Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, the Central South Trail showcases the very best of rural landscape.
The Central South Trail has been thoughtfully designed to suit a wide range of users, with the added benefit of being easily broken into sections.
Stretching from Timaru’s leafy Caroline Bay through Pleasant Point and Fairlie, before culminating at the breathtaking shores of Lake Tekapo, this trail is a scenic delight for all ages.
Riders can enjoy short day trips or take 3–4 days to complete the full trail. Below are the sections of the Central South Trail that are open and ready to be explored.
Essential tips for planning your trip
Enjoy the trail and remember to always be a safe user. Be responsible for having the skills, competence, and equipment required to ride the trail.
- Have water on hand
- Be courteous to others
- Always be on alert for motorists
- Take care at driveways and intersections
- Obey all signs and rules
- Have water on hand
- Be courteous to others
- Always be on alert for motorists
- Take care at driveways and intersections
- Obey all signs and rules
Trails now open
Rockwood Road
to Fairlie
Experience beautiful scenery, including vast farmland and extensive native plantings. Whether you are running, walking or cycling, this trail is designed for everybody to enjoy.
Distance: 10 KM
Duration: 45-90 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
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
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
Trails coming soon
Cave to
Albury
Albury
to Fairlie
In development
Kimbell to
Burkes Pass