Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh and Clutha Trails Explorer

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

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

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

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. Much of today’s route follows the old railway corridor, including a ride through Tunnel Hill, a short, hand-carved rail tunnel that adds a touch of historic charm to your journey. The trail leads you into Lawrence, a town steeped in gold rush history and the birthplace of New Zealand’s first major gold discovery at nearby Gabriel’s Gully in 1861. Once in Lawrence, take time to explore the characterful main street, dotted with heritage buildings, antique shops, and welcoming cafés. You might like to visit the Lawrence Chinese Camp historic site, browse the Tuapeka Goldfields Museum, or simply unwind at one of the local eateries with a coffee or glass of Central Otago wine.

Meals:  B

The final Lawrence to Waihola section of the Clutha Gold trail traverses rolling farmland between Lawrence and Waitahuna, once a bustling stop on the goldfields railway. From Waitahuna to Mt Stuart the trail generally follows the old railway corridor with highlights including original rail cuttings, two heritage rail tunnels, and a viaduct, impressive reminders of the region’s rail history. Along this stretch, you'll also pass through serene woodland glades, adding a tranquil and shaded contrast to the open farmland. It then follows the Tokomairiro River and onto the Tokomairiro plains, crossing two, 42m long suspension bridges along the way, before passing through wetlands, with long sections of elevated boardwalk, alongside and across Lake Waihola, a shallow tidal lake known for its birdlife and natural beauty. Once in Waihola, take time to relax by the lake or enjoy a well-earned refreshment in this peaceful lakeside village before your shuttle takes you back to Clyde.

Meals:  B