Overview
Experience five days of spectacular cycling through three of New Zealand’s most iconic trails – the Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge, and Clutha Gold. Ride past Bannockburn’s vineyards, along the dramatic Cromwell Gorge with its famous ‘clip-on’ boardwalks and swing bridges, and explore the striking Roxburgh Gorge with a scenic jet boat ride and fascinating gold-mining history.
Continue along the Clutha Gold Trail through rolling farmland, historic towns, native bush, wetlands, and lakeside boardwalks on the new Waihola extension. With daily luggage transfers, comfortable accommodation, and all transport arranged, you can simply enjoy the ride and soak up the scenery.
Trip Highlights
- Ride through the stunning Cromwell Gorge on the new Lake Dunstan Trail
- Cycle the entire Clutha Gold Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trails
- Follow the mighty Clutha River/Mata-au through dramatic gorges, past orchards and lush farmland
- Enjoy a jet boat transfer from Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
- See gold mining relics and learn about Central Otago's history
- Experience the new extension to the Clutha Gold Trail including the Lake Waihola boardwalk
Details
Difficulty: 4
Departures Daily September to May
Start: Queenstown/Clyde
Finish: Queenstown/Clyde
Includes:
- Standard bike hire for 5 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bike upgrade available)
- 4 nights' comfort accommodation on twin share basis, ensuited where available
- 4 x breakfasts
- Jet boat transfer and history tour: Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
- Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge & Clutha Gold Trail Trust Donations
- Detailed trip itinerary and map
- Daily Luggage transfers (weight limit of 15kg per bag, 1 bag per person)
- Transport from Waihola to Clyde at the end of the Clutha Trail
- Transport from Clyde to Cromwell at the end of your trip
What's not included
- Extra transport (e.g. to/from Queenstown)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities and upgrades
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Pricing:
COST PER PERSON
Sep 2025 - May 2026
- From Queenstown: from NZ$2,137
- From Clyde: from NZ$1,920
- e-Bike* upgrade: NZ$425
*subject to availability
Pricing is correct at the time of publishing but may change without prior notice.
Currency ConverterOverview
Experience five days of spectacular cycling through three of New Zealand’s most iconic trails – the Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge, and Clutha Gold. Ride past Bannockburn’s vineyards, along the dramatic Cromwell Gorge with its famous ‘clip-on’ boardwalks and swing bridges, and explore the striking Roxburgh Gorge with a scenic jet boat ride and fascinating gold-mining history.
Continue along the Clutha Gold Trail through rolling farmland, historic towns, native bush, wetlands, and lakeside boardwalks on the new Waihola extension. With daily luggage transfers, comfortable accommodation, and all transport arranged, you can simply enjoy the ride and soak up the scenery.
Trip Highlights
- Ride through the stunning Cromwell Gorge on the new Lake Dunstan Trail
- Cycle the entire Clutha Gold Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trails
- Follow the mighty Clutha River/Mata-au through dramatic gorges, past orchards and lush farmland
- Enjoy a jet boat transfer from Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
- See gold mining relics and learn about Central Otago's history
- Experience the new extension to the Clutha Gold Trail including the Lake Waihola boardwalk
Itinerary
Open AllA 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.
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 included: 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 included: 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. Much of today’s route follows the old railway corridor, including a ride through Tunnel Hill, a short, hand-carved rail tunnel that adds a touch of historic charm to your journey. The trail leads you into Lawrence, a town steeped in gold rush history and the birthplace of New Zealand’s first major gold discovery at nearby Gabriel’s Gully in 1861.
Once in Lawrence, take time to explore the characterful main street, dotted with heritage buildings, antique shops, and welcoming cafés. You might like to visit the Lawrence Chinese Camp historic site, browse the Tuapeka Goldfields Museum, or simply unwind at one of the local eateries with a coffee or glass of Central Otago wine.
Meals included: B
The final Lawrence to Waihola section of the Clutha Gold trail traverses rolling farmland between Lawrence and Waitahuna, once a bustling stop on the goldfields railway. From Waitahuna to Mt Stuart the trail generally follows the old railway corridor with highlights including original rail cuttings, two heritage rail tunnels, and a viaduct, impressive reminders of the region’s rail history. Along this stretch, you'll also pass through serene woodland glades, adding a tranquil and shaded contrast to the open farmland.
It then follows the Tokomairiro River and onto the Tokomairiro plains, crossing two, 42m long suspension bridges along the way, before passing through wetlands, with long sections of elevated boardwalk, alongside and across Lake Waihola, a shallow tidal lake known for its birdlife and natural beauty.
Once in Waihola, take time to relax by the lake or enjoy a well-earned refreshment in this peaceful lakeside village before your shuttle takes you back to Clyde.
Meals: B
COST PER PERSON
Sep 2025 - May 2026
- From Queenstown: from NZ$2,137
- From Clyde: from NZ$1,920
- e-Bike* upgrade: NZ$425
*subject to availability
Pricing is correct at the time of publishing but may change without prior notice.
Itinerary
Open AllA 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.
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 included: 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 included: 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. Much of today’s route follows the old railway corridor, including a ride through Tunnel Hill, a short, hand-carved rail tunnel that adds a touch of historic charm to your journey. The trail leads you into Lawrence, a town steeped in gold rush history and the birthplace of New Zealand’s first major gold discovery at nearby Gabriel’s Gully in 1861.
Once in Lawrence, take time to explore the characterful main street, dotted with heritage buildings, antique shops, and welcoming cafés. You might like to visit the Lawrence Chinese Camp historic site, browse the Tuapeka Goldfields Museum, or simply unwind at one of the local eateries with a coffee or glass of Central Otago wine.
Meals included: B
The final Lawrence to Waihola section of the Clutha Gold trail traverses rolling farmland between Lawrence and Waitahuna, once a bustling stop on the goldfields railway. From Waitahuna to Mt Stuart the trail generally follows the old railway corridor with highlights including original rail cuttings, two heritage rail tunnels, and a viaduct, impressive reminders of the region’s rail history. Along this stretch, you'll also pass through serene woodland glades, adding a tranquil and shaded contrast to the open farmland.
It then follows the Tokomairiro River and onto the Tokomairiro plains, crossing two, 42m long suspension bridges along the way, before passing through wetlands, with long sections of elevated boardwalk, alongside and across Lake Waihola, a shallow tidal lake known for its birdlife and natural beauty.
Once in Waihola, take time to relax by the lake or enjoy a well-earned refreshment in this peaceful lakeside village before your shuttle takes you back to Clyde.
Meals: B
