WELCOME

to the Central South Trail for all
biking, walking & running enthusiasts.

The Central South Trail is a community lead initiative motivated to give members of the public and tourists greater access to the iconic southern countryside.

Our trails

The Central South Trail has been constructed to showcases rural New Zealand countryside at its best – from stunning lakes and rivers, the majestic countryside of Mackenzie and eventually down to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful Bays, Caroline Bay of Timaru.

The development of the trail will be undertaken over several years with different sections coming on stream.

Strong beginnings with local sponsorship

The trail is the achievement of the vision of passionate locals representing a cross-section of the community business owners, commercial enterprises, individuals, non-for-profit organisations, and government funding bodies.

The first section of the Central South Trail from Washdyke to Pleasant Point (16km), opened in November 2021.

Principle sponsors were the New Zealand Transport Agency contributing $500,000 and the Timaru District Council chipped in $226,358 from its Covid-19 stimulus fund.

Trails now open

Washdyke
to Pleasant Point

The trail section you are on starts in Washdyke and heads through to the picturesque town of Pleasant Point – famous for its custard squares, railway and beautiful countryside.
Distance: 16 KM
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Trail difficulty: Easy
Gradients: Gentle flat trail
Kid friendly: Yes

Pleasant Point
to Cave

The trail begins in the picturesque town of Pleasant Point and leads you to the tiny rural settlement of Cave.
Distance: 19 KM
Duration: 35-50 minutes
Trail difficulty: Easy
Gradients: Flat trail
Kid friendly: Yes

Fairlie
to Kimbell

Fairlie is known as the gateway to the majestic Mackenzie Country. This section of the trail will take you through high altitudes and tussock-covered grasslands native to the region.
Distance: 8.5 KM
Duration: 15-25 minutes
Trail difficulty: Easy
Gradients: Flat trail, slight incline
Kid friendly: Yes

Dog Kennel Corner
to Tekapo

Takapō / Lake Tekapo offers alpine charm with ski fields, hot pools, scenic flights, and an astronomy observatory.
Distance: 20 KM
Duration: 45-55 minutes
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Gradients: Undulating
Kid friendly: Yes

Trails coming soon

Cave to
Albury

Albury
to Fairlie

In Development

Kimbell to
Burkes Pass

Burkes Pass to
Dog Kennel Corner