Complete the Roxburgh Gorge / Clutha Gold and Otago Central Rail Trail as one Epic Adventure.
Queenstown to Dunedin/Queenstown, 6 days / 5 nights
HIGHLIGHTS
Cycle the Roxburgh Gorge / Clutha Gold and Otago Central Rail Trail over 6 days (4 – 6 hours cycling a day)
Door to Door collection from Queenstown and scenic drive to Clyde
Bike Hire including pannier & helmet – if staying Clyde for a night pre-tour, receive a ½ day FREE bike hire
Personalised bike fitting and briefing
Accommodation that is chosen to suit your style and group, with daily breakfast
Daily luggage transfers with a generous 15kg per bag allowance
Taieri Gorge Train to Dunedin or return to Queenstown by bus
This itinerary is a guideline only and can be tailor-made to suit your group. Additional days and activities are easily added and it can be reversed so that you start from Dunedin. Please contact us to quote.
ITINERARY
PRE-TOUR OPTION – STAY A NIGHT IN HISTORIC CLYDE
For a more relaxing start to your Epic Rail Trail adventure why not stay a night (or two) before in Clyde. Bike It Now! will collect your group from your Queenstown accommodation or the airport at 8am or 2pm. Clyde is a small historic goldmining town full of character and charm set below the imposing Clyde Dam.
Take the free walking tour of the historic township, visit the fascinating Clyde Museum and Briar Herb Factory or take cruise or kayak trip on the Clutha River. Clyde also boasts its own boutique cinema. On the first Sunday of each month from October to March, the Clyde on Sunday Market operates which brings together local artisans and entertainers.
This option is highly recommended so that you can enjoy the charms of Clyde and have a good night sleep before setting out after breakfast for your first day on the trail.
DAY 1 – QUEENSTOWN TO CLYDE – CYCLE ROXBURGH GORGE TRAIL (33KMS)
Your Epic Adventure starts with a Bike It Now! team member collecting you from your Queenstown accommodation at 8am. Enjoy an informative journey through the Kawarau and Cromwell Gorges to Clyde.
We fit your bikes and then enjoy a complimentary drink while we run through our tour briefing.
You then cycle the river route to Alexandra, joining the Roxburgh Gorge Trail there.
The River route follows the Clutha River from The Big Red Bridge in Clyde to the Big Grey Bridge in Alexandra. This is easy single track riding you just need to be aware of other users as it is a walking and cycling track. Our bikes all have bells very useful in this section.
The Roxburgh Gorge trail begins in Alexandra passing under the Alexandra Bridge and beside the historic bridge piers. The Manuherikia River joins the Clutha River and you enter into the gorge within 1km on the track start. Be amazed by the quick transition from urban to remote and the awe inspiring gorge setting. The trail gains height as it makes its way to Butchers Creek (4.1km) where you will see stone walled water races and signs of the old gold mining days. The trail stops beside the boat jetty at Doctors Point. This is where you will meet the boat at a pre-arranged time for a relaxing transfer down the lake to Shingle Creek. (13km)
From the Shingle Creek Jetty you ascend gradually into a more rural setting, passing through small secluded valleys. As you approach the Roxburgh Dam the rugged isolated landscape allows you to take in stunning vistas up and down the lake.
Overnight: Roxburgh Hydro Village or Roxburgh
Cycling Distance Clyde to Roxburgh Dam 33kms
DAY 2 –CYCLE TO MILLERS FLAT (29KMS)
Start by crossing over the Roxburgh Dam, turning right to Commissioners Flat. This is the starting point of the Clutha Gold Trail. This part of the trail takes you alongside the mighty Clutha Mata-au Rivers – its distinctive turquoise colour, constant flow and ever changing moods become interwoven with your experience. Look out for signs of the original search for gold and imagine what the hardy settlers faced in the early days. As you travel downstream you cannot miss the orchards on both sides of the valley creating a splash of colour at every season.
