We drove through the village to the cycle place where we were given a thorough briefing on how to put a helmet on and how the panniers fit on the bikes, the gearing and anything else that we needed to know. Then we were off on the Otago Central Rail Trail 150km. The bikes were great specially built for the trail with suspension and 'comfy' saddles.
The first day was apparently the hardest, as it had the steepest gradient of the Trail. We cycled 35km amongst the most stunning scenery with blue skies and it was hot.
Our accommodation was at a lodge on the trail. Not sure what to expect but was very impressed with Tiger Hill Lodge. It was a modern 4 bedroom bungalow, all en suite. A modern kitchen with everything for breakfast DIY. We needed dinner but the restaurant was about 1km away. None of us wanted to get on bikes again so they came and picked us up and after a great dinner they drove us back. That's what I call service.