Double Delight
Grade 2-3 (intermediate)
77km
This 2-day adventure takes you from Cromwell to Roxburgh Hydro over 2 days with a night’s accommodation in Clyde. Cycling 75km over the two days, through unique and fascinating landscapes following Lake Dunstan to Clyde with a night’s accommodation here prior to starting the Roxburgh Gorge adventure the following morning. Roxburgh Gorge is one of New Zealand’s most visually spectacular and intriguing rides following the Clutha Mata-au River past eroded bluffs and old gold mining workings, all set amidst graceful willows and fragrant thyme.
Over two days you will cycle between 3 – 4 hours each day. We will transfer your luggage to your accommodation daily.
Itinerary
Cromwell – Bannockburn 9.5km (grade 2)
Your adventure starts at our Cromwell depot arriving 8.30am for your bike fitting and briefing prior to starting your adventure. (Transport can be arranged from Queenstown or pickup from your Cromwell accommodation)
First stop this morning being Cromwell Heritage Precinct 2.5km down the trail, be sure to stop here and explore the boutique galleries, retail stores and cafes for your first coffee of the morning. Following the Kawarau Arm of Lake Dunstan to Bannockburn bridge you will have amazing vistas across the lake to Bannockburn vineyards. After crossing under the bridge, you loop around the inlet towards Cornish Point.
Bannockburn Inlet to Cairnmuir Gully 11.3km (grade 2-3)
As you continue towards Cornish Point you pass by vineyards and olive groves with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. This section includes the first of the bluff bridges and you will cycle at the base of the stonework faces of the Cairnmuir slide, a unique feature high on the slopes above the lake. Be sure to make a stop at Carrick Winery & Restaurant in this section to enjoy a glass of wine while relaxing on the outdoor bean bags.
Cairnsmuir Gully to Halfway Hut 8.4km (grade 2-3)
This section requires more attention and skill as there are narrow sections and more gradient. It’s also the section with the highest point of the trail, so make the most of the magnificent views. The Hugo Suspension bridge is in the middle of this section. “Coffee Afloat” awaits you here also, this is the last of the food/drinks options available until you reach Clyde.
Halfway Hut to Dunstan Arm Rowing Club 10.7km (grade 2-3)
Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb/descent. A dominant feature at this end of the trail is New Zealand’s third largest hydro-dam – the Clyde Dam which first power was generated in 1992.
Dunstan Arms Rowing Club to Clyde Heritage Precinct 3.5km (grade 1)
This section follows the sealed road in places and shares the Clyde bridge with other traffic before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. Be sure to take the time to explore the precinct, then head to your accommodation for the night.
Leaving your accommodation this morning, please ensure that you check into The Bank Café and collect your lunch for today (prebooked for you)
Make your way back to the Clyde bridge where you left the trail yesterday. This first section is Clyde to Alexandra on the scenic river track which links up with the Roxburgh Gorge trail just below the Alexandra bridge. This trail takes you along the true right bank of the powerful Clutha Mata-au River.
The Roxburgh Gorge trail from here is flanked by bluffs up to 350metres high with spectacular countryside to enjoy on the way to Doctors Point. You will wind through the gorge, climbing a zigzag to access “The Narrows”, an ancient rock slide where care is required to negotiate the narrower sections of trail and boardwalk.
Doctors point is the pickup for your 45-minute Jet Boat trip tour down the river, take in this highly memorable ride to delve deeper into the gorge’s history.
Disembarking at Shingle Creek jetty, this next section is 12km to Roxburgh Dam to meet your shuttle transfer back to Clyde. A series of switchbacks in this section lead to a fitting finale, the impressive Roxburgh Hydro Dam lookout. Open in 1956 it’s the largest concrete gravity dam in New Zealand and powers up to 200,000 homes.
Pickup commissioner’s flat carpark at 2.30pm for transfer back to Clyde.
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$799pp twin share
$140 single supplement.
Minimum 2 pax
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Bike hire – standard bike, helmet, pannier bags, repair kit and pump
All bike relocation and transport
Daily luggage transfers (1 bag per person – limit 15kgs per bag. Surplus luggage can be stored at our Cromwell depot)
Jet Boat transfer Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
Shuttle Roxburgh Hydro Dam back to Cromwell
Accommodation – 1 nights ensuite room with breakfast included
Detailed Kiwi Journeys wallet with map and information
Kiwi Journeys water bottle
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15th September - 15th May
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Ebike upgrade $135.00pp (includes additional jetboat fee for e-Bikes)
Lunch pack at The Bank Café Clyde - (Day 2)
Transfers to/from Queenstown
