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what to do
Central Otago Rail Trail: The
railway line was once a vital link between
the city of Dunedin and Central Otago
and for 83 years brought a steady stream
of commerce and activity to a number
of towns in the region. As roads improved
the 150km stretch of line became
redundant and was closed in 1990. In
2000 the railway line was relaunched as
the Central Otago Rail Trail for bikers
and walkers. Steeped in a sense of
history and remoteness, it provides a
chance to view scenery not able to be
seen from the highway. It also preserved,
largely intact, an important part of
Otago's history.
www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz
If you are walking or biking the entire
rail trail Kokonga Lodge is approximately
one third of the way from Middlemarch
or two thirds from Clyde. A sign indicating
the way into the lodge is visible from the
trail.
If you plan to do sections of the trail,
Kokonga Lodge is perfect stay-put
accommodation from where you can
walk or bike the more interesting sections
of the trail and explore other parts of the
region. Take a few days out to absorb
the delights of the Maniototo while
enjoying the hospitality provided by
Kokonga Lodge. Here are a few
activities to tempt you to stay longer:
Taieri Riverside Walk: The Taieri
River is a short walk from the lodge and
in summer is an ideal, cool picnic spot.
However it also provides a short walking
option. Take a walk along the river bank
and back to the lodge in time for your
pre-dinner glass of wine. (20-30 minutes)
Kokonga Town Walk: This takes you
through the very small but historical
hamlet of Kokonga and back to the lodge
via the old Kokonga section of the rail
trail. (30-40 minutes).
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Biking: The lodge has a number of
mountain bikes for lodge guests. These
can be used on the rail trail or for
exploring the area.
Fishing: The Taieri River is a notable
trout fishing river and the lodge has fishing
gear for guest use and fishing licences can be
purchased. There are a number of
professional fishing guides in the area.
Bookings for guides are required well in
advance. Talk to us about the best times
for fishing this river.
Other Activity Options:
| • | Interpretation of the magnificent landscape with experienced 4WD tour operator David Robb, www.nature-wise.co.nz |
| • | Horse trekking and farm tours. |
| • | Visit exquisite gardens flourishing in the harsh landscape of Central Otago. |
| • | Play golf on an excellent 9-hole course , 15 minutes from Kokonga. |
| • | Try the age-old game of curling on the only international year-round curling rink in the Southern Hemisphere, www.curling.co.nz |
| • | Be inspired by the wonderful landscape and capture in a painting or photograph. |
| • | Learn to gold-pan with Malcolm, a former NZ gold panning champion. |
| • | Relax on the deck at Kokonga Lodge with a glass of wine and a good book from the lodge library. |
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