5 Day Lake Dunstan and Otago Central Rail Trail Guided Cycling

The adventure begins in Queenstown, where we meet at 8:00 am before driving through the scenic Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell. Our ride starts at Smith’s Way, following the shimmering shores of Lake Dunstan on an easy trail.

A stop in Cromwell’s Old Town offers a glimpse into its gold rush history, with charming galleries, cafés, and boutiques providing a chance to stretch our legs. The trail then continues along the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan towards Bannockburn Bridge, where wineries and olive groves create the perfect setting for lunch.

From Cornish Point, riders can choose between two routes:

Lake Dunstan Trail to Clyde (Moderate – 25km/15 miles): A spectacular ride through the Cromwell Gorge, featuring sections of trail built into sheer rockfaces, floating platforms, and breathtaking lake views.

Clyde to Alexandra River Trail (Introductory – 12km/7 miles each way): A gentler option for those who prefer to skip the gorge, with time to explore Clyde before riding the scenic Clutha River trail to Alexandra.

We regroup in Clyde, settle into our historic accommodation, and enjoy a winery visit followed by our first group dinner.

The day begins with a ride along the Otago Central Rail Trail, leaving Clyde behind as we cycle across wide-open plains framed by dramatic mountain ranges. The route passes through the tiny settlement of Chatto Creek before a gentle climb leads us to Omakau, where we stop for lunch.

From here, we take a short bus detour to the historic township of Ophir, home to one of New Zealand’s oldest bridges, before heading to the Raggedy Range lookout for panoramic views across the region.

Back on the bikes, a relaxed 9km ride brings us to Lauder, where we check into our accommodation. In the late afternoon, we visit St Bathans, an old gold mining town, for a walk around the surreal Blue Lake, created by mining activity in the 1800s.

The evening is spent unwinding at the Lauder pub, whether over a friendly game of pool or some good old-fashioned Kiwi hospitality, followed by a well-earned dinner.

Today's ride takes us through some of the most scenic sections of the Otago Central Rail Trail, featuring the first tunnels and bridges of the journey. The route winds through the Poolburn Gorge, with its rugged cliffs and picturesque landscape, before opening into the Idaburn Valley.

Along the way, we stop at Hayes Engineering Works, a fascinating heritage site showcasing early Kiwi ingenuity, and visit Oturehua’s historic grocery store, where time seems to have stood still.

After lunch, a gentle climb leads us to the rail trail’s highest point, followed by an enjoyable downhill roll into Ranfurly, known for its striking art deco architecture.

In the late afternoon, we take a short drive to Naseby, a charming forestry town best known for its indoor curling rink. Here’s the chance to try your hand at this surprisingly addictive sport—often described as ‘bowls on ice’. If curling isn’t your thing, Naseby also offers scenic forest walks and a classic old pub, perfect for a relaxed drink before we return to Ranfurly for dinner.

Today features the longest ride of the trip and some of the most enjoyable cycling. The trail heads towards Waipiata, skirting the edge of an old lake before entering the spectacular Taieri Gorge, where a series of bridges and tunnels add to the adventure.

A smooth downhill section leads us to the historic Hotel Hyde, a charming spot for a well-earned break. From here, the final 27km takes us past the 1943 Hyde rail disaster memorial, a poignant reminder of the area’s history, before rolling across open plains towards Middlemarch, where the Otago Central Rail Trail officially ends.

After lunch, we board the support vehicle for the drive to Dunedin, where we celebrate our journey with a final group dinner.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic ride along Otago Harbour towards Portobello, cycling between volcanic hills and the calm waters of the harbour. This area is rich in wildlife, home to nesting albatross, penguins, and seals, as well as historic shipwreck sites.

From Portobello, we swap bikes for a mini wildlife cruise aboard the Sootychaser, a vessel named after the sooty shearwater (muttonbird). During the tour, we learn about the harbour’s history, spot local birdlife, see Larnach Castle from the water, and cruise past the boats moored in Port Chalmers.

Back on land, we begin our journey north, stopping in Oamaru to explore the Victorian Precinct and portside park. After lunch, we continue across the Canterbury Plains, arriving in Christchurch for a central city drop-off at approximately 6 pm.