Clutha Gold Trail

Following the mighty Clutha River through Central Otago's historic gold-mining landscape, the Clutha Gold Trail is a 73-km cycle and walking trail that offers a gentle ride through some of New Zealand's most photogenic scenery. The trail runs between the old gold-rush towns of Cromwell and Roxburgh, weaving through orchards, past historic bridges and tunnels, and along the shores of man-made lakes. With a mostly flat, well-formed surface, it's accessible to families and casual cyclists, yet rewarding enough for experienced riders who want to soak up Otago's golden light.

Highlights & What to See

• Old Cromwell Town: Start at the historic precinct with its restored stone buildings, artisan shops, and a glimpse into the 1860s gold rush.
• Lake Dunstan: The trail hugs the lake's edge for several kilometres, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding hills and vineyards.
• Clyde Bridge and Dam: Pedal over the historic Clyde Bridge and past the massive Clyde Dam, an engineering marvel that created Lake Dunstan.
• Horseshoe Bend Tunnel: A 200-metre-long historic railway tunnel carved through rock – bring a torch and feel the cool air inside.
• Roxburgh Gorge: The final section follows the Clutha River through a dramatic gorge, with opportunities to spot native birds and golden tussock.
• Fruit Orchards and Vineyards: Ride through Central Otago's famous fruit bowl, where you can stop for stone fruit in summer or sample world-class pinot noir at cellar doors along the way.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day (6–8 hours) to cycle the entire trail from Cromwell to Roxburgh, including stops for photos, snacks, and exploring historic sites. If you're short on time, the most scenic section is between Clyde and Alexandra (about 15 km, 1–2 hours one way). Many riders opt for a one-way trip using a shuttle service, making it a leisurely half-day adventure. Walkers can tackle shorter sections as day walks, especially the Cromwell–Clyde stretch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cromwell: The trail's northern gateway, a charming town with a historic precinct, vineyards, and the excellent Cromwell Heritage Precinct.
• Alexandra: A 10-km side trip from Clyde offers the Alexandra Bird Gardens and the old railway station with a local museum.
• Roxburgh: The trail's southern terminus, known for its fruit-growing heritage, the Roxburgh Dam, and the Roxburgh East gold-mining area.
• Queenstown: A 1-hour drive from Cromwell, perfect for combining with adventure sports and lake cruising after your ride.
• Wanaka: Another 45-minute drive from Cromwell, offering lake activities, hiking, and the famous That Wanaka Tree.

Please check official sources for current details.