Lake Dunstan Trail

The newest New Zealand Great Ride – the Lake Dunstan Trail is a remarkable scenic cycling trail that winds its way through the captivating landscapes of the Central Otago region in New Zealand linking the towns of Cromwell and Clyde.

It is part of the ever increasing Central Otago cycling network. It provides great links to our other Great rides, namely Otago Central Rail Trail and Roxburgh Gorge trails

Bike It Now! provides 1 day packages on the Lake Dunstan Trail which includes bike hire and one way shuttle. Alternatively if you have your own bike you can just book our Lake Dunstan Shuttle.

The Trail

The trail follows the true right of the Kawarau River, from Old Cromwell Town to Bannockburn, and then through the Cromwell Gorge to the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club, near Clyde. The trail forms part of 536km of new trails connecting Cromwell to other Central Otago, Queenstown and Wanaka trails.

The 40.2km trail is part of the $26million New Zealand Cycle Trail Project, funded by the Government, the Central Lakes Trust and the Otago Community Trust.

Highlights

• Old Cromwell Town
• Bannockburn Vineyards
• Carrick Vineyard for refreshments
• Amazing engineering on those cantilevered sections above the lake
• Coffee Afloat – grab a drink and/or lunch along the way! – Make sure you check opening times
• Cairnmuir Ladder
• Views of Lake Dunstan
• Historic Clyde Township

Please note that parts of the trail are in remote terrain with some challenging grade 3 sections which are only recommended for confident and experienced cyclists. To understand what to expect, to help you choose the right section of trail for your ability, and how to prepare for your ride, view this video>>

Lake Dunstan Trail Map

Check out the LATEST trail information on the Tourism Central Website, Lake Dunstan Trail
Check out the latest Facebook information from the Trail Experts themselves.

Trail Build

Two contractors (Wilson and Keen and M3) completed the bulk of the trail construction. A third contractor, Cliff Care, has also been involved in trail construction, along with rock scaling and clip-on bridge work.

 

Suggested One Day and Multi Day Itineraries

Some great options for you:

• The Lake Dunstan “One Day Wonder” Tour for bike hire and transport
• Just looking for a shuttle? We can do that too. Shuttle Services.
• Or what about our Epic Multi Day Cycling adventure; Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Clutha Gold Trail.
• Or the Bike It Now! “Big Loop”; All four Great Rides. If you are looking for 6 – 10 days continuous riding this is for you.