Meander along the riverside and enjoy a break in your journey at Pinders Pond, 5km beyond Roxburgh. There are many things to look out for along this part of the trail, including stunning rock formations both on the hillsides and in the river, and the largest stand of regenerating native Kanuka (tea trees).
Overnight: Millers Flat
Cycling distances: Roxburgh Dam to Millers Flat 29kms
DAY 2 –CYCLE TO LAWRENCE (44KMS)
This section of the trail takes you from the pastoral farm land and orchards around Millers Flat through the remoteness of the Beaumont Gorge before re-emerging beside the main highway at the Beaumont Bridge. Visit the historic Horseshoe Bend Bridge, and for an added story take a short detour from the Horseshoe Bend Bridge car park up the road to the site of the Lonely Graves.
From Beaumont you start the climb towards the highest point of the trail and through the Big Hill Tunnel. After the tunnel you descend into lush green farmland connecting with and crossing the highway several times. There are many reminders of the area’s history along the route, including the discovery of gold, milling of flax fibre for rope making around Evans Flat and the arrival of the Chinese prospectors to the goldfields.
Bike It Now! transfer to Clyde from Lawrence
Overnight: Clyde
Cycling distances: Millers Flat to Lawrence 44kms
DAY 4 –– CYCLE TO LAUDER (44kms)
You have the option to start on the Rail Trail or cycle the river route to Alexandra, rejoining the Rail Trail there.
On the Rail Trail cross the wood trestle Mutton Town Viaduct and maybe stop and taste some local wine. Cycle through irrigated farmland and the typical schist rock and thyme landscape of Central Otago. At Omakau you can leave the trail for a 5km loop road cycle to historic Ophir crossing the Daniel O’Donnell suspension bridge. In Omakau, you’ll find the workshop of Peter Lorimer, artisan knife maker, whose knives are coveted by many top chefs. There are extensive views of Alexandra, The Old Man Range and the Dunstan Range from the trail today.
Overnight: Lauder
Cycling Distances: Clyde to Lauder 44km
DAY 5 – CYCLE TO WAIPIATA (B) (57kms)
Highlights today include the curved Manuherikia Bridge, the trails longest and the spectacular Poolburn Gorge with its two long tunnels and 37m high viaduct. Pass the Ida Burn Dam, famous for curling and the Brass Monkey Motorcycle Rally every Queens Birthday Weekend.
In Oturehua, historic Hayes Engineering Works is worth a visit and stop in at Gilchrists store, NZ’s oldest continuously operating general store. Just out of Oturehua, visit the Golden Progress Mine where Otago’s last remaining poppet head still straddles a deep mine shaft. Cross the 45th Parallel twice and cycle to the trails highest point (618m above sea level) just north of Wedderburn before descending onto the Maniototo Plain.
The Wedderburn Goods Shed, made famous as the subject of Grahame Sydney’s painting ‘July on the Maniototo’ is a classic Rail Trail photo stop and in Ranfurly there is display dedicated to the 1943 Hyde Rail Disaster at the Information Centre located in the old station building. There are breathtaking views of the Ida Valley, Hawkdun and Ida Ranges on this day. A side trip to Naseby including curling at the international indoor rink or can be included (bookings essential).
Overnight: Waipiata
Cycling Distance: Lauder to Waipiata 57km
DAY 6 – CYCLE TO MIDDLEMARCH (B) (56kms)
The historic Cap Burn Bridge, 32 m high Prices Creek Viaduct and Prices Creek Tunnel are also highlights of this picturesque section. The views of the Kakanui Mountains and Ida Range are especially spectacular. Pass the Hyde Rail Disaster Memorial where 21 people lost their lives in a derailment in 1943. Hyde’s Station built in 1894 still stands. Enjoy views of the farmland of the Strath Taieri valley with the Strath Taieri ridge on your left and the Rock and Pillar range on your right.
