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South Island

Start: Cromwell
Locations: 3 See all
Travel Time: 7 hours
Distance: 34 kms
Difficulty: 3
Minimum Age: 10

A Journey Through Gorge, River and Dam

This Roxburgh Gorge cycling and jet boat day tour combines eBike riding with a thrilling river journey through one of Central Otago’s most dramatic landscapes. Following remote gorge trails and the powerful Clutha Mata-au, the experience blends scenery, history and adventure into a memorable day out.

With towering bluffs, narrow rock sections and wide river views, the Roxburgh Gorge offers a very different cycling experience to rail trails. A jet boat transfer through the heart of the gorge adds a unique perspective, making this tour ideal for riders seeking variety and a sense of exploration.

From Clyde to Roxburgh Dam via the Gorge

The ride begins in Clyde, following a scenic river track towards Alexandra alongside the Clutha Mata-au. This gentle opening section links into the Roxburgh Gorge Trail just below the Alexandra Bridge, with wide river views setting the tone for the day. Cycling here is relaxed and immersive, easing you into the gorge landscape.

Further into the gorge, towering bluffs rise up to 350 metres above the trail as riders climb zigzags to reach “The Narrows”, an ancient rockslide with narrow sections and boardwalks requiring care. At Doctors Point, the cycling pauses for a 45-minute jet boat journey through the heart of the gorge. After disembarking at Shingle Creek, the final ride climbs via switchbacks to the Roxburgh Dam lookout before meeting the return shuttle.

  • Premium eBike hire
  • Helmet, bike light, pannier bags, odometer and repair kit
  • Trail map and route briefing
  • All required shuttle transfers
  • 45-minute jet boat ride through the Roxburgh Gorge
  • Trail support during the day
  • Bike accidental damage insurance
  • Route: Shuttle to Clyde → Clyde – Roxburgh Hydro Village → Shuttle return
  • Distance: 34 km cycling + 13 km jet boat
  • Ride Time: Approximately 3–4 hours (cycling)
  • Trail Grade: Grade 2–3 (Easy with some moderate sections)
  • Tour Style: Self-guided eBike ride with jet boat transfer
  • Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness and confident riding ability are required

Departure

  • Departs at 9:00am
  • Check-in at 8:30am for bike fitting and briefing

Return

  • Meet shuttle at Roxburgh at 3:00pm
  • Return to Cromwell by approximately 4:30pm
  • Cancellations 72+ hours before departure: Full refund*
  • Between 72 - 24 hours: Refund* less $100 per person cancellation fee
  • Within 24 hours / no-show: 100% cancellation fee.

Note: *Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

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