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Cycling the Lake Dunstan Trail | Ross Mackay
Cycling the Lake Dunstan Trail  | Ross Mackay
Cycle over the grand Poolburn Viaduct  | Lachlan Gardiner
Riders cycling the Queenstown Trails throughout the South Island  | Geoff Marks
Sunny day on Lake Dunstan  | Will Nelson
Taking in the serenity riding through Central Otago  | Cam Stables
Discover historic tunnels along the trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
Dunstan House accommodation in Clyde  | Lachlan Gardiner
Dunstan House | Accommodation  | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycle Kawarau Gorge, Dunstan and Otago Rail Trails

Combine three NZ icons, the Kawarau Gorge, Lake Dunstan and Central Otago Rail Trails, in one remarkable cycle trip

5 Days from

$2210 USD

Trip Code: KDO
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Bike Rental
$100 USD
Sinch Ebike Rental
$350 USD
Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departure
$410 USD
Merida Full Suspension eBike Rental
$520 USD

Duration

  • 5 Days

Activities

  • 5 day cycle trail

Accommodation

  • 4 nights hotel/motel

Meals

  • 3 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

3 / 5

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

26kg of CO2-e PP per day

(104kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Be one of the first to venture into the magnificent Kawarau Gorge on the newest Great Ride
  • Ride the stunning Lake Dunstan trail through the spectacular Cromwell Gorge
  • Journey up Lake Dunstan on The Lake Dunstan Explorer boat & enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • Enjoy easy riding in epic landscapes with big skies on the Otago Rail Trail
  • Go deep into history through tunnels, over bridges, along railways & riverside paths
  • Admire architectural historic gems in the old gold mining towns of Arrowtown, Clyde and Ophir
  • Savour delicious local wine & food, and stay in great accommodation

Overview

* Unfortunately there has been a delay in the opening of the Kawarau Gorge Trail, so for the 25/26 season we will be replacing riding through the Kawarau Gorge with riding on more of the extensive Queenstown Trails network.

Ride through an array of spectacular southern landscapes on our fully guided and supported trip taking in the Kawarau Gorge, Lake Dunstan and Central Otago Rail Trails.

The adventure begins with a warm up ride on arguably the best of the Queenstown Trails, including the Wharehuanui Trail, the latest addition to the Queenstown Trail network. Our first night is spent in the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown with our first dinner at Ayrburn, Queenstown's newest food and wine neighborhood.

Day 2's riding starts with the scenic Arrow River and Gibbston Valley trails before we embark on the newest Great Ride on everyone's to do list, the Kawarau Gorge Trail. The trail winds through previously inaccessible segments of the Kawarau Gorge, treating you to scenery that will simply steal your breath away.

Staying in Clyde, another picturesque old gold-mining town, we're ready for the Central Otago Rail Trail, New Zealand's first and most famous Great Ride. Following the old Otago Central railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch over 2 days, this trail takes in grand landscapes, charming towns, country hospitality and rich history.

And finally, our journey finishes on the iconic Lake Dunstan Trail but not before a warm up ride on our final day along the Alexandra River Trail followed by a boat trip on the Dunstan Explorer taking us to the start of the Dunstan Trail. Initially following the shimmering waters of Lake Dunstan, the trail enters the dramatic Cromwell Gorge following the mighty Clutha/Mata Au river via suspension bridges and boardwalks clinging to the impressive rock walls.

Our expert guides will show you the best trailside highlights such as heritage sites, architectural gems, and vineyards. You’ll also enjoy delicious local food and drink, and friendly welcomes in accommodation full of character.

Itinerary

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After an early morning briefing in Queenstown, we saddle up for our first ride on two of the easier Queenstown Trails, riding alongside Lake Whakatipu and both the Kawerau and Shotover rivers before arriving at the historic Old Lower Shotover Bridge. Due to trail maintenance, there may be a short van transfer to the start of the first ride. Next up are the 2 newest trails on the Queesntown trail network, the Shotover Gorge and the Wharehuanui Trails. The former is a spectacular journey along the Lower Shotover Gorge before linking to the latter which crosses various wetlands and riparian zones and traverses the foothills of Coronet Peak. The trail passes parts of the famous Millbrook golf course and from there we ride through to Arrowtown, a delightful old gold mining town and our overnight stop. There should be time for a wander through this historic town before enjoying our first group dinner. Cycling distance: 46km/29 miles; +608m/1994ft

Meals: L,D

We start today's journey with the Countryside Trail, enjoying quiet countryside as we pass breathtaking architecture, tree-lined avenues and stunning alpine vistas. The trail joins up with the spectacular Shotover River where we join the Twin Rivers Trail following the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers through to Lake Hayes. We head along the shores of the Lake, which is often very calm, producing incredible reflections of the mountain ranges that surround it Passing back through Arrowtown we head back out the other side on the delightful Arrow River Bridges Trail, which includes 2 spectacular suspension bridges and journeys through to the historic Kawarau Bridge, where we can witness bungy jumpers and zipliners getting their adrenaline fix. Next is the Gibbston Valley trail, which winds its way high above the Kawarau River through Central Otago's premier wine-growing region, Gibbston the 'Valley of Vines'. Loading up at the end of the valley, we drive through the picturesque Kawarau Gorge to another quaint gold-mining town, Clyde. Dinner at your leisure tonight. Cycle : approx 52km/31miles, +567m/1859ft

Meals: B,L

Today, we spend the first of 2 days on New Zealand's original Great Ride, the Central Otago Rail Trail, which opened in 2000. The 152km trail follows the former Otago Central railway line, which was responsible for opening up Central Otago by helping farmers and orchardists in Central Otago get their stock and produce to market in Dunedin. Leaving Clyde via the historic railway line, we’ll track across rural plains encircled by dramatic mountain ranges. Beyond the tiny settlement of Chatto Creek, the trail climbs gently before levelling off for easy riding through to the township of Lauder. The next section features the trip’s first tunnels and old railway bridges as we trace the pretty Poolburn Gorge and head into the Idaburn Valley. Time permitting, we’ll stop at Hayes Engineering Works, a delightfully rustic heritage site, and Oturehua’s old-fashioned grocery store. From there it's a gentle climb to the rail trail’s highpoint, then a downhill roll to either Wedderburn or Ranfurly with its striking art deco architecture. Cycle: 79km/49miles, +768m/2519ft

Meals: B,L,D

From Ranfurly, the trail tracks towards Waipiata, then follows the edge of an old lake before entering the picturesque Taieri Gorge with more bridges and tunnels. It’s a flowing downhill run to the historic Hotel Hyde, a picturesque spot for a breather. From here, the final 27km takes in the poignant 1943 Hyde rail disaster memorial, then wends across rolling plains towards the trail’s end at Middlemarch. After a cafe lunch to celebrate completing our 3rd Great Ride, we’ll board the support vehicle for the drive to Alexandra, the hottest, driest and coldest town in New Zealand! Our final group dinner tonight, before tomorrow's Grand Finale ride on the Lake Dunstan Trail. Cycle : 75km/47 miles, +318m/1043ft

Meals: B,L,D

A true Queen stage awaits us today. Riding from our accommodation we cross the mighty Clutha/Mata Au River and join the delightful River Trail which meanders beside the true right bank of the river through to Clyde. Here we hop on the Dunstan Explorer for a stunning boat ride up the lake to a drop off point on the lakeside, where we'll join the famous Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail. Initially following the glistening shores of the lake, it's an easy pedal through to Cromwell’s Old Town, a small historic precinct dating back to the gold rush days of the 1800s. Here the galleries, coffee shops and boutiques give us a short break from the bike. The trail continues along the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to the Bannockburn Bridge offering stunning views across the lake while passing by wineries and olive groves. From Cornish Point some riders will continue into the dramatic Cromwell Gorge, where the track winds around sheer rockfaces and over lake inlets on impressively engineered platforms and bridges rising above the lake to Clyde. For those riders who wish to avoid the more demanding section through the gorge, there will be an option to drive to Clyde and ride in towards the far end of the Gorge. We finish by a lakeside beach, so weather permitting it's a great place to soak sore muscles before a stop for a real fruit ice-cream on the way back to Queenstown in the van. There will be a drop off at the airport and another in the centre of town. Please avoid booking any international flights tonight and any domestic flights departing before 7pm. Cycle : Alexandra to Clyde River Trail : 18km/11miles,+168m/551ft Lake Dunstan Trail - McNulty Inlet to Cornish Point 17km/11miles, +187m/613ft Lake Dunstan Trail - Cornish Point to Clyde Rowing Club (Moderate) – 24km/15miles, 346m/1134ft

