Clutha River Trail

Flowing swiftly from Lake Wanaka towards the Pacific, the Clutha River is New Zealand's mightiest waterway by volume. The Clutha River Trail hugs its banks, offering an easy, mostly flat walk or cycle through a landscape shaped by gold, water, and time. This is a journey through the heart of Otago’s gold-mining past, past willow-draped riverbanks, historic stone cottages, and the quiet rhythm of braided channels. The trail is a locals’ favourite for a morning jog or an afternoon pedal, with the ever-present roar of the river as your soundtrack.

Highlights & What to See

• Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley – Ride or walk the 15 km section between Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley wine region, passing through the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown and crossing the Kawarau River on the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge.
• Kawarau Gorge – The trail offers dramatic views of the deep, schist-lined gorge where the Clutha narrows, with turquoise water rushing below.
• Historic Gold-Mining Sites – Look for remnants of sluicing channels, water races, and abandoned miners’ huts along the route.
• Gibbston Valley Vineyards – The trail ends (or begins) in the Gibbston Valley, known for its pinot noir and cellar doors perfect for a post-ride tasting.
• Birdlife – Keep an eye out for black-backed gulls, paradise shelducks, and the occasional grey heron stalking the shallows.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors tackle the Arrowtown–Gibbston section as a half-day outing (3–4 hours cycling or 5–6 hours walking). If you’re short on time, a 2-hour walk from Arrowtown to the Kawarau Bridge and back is a rewarding taster. For a full-day adventure, continue beyond Gibbston to Cromwell (another 20 km) for a longer ride through changing landscapes. The trail is well signposted and largely flat, making it suitable for families with older children.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Arrowtown – Start or end your ride in this charming gold-rush town with its tree-lined main street, excellent bakeries, and the Lakes District Museum.
• Queenstown – Just 20 minutes from Arrowtown, the adventure capital offers bungee jumping, jet boating, and a lively lakeside scene.
• Gibbston Valley – Spend an afternoon wine tasting at cellar doors like Peregrine or Waitiri Creek.
• Cromwell – A historic gold-mining town at the junction of the Clutha and Kawarau rivers, known for its fruit orchards and the Cromwell Heritage Precinct.
• Lake Wanaka – An hour’s drive north, the lake town offers hiking, water sports, and the famous Wanaka Tree.

Please check official sources for current details.