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Section 8: Duntroon to Ōamaru

Ride through rock formations, valleys and former railway routes to Ōamaru.

Section 8: Duntroon to Ōamaru

 DistanceFitnessSkillTraffic Grade
 54kmIntermediateEasyMedium3

From Duntroon, head south-east along the footpath and over the Maerewhenua bridge, follow the off-road trail to your right through several farms to the unique rock formations known as Elephant Rocks (7km).

Ride through to Prydes Gully Rd, then continue off-road through Island Cliff (13km) which is surrounded by limestone escarpments.

Ride up the track beside Karara Creek to Cants Rd which takes you to the high point of the section.

Drop down Peaks Rd, turn right onto Tunnel Rd to the Rakis Railway Tunnel (26km) where there is a toilet and picnic spot. (Take a torch or bike light to see your way through the tunnel). Follow the old railway line to Windsor (33km) then the off-road trail takes you through to Enfield (42km) and onto Weston (48km) where you rejoin the old railway line for a flat run to Saleyards Rd.

Turn left and follow the sealed cycleway downhill to the Oamaru Public Gardens. Cross SH1, through the park by the Aquatic Centre (if you are looking for a shower after your ride, this is the place), turning right into Thames St. using the far lane.

Turn left onto Itchen St, right onto Tyne, then immediately left onto Harbour St. Go through the Victorian Historic Precinct to the Oamaru Harbour where the Trail ends at Friendly Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Congratulations - you’ve done it!

  • Waitaki Whitestone Aspiring Geopark
  • Vanished World Science Centre
  • Maori Rock Art Sites
  • Elephant Rocks
  • Anatini
  • Valley of the Whales (Island Cliff)
  • Historic Tokarahi Branch Rail Line & Rakis Railway Tunnel
  • Elderslie Estate
  • Oamaru Historic Victorian Precinct
  • Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
  • Oamaru Public Gardens
  • Cheese Factory Tour
  • Oamaru Historic Victorian Precinct and Harbour

  • Keep to the Trail – most of this section is on private property.
  • Electric fences – do not touch or lean your bike against the many electric fences along this section of trail which are marked with warning signs.
  • Stock will be encountered on this section of the Trail. With sheep ride quietly and allow them to move off the trail. If cows are in a lane going to be milked they will generally pause as you approach, so cross the lane quickly.
  • If riding the Anatini switchbacks, east to west, take care descending this steep short descent.
  • Minimise your time in the Rakis tunnel as there is a rockfall hazard. The tunnel has an uneven Trail surface - dismount if necessary. Don’t forget your torch.
  • Cattle stops and bridges can be slippery if frosty or wet.
  • Short sections of this Trail are on narrow 100kmh rural roads which can be busy with farm machinery and trucks.
  • There are numerous road crossings on this section especially near Oamaru, stop or give way at these crossings.

Section 8 Map

Trail route

Trail surfaces

Interactive VR tour

Take a VR tour of Ōamaru Harbour courtesy of Virtual Waitaki:

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