4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 4 days self guided cycling
Accommodation
  • 3 nights comfort level accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available
  • Superior and economy levels available
Meals
  • 3 Breakfasts

Price

4 daysfrom

$1625NZD

Trip Code: TRD

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 Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
  • Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago
  • With an E-bike included, enjoy a relaxed and comfortable ride with friends

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).

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. 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

  • E-bike hire for 4 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer
  • 3 nights' comfort accommodation on twin share basis, ensuited where 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

  • Extra transport (e.g. to/from Queenstown)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities and upgrades
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Bike information


Trail Surface


Accommodation


Suggested extensions


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 and undulating hills the more enjoyable your trip will be. E-bikes are ideal 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

$1625NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Transport from Queenstown to Clyde (return) - MIN 2 PaxNZD$170
  • Transport from Queenstown to Clyde (return) - MIN 3 PaxNZD$140
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Videos

Lake Dunstan Trail Highlights

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.

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips