Waipiata to Kokonga Distance: 10.5 km
- The 97m long and 6m high Taieri River Rail Bridge is the Rail Trail's only crossing of the Taieri River, New Zealand's fourth longest river.
- A short distance along the trail from the bridge is one of the only “freedom camping areas” on the Otago Central Rail Trail. No running water available. No fires.
- Catch a trout for tea from the banks of the Taieri River.
- Read the display boards about the naturally formed Lake Taieri which was drained in the 1940’s.
- Observe the pitted volcanic rocks blown from the extinct Flat Cap Volcano beside the trail.
- The Waipiata to Kokonga Road runs parallel to the Rail Trail at one point and physically crosses the Trail further down the line, known locally as Carey’s Crossing.
- Further along is the town of Kokonga with a small settlement of houses below the trail.
- The Gangers shed at Kokonga can be also be accessed from State Highway 87 (sign-posted 'Rail Trail Road').
- The Kokonga Railway Station and Goods Shed have been removed but the concrete sided platform still remains.
Solar System Model - Jupiter
Taieri River Rail Bridge
The 97m long and 6m high Taieri River Rail Bridge is the only crossing of the Taieri River on the Rail Trail.
Lake Taieri
The naturally formed Lake Taieri which was drained in the 1940’s.
Extinct Flat Cap Volcano
Observe the pitted volcanic rocks blown from the extinct Flat Cap Volcano beside the trail.
Carey’s Crossing
The Waipiata to Kokonga Road runs parallel to the Rail Trail at one point and physically crosses the Trail further down the line.
Solar System Model - Saturn
