Roxburgh Gorge & Clutha Gold Discovery

Name: Roxburgh Gorge & Clutha Gold Discovery
Brand: Trail Journeys
SKU: TJCR
Rating: 4.71 (21 reviews)

Cycling the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail | Geoff Marks

Boating on Roxburgh Gorge in Spring | Will Nelson

Plum Tree Cottage - Clyde | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycling the Clutha Gold Trail | Tourism Central Otago - Will Nelson

Sunny day cycling Clutha Gold | TCO: Will Nelson

Morning tea with our guide | Lachlan Gardiner

Our transport vehicle taking you where you need to go | Trail Journeys

Otago Central Rail Trail Luggage transport | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycling the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail | Geoff Marks

Boating on Roxburgh Gorge in Spring | Will Nelson

Plum Tree Cottage - Clyde | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycling the Clutha Gold Trail | Tourism Central Otago - Will Nelson

Sunny day cycling Clutha Gold | TCO: Will Nelson

Morning tea with our guide | Lachlan Gardiner

Our transport vehicle taking you where you need to go | Trail Journeys

Otago Central Rail Trail Luggage transport | Lachlan Gardiner

Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

3 days self guided cycle

Accommodation

2 nights comfort level accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available
Superior and economy levels available

Meals

2 Breakfasts

Price

3 daysfrom

$970NZD

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: TJCR

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Trip highlights

Cycle the full Clutha Gold Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Follow the mighty Clutha River/Mata Au through dramatic gorges, past orchards and lush farmland
Enjoy a jet boat transfer from Shingle Creek to Doctors Point
See old gold mining relics and learn about the Central Otago's history
Discovering the local hospitality in the historic towns along the trail

Our 3 day Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails is a self-guided cycle tour, following the Clutha Mata-au River from Clyde to Lawrence.

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

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Clyde to Lake Roxburgh Village: Cycle 33km

The day starts at our Clyde Depot for bike fitting and a briefing about your tour before setting off on 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: Nil

Day 2
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 3
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 3 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bike upgrade available)
2 nights' comfort accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available
2 x breakfasts
Transport from Lawrence to Clyde at the end of your trip
Jet boat transfer and history tour: Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
Daily Luggage transfers (weight limit of 15kg per bag, 1 bag per person)
Detailed trip itinerary and map
Roxburgh Gorge & Clutha Gold Trail Trust Donations

What's not included

Extra transport (e.g. to/from Queenstown or Dunedin)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities and upgrades
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.

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.

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).

Tow bike – A ‘third wheel’ trailer fitted with handlebars, pedals and seat for a small child.

Child’s trailer – A covered two-wheeled trailer, designed for 1-2 smaller children.

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

Other bike options

Tandem mountain bike: A mountain bike built for two. Twice the fun? How good is your relationship?

Recumbent tandem: Another bicycle built for two, but in this case the front rider sits in a comfortable reclined seat and has the option to participate in the pedaling, but does not have to.

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)

Standard 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 Accommodaion

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 are 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

Start or finish your trip with a relaxing night in historic Clyde. Just add additional night to your package.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

The Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge Trails are graded introductory-moderate. The trails are mostly wide with a compacted gravel trail surface but there can be exposure in places along the Gorges. Most of the trails are a gentle gradient, with some hills, switchbacks and undulations. This trip has an average cycling distance of 32km per day. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip. E-bikes are 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

$970NZD

Options & Supplements*

Transport from Queenstown to Clyde (return) - MIN 2 PaxNZD$170
eBike Upgrade (subject to availability)NZD$180
Transport from Queenstown to Clyde (return) - MIN 3 PaxNZD$140

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Videos

Roxburgh Gorge Trail | Stunning Day Ride

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.