4 Day Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh and Clutha Trails

Name: 4 Day Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh and Clutha Trails
Brand: Trail Journeys
SKU: TJDR
Rating: 4.88 (16 reviews)

Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Central Otago | David Wall

Lake Dunstan Trail, Central Otago | Ross Mackay

The jetboat transfers on the Clutha River are a highlight on the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail | Ross MacKay

Historic Cottage, Roxburgh Gorge

Most Otago Central Rail Trail trips are fully booked til mid May. Experience it on this trip.

Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

4 days self guided cycling

Accommodation

3 nights comfort level
Superior and economy levels available

Meals

3 Breakfasts

Price

4 daysfrom

$1275NZD

View all pricing

View Inclusions

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

Trip Code: TJDR

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Trip highlights

Ride through the stunning Cromwell Gorge on the new 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 Shingle Creek to Doctors Point
Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago

Combine the new Lake Dunstan Trail with the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails on this 4 day self-guided trip.

From Cromwell you'll head through the wine-country of Bannockburn before heading through the stunning Cromwell Gorge featuring swing bridges and 'clip-on' trails.

Cycle through the vibrant Roxburgh Gorge, featuring a jet-boat transfer to join two sections of the trail. Learn about the gold mining history, and see the remaining relics scattered along the hill-side. Ride through lush farmland and visit the local townships of Roxburgh and Lawrence.

We'll move your luggage each day, book the best suited accommodation and transport you where you need to be. All you need to do is pedal and unwind from everyday life.

Scroll down to view the full itinerary, select your dates and fill out our booking form (please note this is tentative).

Itinerary

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Day 1
Lake Dunstan Trail: Cycle - 40km

A morning briefing and bike fitting at our Highlands Depot in Cromwell or Clyde will get you set for your first day of cycling on the Lake Dunstan Trail. You can meet us there or you can add on a shuttle from Queenstown. Cycle through the Bannockburn wine-country before heading through the breathtaking Cromwell Gorge along the Clutha / Mata-au River to Clyde, stopping at the coffee boat along the way (if it's there). Stay the night in Clyde.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Clyde to Lake Roxburgh Village: Cycle 33km

After breakfast you'll set off on the the river trail to Alexandra. From here, the trail makes its way down the Roxburgh Gorge to Doctors Point Boat Ramp. Here you will meet with a local boat operator who will transfer you to Shingle Creek. Relax on board the boat while you take in the stunning scenery and history of the area. At Shingle Creek the trail continues to Lake Roxburgh Village. Take a look at the Roxburgh Dam Lookout with its great photo opportunity. Accommodation this night is in the Lake Roxburgh Village.

Meals: B

Day 3
Lake Roxburgh Village to Millers Flat: Cycle 30km

Today’s ride starts from Roxburgh township which is famous for fruit orchards that serve up a splash of colour in every season. Roxburgh is also the home of famous Jimmy’s Pie shop. Clutha Gold trail starts here and follows the sparking Clutha River/Mata-Atu to Millers Flat where you will enjoy lunch at Faigans Store (20km). Towards the end of this section the trail cuts across pastoral farmland to reach Millers Flat. This wee town started life as a stop on the branch railway line to Dunedin which closed in 1968.

Meals: B

Day 4
Millers Flat to Lawrence: Cycle 45km

After breakfast, set off, on the trail that follows the river through the Beaumont Gorge before leaving the Clutha River/Mata Au and heading inland through rolling farmland. Parts of this route follow an old rail bed through Tunnel Hill and onto your final destination of the historic gold-mining town of Lawrence. This was where gold was first discovered in New Zealand and is an interesting town to explore. There will be time for lunch before your mid-afternoon transport back to Clyde.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

Standard bike hire for 4 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bike upgrade available)
3 nights' comfort accommodation on twin share basis (superior upgrade available)
Transport from Lawrence to Clyde at the end of the Clutha Trail
Transport from Clyde to Cromwell at the end of your trip
Jet boat transfer and history tour: Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
3 x breakfasts
Daily Luggage transfers (weight limit of 15kg per bag, 1 bag per person)
Detailed trip itinerary and map
Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge & Clutha Gold Trail Trust Donations

What's not included

Extra transport (e.g. to/from Queenstown)
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.

Standard Trail Bike

Our trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension and a gel seat for maximum comfort. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Low Step Trail Bike

Our low-step trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension, swept back handlebars and a gel seat for maximum comfort, and a low-step frame to make getting on and off easy. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Children's Bikes & Trailers

Small bikes, with 20” wheels (single speed) or 24” wheels (seven gears, twist shift).

Child’s seat – Fitted in place of a carrier on one of our trail bikes.

Tow bike – Not available for Lake Dunstan Trail due to narrow trails.

Child’s trailer – Not available for Lake Dunstan Trail due to narrow trails.

Please note the Lake Dunstan Trail is only recommended for children who are experienced riders.

Mountain Bike

Traditional mountain bikes are the bike of choice for more challenging terrain, or for those riders who prefer a more ‘aggressive’ riding position. Our mountain bikes feature 29” or 27.5” wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and front suspension.

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel

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

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.

Economy Accommodation

Economy accomodation is for those looking for a clean, basic no frills style accommodation. They have a mix of ensuited rooms and shared bathroom facilities. Economy level accommodation can be added to your trip as a discount - based on availability.

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

Highlands Power Hour, Museum or Taxi

Cycle around a world class motorsport track, visit the on site Car Museum or experience the thrill of a fast lap around the track in their 'Taxi'.

Wine Tour

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 4 day Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh and Clutha Trails 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.

Departure dates

Departs daily

Notes

Note:

All bookings are tentative. Our team will do their best to get back to you within 48 hours to confirm your booking. If your preferred date is within 48 hours please contact our office

Note:

Due to the rural location of these trails, our superior upgrade offers a higher level of lodgings at locations where available.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Trail Journeys.

Priceper person from

$1275NZD

Options & Supplements*

Electric Bike UpgradeNZD$320
Transport from Queenstown to Clyde (return)NZD$170

*Prices listed are per person and also from

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.