Best of Otago Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan & Roxburgh by E-Bike

E-bike three of Central Otago's most spectacular and iconic cycle trails

Cycle over the grand Poolburn Viaduct | Lachlan Gardiner

Accommodation at Lauder Station | Geoff Marks

Lake Dunstan Trail, Central Otago | Ross Mackay

Cycling the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail | Geoff Marks

Clutha Jet Roxburgh Gorge | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycle over the grand Poolburn Viaduct | Lachlan Gardiner

Accommodation at Lauder Station | Geoff Marks

Lake Dunstan Trail, Central Otago | Ross Mackay

Cycling the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail | Geoff Marks

Clutha Jet Roxburgh Gorge | Lachlan Gardiner

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

3 days self guided e-bike

Accommodation

2 nights comfort level accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available

Meals

2 Lunches
2 Breakfasts

Price

3 daysfrom

View all pricing

View Inclusions

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Inclusions
Bike Information
Trail Surface
Accommodation
Suggested extensions
Grading
Departure dates
Videos
FAQs
Trip reviews
Why travel with us
Similar trips

Trip Code: TJB

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Trip highlights

Cycle the tunnels and viaducts of the Poolburn Gorge on the Otago Rail Trail
Ride through the stunning Cromwell Gorge on the Lake Dunstan Trail
Follow the mighty Clutha River/Mata-au through dramatic gorges, past orchards and lush farmland
Discover old gold mining relics through the Roxburgh Gorge
Enjoy a jet boat transfer from Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago
Unpack your suitcase once

The Best of Otago Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan & Roxburgh by E-Bike is the ultimate Central Otago escape, combining three of the region’s most spectacular cycling experiences while enjoying the ease of cycling with an e-bike and the comfort of staying in one place throughout your journey. Based in the vibrant heritage town of Clyde, this fully supported itinerary allows you to explore the very best of Central Otago by day before returning each evening to relax, unwind and soak up the town’s welcoming atmosphere.

Designed to showcase the highlights of the region without the hassle of constantly repacking, this trip blends the dramatic beauty of the Lake Dunstan Trail, a memorable section of the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail and the remote wilderness of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail into one unforgettable cycling adventure.

Experience a highlight section of the Otago Central Rail Trail, pedalling through classic Central Otago scenery dotted with historic railway relics, country pubs and charming rural settlements that reflect the region’s rich gold mining and railway heritage. Ride the breathtaking Lake Dunstan Trail, famous for its impressive lake-edge boardwalks and dramatic schist landscapes that cling to the shoreline beneath towering rocky cliffs. Then discover the rugged beauty of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, where the mighty Clutha River winds through a landscape of rocky bluffs, hidden valleys and untouched backcountry scenery accessible only by bike and boat.

Travelling by e-bike makes the journey wonderfully achievable and enjoyable, allowing you to cover more ground with ease while fully appreciating the spectacular surroundings. Along the way, enjoy relaxed riding, big-sky landscapes and opportunities to stop for great coffee, local wines and genuine southern hospitality.

Back in Clyde each evening, unwind in comfortable accommodation and enjoy the atmosphere of one of Central Otago’s most charming historic towns, known for its stone buildings, boutique eateries and laid-back pace of life. With transport logistics and luggage taken care of, all that’s left for you to do is enjoy the ride.

Perfect for couples, friends and anyone looking for an active yet relaxed holiday, the Best of Otago Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan & Roxburgh by E-Bike delivers an unforgettable blend of iconic trails, stunning scenery, comfort and authentic Central Otago experiences all from the convenience of one beautifully located base.

Carbon Footprint

47kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(94kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

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Day 1
Otago Central Rail Trail - Cycle Oturehua to Chatto Creek (41km/21.57mi)

After a morning briefing and bike fitting at our Clyde depot, we'll shuttle you to Oturehua where you will begin your ride along the Otago Rail Trail, cycling through one of the most scenic sections of the trail through tunnels and over viaducts in the secluded rocky setting of the Poolburn Gorge. The trail passes through the townships of Lauder, Omakau and Chatto Creek. Here we will collect you to take you back through to Clyde and your accommodation for the night.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail (40kms/24.85mi)

This morning we transfer you from Clyde to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, where you will set off for your day on the Lake Dunstan Trail. Cycle through the Bannockburn perhaps enjoying a stop at Carrick Winery on the way through. Enjoy delicious food and wine whilst overlooking the stunning Bannockburn Inlet from their restaurant. Choose from their seasonal menu which showcases the best local produce and organic ingredients fresh from their garden or enjoy a coffee and pizza alfresco. Continue cycling through the breathtaking Cromwell Gorge along the Clutha/Mata-au River to Clyde. Key features of the trail are the man-made landscapes, superb views from the trail summit, abundant vineyards and cellar doors in Bannockburn. Overnight back in the comfort of your Clyde accommodation.

