Explore the Otago Central Rail Trail like never before. Read the stories of how the Otago Central Rail Trail began, how Hyde became the town it is today and the site of the second biggest rail disaster in New Zealand's history.
Begin at the map below following the trail from Ngapuna to Hyde. Click the symbol or "Catch the Train" above to read the stories.
Our story begins in early Aotearoa, New Zealand, when the Otago Gold Rush spread to the Hyde Area which was known as Eight Mile...
Straw Cutting
TEACHERS and EDUCATORS
Welcome to Rail Tales. An intergrated education resource for teachers and students to enhance the learning before, during and after the Rail Trail experience. These resources are free for schools and educators to use within schools. All lessons and activities are based to the New Zealand Curriculum and created by qualified New Zealand educators
Students! Look for the Rail Tales tickets for activities, reading, and questions.
Please note, there is some material on this site that some students may find disturbing, such as the Hyde Railway Disaster. Please make sure you read through the material to make sure it is suitable.
Coming Soon
Contact
All information on this site has been carefully researched with best intentions. This site is continuously updated when new research findings or information becomes available. If you have information or notice something that is incorrect, please complete the form below.
If you want information regarding riding the Otago Central Rail Trail, please go to www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz.