Clutha River

New Zealand's Clutha River, the country's second-longest river, surges from the Southern Alps past the glaciers of the West Coast, carving a powerful path through rugged gorges and pastoral plains. This mighty waterway offers dramatic scenery, gold-rush history, and exceptional fishing and jet-boating opportunities. Whether you're hiking its banks, casting a line for trophy trout, or simply soaking in the alpine vistas, the Clutha is a raw, untamed force of nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Kawarau Gorge – Drive the spectacular gorge road between Queenstown and Cromwell, where the river funnels through sheer rock walls; stop at lookout points for vertiginous views.
• Roxburgh Gorge Trail – Cycle or walk this 22-km trail along the river's edge, passing old gold-mining tunnels and historic water races; combine with a jet-boat ride through the gorge.
• Alexandra & Clyde – Explore the historic gold-rush towns; visit the Clyde Dam, New Zealand's largest earth dam, and walk the Clyde-Gorge Trail for river panoramas.
• Fishing the Clutha – The river is famous for brown trout and salmon; book a guided fly-fishing trip in the lower reaches near Balclutha or in the upper tributaries.
• Jet-Boating Adventures – Feel the thrill of high-speed jet-boat rides on the Kawarau River (a major Clutha tributary), zipping through narrow canyons.

Suggested Time to Spend

Devote at least half a day to exploring a specific stretch, such as the Kawarau Gorge or the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. To fully appreciate the river's diversity—from glacial headwaters to the Pacific mouth—plan for a full day driving between Queenstown and Balclutha, with stops at lookouts, historic sites, and walking trails. Anglers may want two days to fish different sections.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – Adventure capital with bungee, skiing, and lake cruises; the Clutha's headwaters begin here.
• Wanaka – Picturesque lakeside town just over the Crown Range; gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.
• Cromwell – Historic gold-mining town at the junction of the Clutha and Kawarau rivers; famous for stone fruit and wineries.
• Dunedin – Wildlife-rich Otago Peninsula, Victorian architecture, and the river's mouth near Balclutha.
• The Catlins – Rugged coastal scenery, waterfalls, and rare penguins; south of the Clutha's lower reaches.

Please check official sources for current details.