Go With The Flow - With Waihola Extension
Cromwell to Waihola
Grade 1-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
6 Days - 212 km’s
This 6-day adventure has you cycling 212km’s from Cromwell to Waihola on the Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge & Clutha Gold Trails following the mighty Clutha Mata-au River, becoming immersed in the splendid isolation like no other world.
The landscape changes every day along with the amazing history of Central Otago.
Over 6 days you will cycle between 3 - 5 hours each day.
We will transfer your luggage to your accommodation each day.
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.
Cairnmuir 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.
This trail is in three sections -
· Clyde to Alexandra cycling river trail 12km
· Alexandra to Doctors Point 10km
· Doctors Point to Shingle creek by Jet boat
· Shingle Creek to Roxburgh Dam 12km
Day 2 has you cycling from Clyde to Lake Roxburgh Village. Please ensure that you take your lunch and plenty of water today as no food options are available once you leave Alexandra. You leave Clyde cycling on the scenic river track, this trail takes you along the true right bank of the powerful Clutha Mata-au River which then links up with the Roxburgh Gorge trail just below the Alexandra bridge. You will be amazed by the abrupt transition from urban to remote landscape against awesome inspiring backdrop. Gaining height, the trail makes its way towards Butchers Creek and other remnants of gold mining activity prior to reaching the jetty at Doctors Point to meet the jet boat for a memorable and scenic transfer down the lake to Shingle Creek. You re-join the trail here and continue your adventure to Lake Roxburgh Hydro Village where you are booked to stay for the night.
ADDITIONAL OPTION – you can cycle from Clyde to Alexandra on the Rail Trail instead of taking the scenic river track, this takes you through the Alexandra township to meet up with the Roxburgh Gorge trail on the other side of the Alexandra town bridge (8km) to Clyde.
The Roxburgh Gorge trails finishes here with you connecting with Clutha Gold Trail to start your adventure today. This has you cycling from Roxburgh Village to Millers Flat passing thought Roxburgh township (9.5km from Roxburgh Village). Pop off the trail into Roxburgh to enjoy a great coffee and legendary Jimmies Pie before continuing to Millers Flat.
Meander along the riverside keeping an eye out for stunning hillside rock formations as you go. Beyond Roxburgh you can enjoy a swim/picnic at the popular Pinder’s Pond which is a safe swimming spot just off the trail. From here you cycle a further 15km through pastoral farmland towards the tiny settlement of Millers Flat for your nights’ accommodation.
Day four on the trail has you cycling from Millers Flat to Lawrence again following the river through the Beaumont Gorge meeting up with State Highway 8 at the Beaumont Bridge. If times allows visit the historic Horseshoe Bend suspension bridge, well worth the time. From Beaumont the trail begins to climb towards the highest point, then on through the Big Hill Tunnel. You will see reminders of the area’s history as you go – discovery of gold, milling of flax fibre for ropemaking and the arrival of Chinese prospectors to the goldfields as you approach Lawrence. Lawrence was where gold was first discovered in New Zealand and is an awesome wee town to explore.
This is the newest section of Clutha Gold Trail. This has been designed as a Grade 2 Trail which is suitable for most riders including beginners, occasional cyclists and families with limited cycling experience. However, there are some longer sections between towns and settlements on the new section, so riders need to plan ahead and be self-sufficient with snacks and water. Currently there’s a coffee cart onsite at Waitahuna Station with a new restaurant under construction
The section between Lawrence and Waitahuna traverses rolling farmland which is quite different to the rock and tussock landscape seen in the Roxburgh Gorge. From Waitahuna to Mt Stuart the trail generally follows the old railway corridor through rail cuttings and includes two tunnels and viaduct. This section passes through some picturesque woodland glades prior to reaching Milton
Your final day on tour has you following the Tokomairiro river and onto the Tokomairiro plains. The last 3km at Lake Waihola passes through wetlands both beside and even across the lake. This part of the trail has been developed with extensive boardwalk sections which will be one of the trail highlights.
Lake Waihola is a 9km² freshwater lake. surrounded by wetlands Keep an eye out for the wildlife here - these wetlands are recognised as a critical refuge for many threatened and endangered species of plant, fish and birds.
Once your amazing ride has come to an end then you have a few choices!
We can shuttle you back to Clyde, Cromwell, Queenstown or Dunedin Airport, a 15-minute drive from Waihola.
OR as some groups have done, you could complete the loop by riding the Otago Rail Trail back to Clyde, making for an epic 10-day adventure.
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NZD $1960 pp twin share (2 - 4 pax)
NZD $1770 pp (6 + pax)
NZD$620 pp single supplement
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Bike hire – standard trail comfort bike, helmet, pannier bags, repair kit, pump and lights.
Detailed Kiwi Journeys wallet with map and information
Accommodation – 5 nights twin share ensuite room
Breakfast x 5
All bike relocation and transport
Jet Boat transfer Doctors Point to Shingle Creek
Shuttle Waihola back to Cromwell departing 12.30pm
Daily luggage transfers (1 bag per person – limit 15kgs per bag. Surplus luggage can be stored at our Cromwell depot)
Kiwi Journeys Welcome Pack: souvenir drink bottle and tee shirt
Kiwi Journeys amazing service
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15th September - 15th May
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E-Bike upgrade $375.00pp
Transfers to/from Queenstown
Shuttle Waihola to Dunedin
Pre and post trail accommodation
