Ride the trail

Explore the South Canterbury backcountry at your pace.
We have a vision of creating a trail that is beneficial to the well-being of the public, showcases the landscape and provides new activities for visitors.

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

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
Learn more

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
Learn more

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
Learn more

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
Learn more

Trails coming soon

Cave to
Albury

Albury
to Fairlie

In development

Kimbell to
Burkes Pass

Burkes Pass to
Dog Kennel Corner