Easy to intermediate
This lakeside day ride serves up spectacular Central Otago scenery, rich heritage, and delicious food and wine.
Joining the family of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand(opens in new window) in 2021, this superbly built trail has become a must-do visitors looking for a taste of Central Otago’s landscapes and flavours. A winding journey around the edge of Lake Dunstan, Kawarau River and Clutha River Mata-au, it takes in Bannockburn wineries and a series of natural and manmade wonders on its way between the heritage towns of Cromwell and Clyde. All riders need to have the skills and fitness necessary to complete the grade 3 (intermediate) sections of this trail safely.
While the full 55km ride starts at Smiths Way north of Cromwell, most people cycle from Cromwell to Clyde 41km away, with the assistance of shuttle transport.
Cromwell’s heritage precinct makes an atmospheric start point for this Great Ride, which skirts a large, serpentine waterway formed by two connected rivers pooling into a lake formed by the striking Clyde hydro-dam the other end of the trail.
From Cromwell, the trail heads through the pretty Bannockburn vineyards where several cellar doors offer wine-tasting and dining. Rounding Cornish Point, the trail heads into the rocky Cromwell Gorge and along the first of several cleverly engineered, cantilevered boardwalks skirting the bluffs. The Coffee Afloat and Burger Afloat boat is a welcome surprise at remote Cairnmuir Gully (check opening times).
The second half is more challenging, with decent climbs rewarding you with spectacular views. Other highlights include stacked rock walls and an impressive suspension bridge, plus close-up views of the Clyde dam before the final roll into Clyde where handsome heritage buildings house some lovely cafes and accommodation.
A detailed description of this Great Ride, including maps and more information, can be found here.
Lake Dunstan Trail(opens in new window)
This Great Ride is well supported by tour companies offering bike hire, shuttles, luggage transfers and accommodation packages. Several are conveniently based in Clyde: Bike It Now!(opens in new window), Central Cycle Trail(opens in new window), Shebikeshebikes(opens in new window) and Trail Journeys(opens in new window). Guided trips departing from Christchurch are offered by Adventure South NZ(opens in new window) and Pure Trails New Zealand(opens in new window).
There is plenty of accommodation in the main centres of Clyde and Alexandra, and many of the pretty settlements along the way. Visit the Central Otago NZ(opens in new window) website for more details.
Other popular bases within 90 minutes’ drive include Dunedin, Cromwell, Wānaka and Queenstown.
Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails(opens in new window)
Lake Dunstan Trail(opens in new window)