Roxburgh Gorge

Carved by the Clutha River over millennia, Roxburgh Gorge is a dramatic, schist-lined canyon in Central Otago. This remote, wild landscape offers a raw beauty that feels a world away from the region's orchards and vineyards. The gorge is best explored by water—either by jet boat or kayak—where you can feel the scale of the towering cliffs and spot historic gold-mining relics along the banks. It's a place that rewards the adventurous with a deep sense of isolation and the raw power of nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Roxburgh Gorge Jet Boat Ride: An exhilarating 45-minute trip through the narrow gorge, with drivers spinning 360s and pointing out old gold workings. It's the most accessible way to experience the scale of the canyon.
• Alexandra to Roxburgh Cycle Trail (part of the Otago Central Rail Trail): A stunning 28 km section of the trail that runs alongside the gorge, offering epic views over the river and through tunnels carved into the rock. Best done as a day ride or part of a multi-day journey.
• Historic Gold Mining Sites: Look out for remnants of dredges, water races, and miners' huts along the riverbanks. The area was a hive of activity during the 1860s gold rush, and the scars of that era are still visible.
• Fishing: The Clutha River in the gorge is known for brown trout and salmon. Bring your gear and try your luck from the banks (a licence is required).
• Picnicking at the Roxburgh Gorge Lookout: A short walk from the car park on the Alexandra side offers a panoramic view down the gorge—perfect for a packed lunch with a view.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day exploring the gorge, either by taking a jet boat ride (around 1 hour) and then driving to a lookout, or by cycling a section of the rail trail (allow 3–4 hours for a one-way ride with a shuttle back). If you're a keen angler or want to kayak, budget a full day. The gorge is a highlight of a 2–3 day stay in the Cromwell–Alexandra area, and it's easy to combine with a visit to the nearby fruit-growing towns.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alexandra: The gateway town to the gorge, with a charming main street, the Alexandra Clock, and the start of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Try the local stone fruit in summer.
• Cromwell: A 30-minute drive north, known for its historic old town (now partly submerged), award-winning wineries, and the Cromwell Heritage Precinct.
• Otago Central Rail Trail: A 150 km cycling trail from Clyde to Middlemarch, with the Roxburgh Gorge section being one of its most scenic. Plan a multi-day cycle trip.
• Lake Dunstan: Just north of Cromwell, this lake offers water sports, fishing, and the scenic Bannockburn wine region on its shores.

Please check official sources for current details.