and district-wide organisations.