Chatto Creek to Omakau

Leaving Chatto Creek you must ascend the steepest part of the Otago Central Rail Trail.  The trail known as “the horseshoe bends” climbs Tiger Hill in a sweeping ‘S’ shape designed to not exceed a gradient of 1 in 50 - the most a steam train was able to climb.  Despite this it may still feel like your bike is still running on steam at some points!

The man riding here is through irrigated farmland, with the noticeable water races scarring the slopes of Tiger Hill providing the necessary water to the farmland in the lower Manuherikia Valley.  Many of these races were originally created by the gold mines to get water to their plots.

You will cross the main state highway 85 twice on your ascent of Tiger Hill.  Also look out for the gangers shed containing regional information about halfway up.

Once at the top of Tiger Hill you pass under a roadway overpass and it is an easy ride into Omakau.  There is a superb picnic spot at Thomson’s Creek just before you reach the township of Omakau.

Poolburn is just 7km from Omakau over the Raggedy Range. While the bustling shops of old are gone the Pooldam pub is still a rocking establishment. Poolburn Dam was the Land of Rohan in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

Previous route: Clyde to Alexandra

Next route: Omakau to Lauder