Idyllic Lifestyle Business on New Zealand’s “Original Great Ride”

New Zealand’s first Rail Trail and Original Great Ride is in the stunning, picturesque  landscape of Central Otago, near Queenstown. Opened in 2000 the 152km long trail follows the former route of the Otago Central Railway. Because the trail has been created on what used to be rail tracks the gradient is ideal for cyclists of all ages and fitness levels. And for those who may have a medical condition or are less fit there is now the option to join in with the rest by riding an ‘e-bike’ which takes the hard work out of biking and it makes it more manageable for people of lesser ability.

Ranked #1 of “Things to Do” in Central Otago by Trip Advisor the Otago Central Rail Trail has been described as “A must ride in a beautiful part of the world” and an “awesome trail, challenging and rewarding“. 

The trail is approximately 150 kilometres and usually done over three to five days although some extra-keen cyclists have been known to do it in one day. Connecting four Central Otago plains and valleys, the Rail Trail includes the Strath Taieri and the township of Middlemarch, the Maniototo (with Ranfurly at its centre), Ida Valley and Oturehua, and the Manuherikia area – with Alexandra and Clyde.

You will experience magnificent viaducts and the intricate stonework in bridges and tunnels. These demonstrate not only the extraordinary skills of engineers and stonemasons but the tenacity of the many labourers who often worked in conditions of great hardship, especially in winter. Dotted along the trail you will also find other townships with a full range of accommodations available –  suitable for large groups, families, couples, back-packers and “luxury-seekers”.

The Central Otago Rail Trail offers many compelling reasons to ride. As you travel through this untamed natural environment with its intriguing history there is plenty to explore on and off the trail. Discover old historic gold-mining villages, country pubs, rugged breath-taking scenery with views of distant mountains, and enjoy the good “old-fashioned Southern hospitality” along the way.

Cycle Surgery is a highly profitable business that has been operating on the Central Otago Rail Trail since its inception in 2000. The company mission statement “Is to provide the ultimate cycling experience in New Zealand“. Cycle Surgery may be best described as “The Rail Trail Travel Agent” because it facilitates the entire Rail Trail Experience from Start to Finish, including bike hire, accommodation, pick-ups and drop-offs and general advice. It is effectively a “one-stop-shop”.

Having operated the business for almost 20 years the owners Dave and Pip have decided that it is now time to do something different and have put it on the market with Tourism Properties.Com. Priced at just USD $540,000 (approx) this includes 2018 bikes, a proprietary on-line booking system, exclusive use of the Cycle Surgery brand and forward bookings that already account for over USD $215,000 gross margin. So a big part of the purchase price is already well and truly covered! And the great thing about this business is that it closes over the Winter months – allowing the owners time off to do other things – but the bookings and cash-flow still keep coming in! This is an ideal business for a couple seeking a change in lifestyle in one of the most beautiful, safe places in the World. For further information please complete the inquiry form below.