Otago Central Rail Trail Business Network

28/05/2026

06/01/2026

29/11/2025

Dunedin's decades-long wait for passenger rail to return is almost over with a new service set to link the city with Christchurch and Invercargill....

19/11/2025

Apply for current job vacancies at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

19/11/2025

✨ Back by popular demand 🛫

Get ready to swap snow for sunshine with flights between Queenstown and Brisbane returning!

🗓️ Starting 22 June 2026, Air New Zealand will operate three direct flights a week through to 23 October. Perfect timing for a mid-year escape.

Whether you’re chasing Queensland sun or welcoming visitors to our adventure capital, this is your chance to make it happen!

👉 Tag your friends and whānau and start planning your next getaway!

🔗 Click the link here to find out more information: https://www.queenstownairport.co.nz/media-releases/air-new-zealand-relaunches-ZQN-BNE

19/11/2025

✉️ Ophir Post Office has a new postmistress!

Harriet Cameron has taken on the mantle of Chief Postie of Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest running post office – the latest in a long run of postal workers dating back to the building’s opening in 1886.

Harriet took on the role following the retirement of Val Butcher, who had held the position for 26 years.

“My first official week at the Post Office has been simply awesome," says Harriet. "I’ve met a handful of local identities and am starting to match names to faces."

Harriet has already drawn on her experience as a post mistress-travel agent at the Stewart Island Post Office and Flight Centre. Her career has also included the joint management of a High Country Station near St Bathans with her husband for 15 years, being a police officer in Invercargill and being a stay-at-home mum for her kids’ early years.

“I’m a country girl at heart and have always gone back to Central Otago where I’m from – that’s where I feel at home,” she says.

🔗 More via the link in the comments!

17/11/2025

🚴 Fantastic News for Our Regional Trails Network! 🚴‍♀️

The Dunedin Tunnels Trail has received a major boost, with the Government announcing a $2 million investment to complete stages two and three of the project.

This funding will extend the trail through Fairfield, Abbotsford, and Green Island, building on the nearly finished first stage from Wingatui through the historic Chain Hills Tunnel. Once complete, the full 15km route between Dunedin and Mosgiel—using both the Chain Hills and Caversham tunnels—will be open for riders by mid-2027.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the project will help attract more visitors, support local businesses, and showcase the stunning landscapes of Otago.

Importantly, the trail will also connect into our wider network of Great Rides:
✨ Otago Central Rail Trail
✨ Clutha Gold Trail
✨ Lake Dunstan Trail
✨ Roxburgh Gorge Trail
✨ Queenstown Trails

A big congratulations to the Tunnels Trail Trust, whose 20 years of advocacy have brought this project to life. What a milestone!

We’re excited to see this new link strengthening the region’s cycling network and offering even more unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.

Image: L-R Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust Trustee Hilary Calvert, Minister Louise Upston, Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust Chair Brent Irving.

More: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/news-and-stories/funding-boost-dunedin-trails-trust/

16/10/2025

🚴‍♀️ Little Valley Bridge – Positive Update for Trail Users 🚴‍♂️

Great news! CODC has confirmed that a solution has been developed to keep the Otago Central Rail Trail open 24/7 during the upcoming Little Valley Bridge works.

Following constructive discussions between Council and trail stakeholders, a scaffold walkway will be installed to maintain continuous pedestrian and cyclist access. The temporary walkway will have a 1.5-metre-wide solid riding surface with full safety hoardings, offering a similar look and feel to the current bridge clip-on.

This outcome reflects the value of collaboration between CODC, Otago Central Rail Trail Business Network, and the wider trail community, ensuring both safety and uninterrupted access for locals and visitors alike.

CODC will confirm final details once the contract is signed and will convene a key stakeholder briefing to share the access plan and next steps.

A big thank you to the CODC team for listening and responding so positively, and to all trail businesses and operators who contributed to the discussions. 👏

08/10/2025

Got a business idea but not sure where to start?
SPARK UP is coming to Alexandra! 🚀
Join the team for a one-day, hands-on workshop designed to help you turn your IDEA or PRODUCT into a tangible business.

You’ll walk away with:
✨ A clear structure for your idea
✨ Practical tools to move forward
✨ Fresh motivation and clarity
✨ Support from a like-minded crew of aspiring founders

📅 Saturday 11 October | 10.30am – 3.30pm
📍 Alexandra, Central Otago (venue TBC)
💲 Just $49 (great value for all you will learn)

Spots are limited – book your ticket now!
👉 https://events.humanitix.com/spark-up-central-otago

08/10/2025

The museum is open for the season from 11.30am today. This is because winter is now over, believe it of not!