Clutha Gold Trail

Pedalling the Clutha Gold Trail is like cycling through a living postcard of New Zealand's deep south. This 73 km Great Ride follows the mighty Clutha River from the historic gold-mining town of Roxburgh to the Lake Dunstan Trailhead near Clyde, offering a gentle gradient that suits families and casual riders. The trail weaves through orchards, past old gold workings, and alongside shimmering river terraces, with the Southern Alps ever-present on the horizon. You'll feel the region's gold-rush history in the air, and taste it in the stone fruit you can buy from roadside stalls in summer.

Highlights & What to See

• Roxburgh Gorge – The trail's dramatic start, where the river narrows between steep schist cliffs, with remnants of gold dredges visible from the path.
• Historic Alexandra Bridge – Stop mid-ride to admire this 1920s suspension bridge, a perfect photo spot with the Clutha flowing beneath.
• Orchard Country – The stretch through Roxburgh and Ettrick is famous for stone fruit; in summer, pull over for apricots, peaches, and cherries straight from the farm gate.
• Old Gold Mining Sites – Interpretive panels at places like Shingle Creek and Butcher's Point explain the 1860s gold rush that shaped the region.
• Lake Dunstan – The trail ends at the lake's edge, where you can connect to the Lake Dunstan Trail for more stunning waterside riding.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most riders tackle the full trail in one day (4–6 hours cycling time), but it's best to allow a full day with breaks for picnics, swimming, and exploring old gold sites. If you're short on time, the most scenic section is the 20 km from Roxburgh to Millers Flat, which packs in the gorge and orchards. For a leisurely two-day trip, stay overnight in Roxburgh or Alexandra and split the ride at the halfway point near Millers Flat. The trail is well-graded for e-bikes and hybrids, and bike hire is available in Roxburgh and Clyde.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – A 90-minute drive from Roxburgh; combine with a day on the Clutha Gold Trail for a mix of adventure and quiet cycling.
• Wanaka – Less than an hour from Clyde; explore Lake Wanaka and the mountains after your ride.
• Dunedin – Two hours east; a great add-on for wildlife (Otago Peninsula) and Victorian architecture.
• Te Anau & Milford Sound – Head west from the trail for Fiordland's dramatic fiords and hiking.

Please check official sources for current details.