Last updated October 2026
The Central South Trail is a community-led cycle trail between Timaru and the Mackenzie Country, open in sections. Its first and longest open stretch leaves Washdyke, near Timaru, and runs inland beside State Highway 8 through Pleasant Point to Cave, 35 km of easy, flat riding in two sections.
Further inland, three more sections are open around Fairlie, Kimbell and the run into Takapō / Lake Tekapo. The trail website rates every open section as kid friendly, and all but the last, which is moderate and undulating, as easy.
Central South Trail at a Glance
- Timaru start
- Sir Basil Arthur Park, Washdyke
- Other start points
- Pleasant Point Town Square; Cave
- Washdyke to Pleasant Point
- 16 km, 30 to 45 min, easy, gentle and flat
- Pleasant Point to Cave
- 19 km, 35 to 50 min, easy, flat
- Mackenzie sections
- Rockwood Road to Fairlie 10 km; Fairlie to Kimbell 8.5 km; Dog Kennel Corner to Tekapo 20 km
- Grade
- Easy, except Dog Kennel Corner to Tekapo (moderate); Venture Timaru lists the Timaru end as easy to medium
- Wheelchairs
- Venture Timaru lists the South Canterbury portion as wheelchair accessible
- Dogs
- On a lead only (Venture Timaru)
- Run by
- A community-led initiative of local people (trail website)
- Status
- Check the Central South Trail website for current closures before you ride
Getting to Know Central South Trail
The Central South Trail is a community-led project of local people, supported by business owners, individuals, not-for-profit organisations and government funding bodies. Further sections are planned, and the trail website shows each one.
The first section, Washdyke to Pleasant Point, opened in November 2021. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi was its principal sponsor with $500,000, and the Timaru District Council gave $226,358.
The trail’s own tips are to carry water, be considerate of other users, watch constantly for motorists, take care at driveways and intersections, and obey the signs.
Timaru to Cave
Washdyke to Pleasant Point
The 16 km opening section starts at Sir Basil Arthur Park in Washdyke and heads inland on a gentle, flat route through open countryside, with views of the Southern Alps. It ends in Pleasant Point, a town of about 1,300 people and home to the Pleasant Point Museum and Railway, where summer Steaming Days offer rides on Kiwi the Engine and a Model T Ford railcar runs daily in summer.
Pleasant Point to Cave
From the town square, the second section carries on beside State Highway 8 for 19 km of flat riding to Cave. Starting at Pleasant Point lets you ride either half of the Timaru end as a shorter outing.
The Mackenzie Sections
Rockwood Road to Fairlie
10 km, easy, flat with a slight incline, through farmland and native plantings. The trail allows 45 to 90 minutes.
Fairlie to Kimbell
8.5 km, easy, flat with a slight incline, into high-altitude tussock grassland; about 15 to 25 minutes.
Dog Kennel Corner to Tekapo
The trail’s last section is 20 km of moderate, undulating riding, about 45 to 55 minutes, ending at Takapō / Lake Tekapo.
At Dog Kennel Corner a mahi toi wall panel by Ngāi Tahu artist Ross Hemera, made with guidance from Moeraki, Waihao and Arowhenua rūnanga, tells of Burkes Pass as a gateway to the Mackenzie Basin, and lupins flower purple along the route in summer. There are toilets at this stop.
Helpful Resources
Central South Trail: the trail’s website, with each section and its status.
Venture Timaru: Central South Island Trail: start points, dogs and access for the Timaru to Cave portion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Central South Trail start in Timaru?
At Sir Basil Arthur Park in Washdyke. You can also start at Pleasant Point Town Square or at Cave.
How long is Washdyke to Cave?
The trail website gives 16 km from Washdyke to Pleasant Point and 19 km from Pleasant Point to Cave, 35 km in all.
Is it suitable for children?
The trail website lists every open section as kid friendly.
Can I take my dog?
Venture Timaru says dogs must be on a lead.
Does the trail reach Lake Tekapo?
Yes. The Dog Kennel Corner to Tekapo section is open. It does not join up with the Washdyke to Cave sections, so ride them separately.
Who built the trail?
It is a community-led project of local people. The first section’s main sponsors were NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and the Timaru District Council.
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