Meals: B,L

Day 3
Cycle the Roxburgh Gorge Trail - Clyde to Roxburgh (42km/26.09mi)

Start your day today with a cycle from Clyde to Alexandra, either 8 km down the Rail Trail or 12 km on the slightly more technical but scenic river track. From Alexandra, you start the Roxburgh Gorge with a 10 km cycle to Doctors Point. You will board the jet boat and be transferred to Shingle Creek. Relax on board the boat while you take in the stunning scenery and history of the area as you make your way through the gorge—a highlight for many. From Shingle Creek , it is a further 11 km to the Roxburgh Hydro Dam. Cross the dam and ride 10km down the Clutha Gold trail to Roxburgh township where you will be picked up and shuttled back to Clyde. Trip arrangements end on return to our Clyde depot.

Meals: B,L

Inclusions

What's included

E-bike hire for 3 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (standard bikes available)
2 nights' comfort accommodation in Clyde on twin share basis, ensuited where available
Entry into Historic Hayes Engineering
Transport to and from Clyde on the Otago Central Rail Trail
Transport from Clyde to Cromwell to start the Lake Dunstan Trail
Transport from Roxburgh to Clyde after the Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Jet boat transfer and history tour: Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
2 x breakfasts
2 x lunch vouchers
Detailed trip itinerary and map
Haehaeata, Lake Dunstan, and Roxburgh Gorge Trail Trust Donations

What's not included

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities and upgrades
Personal expenses
Travel insurance

Bike information

Electric Bike

E-bikes have made cycle touring possible and pleasurable for a wide range of people. They are simple to operate, and eliminate much of the cycling strain from legs and knees. Our European-designed E-bikes are built with comfort and ease of operation in mind, and feature unisex frames, 29” wheels, front suspension and proven Bosch electronics.

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel 99%

The majority of the Lake Dunstan Trail and Otago Central Rail Trail is compacted gravel. The Lake Dunstan Trail has mostly wide trails with some narrow sections that you'll need to be confident riding. The Otago Central Rail trail has wide trails throughout with some cattle-stop grates and "chicanes" (s-shaped safety gateways) to navigate. On the Roxburgh Gorge, cyclists should be confident riding on compacted gravel, some uneven surfaces and riding up and down switch-backs.

Accommodation

Comfort Accommodation (Included)

Comfort accommodation is the perfect option for those looking for a clean, simple and comfortable way to enjoy their cycling holiday. Almost all locations will include ensuite facilities. These are a mix of motels, B&Bs, lodges and cottages.

Superior Accommodation (surcharge applies)

A level above, superior accommodation oozes quality, comfort and character for you to indulge in at the end of a day’s cycling. Rooms include ensuited facilities and are a mix of motels, lodges, cottages and farmstays.

As the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails are situated in a remote area of New Zealand, there is limited availability for superior accommodation in some locations.

Add on a Night

Additional nights at the start or end of your trip can be added onto any package, just ask us.

Suggested extensions

Clyde/Alexandra Wine Tour - 3 hours (extra night required)

Book a private and relaxing wine tour to some of our local Otago winegrowers. The Otago region is the world’s southern most commercial wine growing region and famous worldwide for our Pinot Noir.

There are a number of quality vineyards to choose from, some with views that will take your breath away. Our team can help you plan your itinerary so that you can include a visit - and a tasting - at one of our Otago vineyards.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

The 3 day Otago Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan and Roxburgh Gorge is graded Introductory to Moderate. The Lake Dunstan and Roxburgh Gorge Trails have a mix of introductory and moderate trails that include some narrow, hilly and remote sections with some tight turns. If you are not a regular cyclist or are worried about these features, we recommend practicing riding on similar features at home before your trip. The more training you have done on compacted gravel ad undulating hills the more enjoyable your trip will be. E-bikes are also suitable as long as they are ridden appropriately and have sufficient battery capacity.

Videos

Cycle New Zealand's Otago Central Rail Trail

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

First On The Trail

Trail Journeys is the largest and longest serving bike hire business on the Otago Central Rail Trail. We have helped more cyclists explore our region since the trail opened in 2000 than any other company.

EXPERT LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about the Central Otago Region and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for your needs.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. With regular bag, passenger and bike transport services, expert cycle mechanics and experienced consultants, enjoy a stress free cycling trip with Trail Journeys.