Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trail Four Day Ride
- Duration: 3 Days (approx.)
- Product code: AARC1
The miraculous Lake Dunstan Trail is an engineering marvel between Cromwell and Clyde. The Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails follow the Clutha/Mata-au River past eroded bluffs and old gold workings set amidst graceful willows. You get to enjoy fantastic riding, leave us to take care of your accommodation, luggage transfers and transportation - Easy!
- Three night's ensuite accommodation & breakfast on trail included.
- All on trail transportation included, including jet boat along part of the Roxburgh Gorge.
- Return shuttle from Queenstown or Dunedin available.
- Includes daily luggage transfers between accommodation.
- Rental options for touring bikes, mountain bikes and electric bikes available.
Day One: Lake Dunstan Trail - Cromwell to Clyde (42km). In the morning you will be shuttled from Clyde to Cromwell to start the trail. Following the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to the Bannockburn bridge, you will have amazing vistas across the lake to Bannockburn vineyards as you loop round on the opposite side. You then enter the Cromwell Gorge where you will be amazed at the skills of trail builders with sections built out around sheer rock faces. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail is New Zealand’s third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam.
Day Two: Roxburgh Gorge Trail - Clyde to Roxburgh Hydro (33km). This section of the Trail starts with easy single track riding following the Clutha River to Alexandra. The Manuherikia River joins the Clutha river and you enter into the gorge. Be amazed by the quick transition from urban to remote and the awe inspiring gorge setting. The trail gains height as it makes its way to Butchers Creek (4.1km) where you will see stone walled water races and signs of the old gold mining days. The trail stops beside the boat jetty at Doctors Point. This is where you will meet the jet boat at a pre-arranged time for transfer down the lake to Shingle Creek. From here ascend gradually into a more rural setting, passing through small secluded valleys. As you approach the Roxburgh Dam the rugged isolated landscape allows you to take in stunning vistas up and down the lake.
Day Three: Clutha Gold Trail - Roxburgh Hydro to Millers Flat (30km). This morning you cross over the Roxburgh Dam and join the Clutha Gold Trail. This part of the trail takes you alongside the mighty Clutha/Mata-au River – its distinctive turquoise colour, constant flow and ever changing moods become interwoven with your experience. Look out for signs of the original search for gold and imagine what the hardy settlers faced in the early days. As you travel downstream you cannot miss the orchards on both sides of the valley creating a splash of colour at every season.
Day Four: Clutha Gold Trail - Millers Flat to Lawrence (43km). This section of the trail takes you from the pastoral farm land and orchards around Millers Flat through the remoteness of the Beaumont Gorge and visit the historic Horseshoe Bend Bridge. From Beaumont you start the climb towards the highest point of the trail and through the Big Hill Tunnel. After the tunnel you descend into lush green farmland. There are many reminders of the area’s history along the route, including the discovery of gold, milling of flax fibre for rope making around Evans Flat and the arrival of the Chinese prospectors to the goldfields. At Lawrence you will be picked up and returned by shuttle bus to Clyde.
*Please Note: Price per person based on minimum of 2 people sharing a room. Solo travellers please contact us directly for more information.
Transportation options from Queenstown and/or Dunedin also available - please contact us for more information.
