Once you get over the pain in you backside from the cycling you will look back at this adventure with fond memories. 150km of cycling through scenic Central Otago on old Railway roads. Make sure you get some practice in first (it helps with the bum pain) I didn't and I really struggled some days. But your fitness doesn't need to be amazing to do this.

We did it as a package (the nice easy way). The bikes provided were good, but we should have asked for the Gel seat covers on the first day. And leave you shocks on, it may use up more energy but it will save you bum and joints a world or hurt.

We went at a snails pace and took around 7.5hours on our longest day (taking lots of breaks and a long lunch). Food on the trail is surprisingly good. Upmarket pub style. Beware that the track can get both very hot and very cold (pack for both)

Our guide John Livido was incredable, an old Farmer who has lived in these parts for ever, and knows every bit of country side and its best stories, showed us an incredable time. Make sure you go Curling in Nasby (a real highlight). He checked up on us throughout our days on the track and fixed any punctures (which was very reasurrung as we had no idea how to fix them). He really made the tour for me (to be honest some of the biking I could have lived without).

We stayed at a cute cottage with 2 others. Good beds and nice not to need to pack up each morning. Joan the house mother baked cake for us to take for morning tea and made us very welcome. Plus the other Joan (John's wife) gave me some homemade cake she had that was dairy free as a treat. Southern Hospitality is a real treat!

This was one of those "always to remember" holidays. Great to do as a group of friends. The 2 Johns and Joan looked after us so well. Their depth of local knowledge added greatly to the extras that were organised- the Curling, the trips in the evenings to special places of interest, the 4 wheel drive across the back country on the last day, the choice of the wineries (Mount Difficulty will always be one of my favourite wineries...). Joan's fruit cake is legendary (squirrel some away for those moments of exhaustion along the route as well as enjoy it for afternoon tea at the end of the day after those lovely showers...). I have yet to meet someone who hasn't enjoyed the Otago Rail Trail but "Off the Rails" makes it such a relaxing experience as everything is thought of for you...even your clothes are returned to you beautifully washed and ironed at the end of the day so that you can head straight out for another delicious meal with great Central Otago wines...We had people of differing cycling abilities and so it was very good to know that the van was always discretely around to pick us up especially on the day the Southerly blow through. This would be a great reassurance to families with younger children. The visit to the Hayes engineering site was fascinating. We went with people who had already done the Rail Trail with "Off The Rails" and they enjoyed it even more the second time, as there is so much to take in. The distances each day are just right and because of the flexibility of having the central accommodation these can be varied depending on the weather, which is another major advantage of "Off the Rail". You can also decide to ride a section with the wind at your back instead of fighting it in your face...which can be a real advantage if do get a Southerly come through...Excellent quality bikes.
In summary, would fully recommend both the Otago Rail Trail but specifically "Off the Rails". We will probably it again at some stage with guests from overseas.

Practice cyclling a little before hand, mostly for the sake of your bottom and thighs!!!
None of it is too hard but it is a challenge for those of us who never take to the saddle!!!
Even though we were not prepared as well as we might have been, the whole experience was still absolutely terrific and I wholeheartedly recommend it. The staff were superb; friendly , straightforward, attentive and kind... upholding the highest standards of New Zealand hospitality. The accomodations were great, service splendid, tours terrific (especially the Hayes Engineering works where we also loved the house tour) and all our meals were excellent with varied venues and varied histories. We loved every minute of it.

One of the best things about Off The Rails (and there are many) is the fact that you stay at the same place each night; in our case their spotless, warm little cottage in Ranfurly. No packing and unpacking your bags every day and by day three you know exactly where the wine glasses live and the prime spots in the evening sun in the courtyard. We ate at Dansey's pass, the Vulcan at St Bathans and even experienced the quiz night at the Naseby hall, where my wife came close to securing an hour's curling tuition (!). Looking at the other cyclists I'd say our bikes were among the best on the trail. Being cared for by attentitive locals, with great food, excellent accomodation and with genuine flexibility around our plans? Priceless. Can't recommend it enough - Mark & Linda - Wellington, NZ.