Finish the trail about 400m north of the Middlemarch Station. Return your cycles, collect your bags and catch the Taieri Gorge train (shuttle to Pukerangi to catch the Train included) to Dunedin or return to Queenstown by bus.
Cycling Distances: Waipiata to Middlemarch 56km
TRIP DETAILS
LOCATION Central Otago, New Zealand
DATES
Depart on a day to suit.
The Autumn months on the trail are the busiest. Early booking i.e. 6
months in advance is recommended.
DURATION
6 days, 5 nights
COST Standard Accommodation (mainly share bathrooms)
> Tour including Hire Bikes: from $1000.00pp
> Bring your Own Bike: from $730.00pp
> Pre-tour accommodation (Clyde): from $60pp B&B
Superior Accommodation (ensuite/own bathroom)
> Tour including Bikes: from $1230.00pp
> Bring your Own Bike: from $960.00pp
> Pre-tour accommodation (Clyde): from $80pp B&B
Accommodation is based on twin share and single supplements will apply for single travellers wanting their own room.
DEPARTURE POINT
Queenstown (hotel pick ups) or Queenstown Airport or start from Clyde
DEPARTURE TIME
8.00am or 2.00pm if staying a night pre-tour in Cromwell/Clyde.
Other times by arrangement.
INCLUDED
>Collection from your Queenstown accommodation or the airport by Bike It Now! (if required) personal bike fitting and pre-trail briefing over complimentary drink
> Accommodation and daily breakfast
> 6 days bag transfers based on 1 bag per person weighing no more than 15kg per bag.
> Taieri Gorge Train to Dunedin and transfers required on the day the train departs from Pukerangi. Additional charge may apply if you want to return to Queenstown.
> Full trip preparation information & travel documents including maps
> Otago Central Rail Trail Passport – full of historical information (funds raised support the work of the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust)
> Roxburgh Gorge / Clutha Gold Maintanece Tag (funds go to the ongoing mainatanece of te trails
> 6 days cycle and helmet hire* (this cost is excluded if bringing your own cycle – see above). Our bikes include the Avanti Montari (for men) and Forte (for women) and the Discovery 2 Low (step-thru). Bikes are available in a range of sizes. For features of each bike visit https://www.bikeitnow.co.nz/our-bikes.
All adult bikes come with:
o Drop down Pannier bag that sits on your carrier for better bike balance.
o Water bottle holder
o Dual Density Gel seat covers
o Ergo Grips
o A helmet is supplied or you can bring your own.
o Cateye Velo 7 Bike Computer
ADD TO YOUR TOUR
> Clutha River Cruise
from $95.00 per person (min 2 departing Alex/Clyde)
www.clutharivercruises.co.nz
> Curling & Naseby Tour
from $80.00 per person (departing from Wedderburn or Ranfurly
> Curling Only
$30 per adult for 1.5 hours, child, student and family rates available (you need to be staying in Naseby) www.curling.co.nz
> St Bathans & Cambrians Tour
(departing from Omakau, Lauder, Oturehua, Wedderburn, Ranfurly and Naseby) price depends on group size and where you are staying
> 4WD High Country Tours
3 hour Tour from $85.00pp
5 hour Tour from: $125.00pp
Full Day Tour from: $200.00pp
www.maniototo4wdsafaris.co.nz
NOT INCLUDED
> All other meals not specified – depending on what you order, budget a minimum of $50 per day per person.
> Additional bag and people transfers. Extra bags not needed on the trail can be transferred to the end of the trail and stored for $15 per bag.
> Overweight bag charges. It is important to stick to the 15kg limit. This is for the health and safety of the bag services drivers.
TO BOOK THIS TOUR
> Go to our Itinerary enquiry button and complete your details
> If you accept we will book your tour and will require a deposit from your group within 7 days ($200.00 per person) of you accepting
> Final tour payments are required 6 weeks prior to departure.
* We also have a wide range of children’s bikes, tow behinds and child seats; please contact us for more information at info@bikeitnow.co.nz