Meals: B,L

Expand all | Collapse all

After an early morning briefing in Queenstown and a short transfer, we saddle up for our first ride on arguably the best of the Queenstown Trails. We set off riding on the Wharehuanui Trail, the latest addition to the Trail network. Starting in Arthurs Point, the trail crosses various wetlands and riparian zones and traverses the foothills of Coronet Peak. The trail passes parts of the famous Millbrook golf course before joining up with the Countryside Trail. From here we head south, enjoying quiet countryside as we pass breathtaking architecture, tree-lined avenues and stunning alpine vistas. The trail joins up with the spectacular Shotover River, before arriving at the historic Old Lower Shotover Bridge. Here we join the Twin Rivers Trail following the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers through to our lunch stop near Lake Hayes. After lunch we'll head along the shores of the Lake, which is often very calm, producing incredible reflections of the mountain ranges that surround it, through to Arrowtown, a delightful old gold mining town and our overnight stop. There should be time for a wander through this historic town before enjoying our first group dinner. Cycling distance: 42km/26 miles; +460m/1509ft

Meals: L,D

In the heart of Central Otago’s picturesque landscape the new 32km Kawarau Gorge trail bridges the gap between Queenstown and the existing Central Otago trails. But before we tackle this trail gem, we leave Arrowtown via the delightful Arrow River Bridges Trail, which includes 2 spectacular suspension bridges and journeys through to the historic Kawarau Bridge, where we can witness bungy jumpers and zipliners getting their adrenaline fix. Next is the Gibbston Valley trail, which winds its way high above the Kawarau River through Central Otago's premier wine-growing region, Gibbston the 'Valley of Vines' to the start of the new Kawarau Gorge Trail. The trail meanders around the Nevis Bluff and winds through previously inaccessible segments of the Kawarau Gorge, treating you to scenery that will simply steal your breath away. We’ll experience the sheer majesty of the Kawarau River with the trail winding its way across suspension bridges and navigating the gorge on the opposite side to the state highway, offering a unique perspective of the landscape. Beyond the natural wonders, the area is rich in history with incredible stories of early gold mining days, ingenious power generation projects, tales of rabbit hunting, and the ancient routes traversed by early Maori waiting to be discovered. We finish this remarkable cycle journey in Bannockburn and have a short van transfer to another quaint gold-mining town, Clyde. Dinner at your leisure tonight. Cycle : approx 48km/30miles, +487m/1597ft

Meals: B,L

Today, we spend the first of 2 days on New Zealand's original Great Ride, the Central Otago Rail Trail, which opened in 2000. The 152km trail follows the former Otago Central railway line, which was responsible for opening up Central Otago by helping farmers and orchardists in Central Otago get their stock and produce to market in Dunedin. Leaving Clyde via the historic railway line, we’ll track across rural plains encircled by dramatic mountain ranges. Beyond the tiny settlement of Chatto Creek, the trail climbs gently before levelling off for easy riding through to the township of Lauder. The next section features the trip’s first tunnels and old railway bridges as we trace the pretty Poolburn Gorge and head into the Idaburn Valley. Time permitting, we’ll stop at Hayes Engineering Works, a delightfully rustic heritage site, and Oturehua’s old-fashioned grocery store. From there it's a gentle climb to the rail trail’s highpoint, then a downhill roll to either Wedderburn or Ranfurly with its striking art deco architecture. Cycle: 79km/49miles, +768m/2519ft

Meals: B,L,D

From Ranfurly, the trail tracks towards Waipiata, then follows the edge of an old lake before entering the picturesque Taieri Gorge with more bridges and tunnels. It’s a flowing downhill run to the historic Hotel Hyde, a picturesque spot for a breather. From here, the final 27km takes in the poignant 1943 Hyde rail disaster memorial, then wends across rolling plains towards the trail’s end at Middlemarch. After a cafe lunch to celebrate completing our 3rd Great Ride, we’ll board the support vehicle for the drive to Alexandra, the hottest, driest and coldest town in New Zealand! Our final group dinner tonight, before tomorrow's Grand Finale ride on the Lake Dunstan Trail. Cycle : 75km/47 miles, +318m/1043ft

Meals: B,L,D

A true Queen stage awaits us today. Riding from our accommodation we cross the mighty Clutha/Mata Au River and join the delightful River Trail which meanders beside the true right bank of the river through to Clyde. Here we hop on the Dunstan Explorer for a stunning boat ride up the lake to a drop off point on the lakeside, where we'll join the famous Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail. Initially following the glistening shores of the lake, it's an easy pedal through to Cromwell’s Old Town, a small historic precinct dating back to the gold rush days of the 1800s. Here the galleries, coffee shops and boutiques give us a short break from the bike. The trail continues along the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to the Bannockburn Bridge offering stunning views across the lake while passing by wineries and olive groves. From Cornish Point some riders will continue into the dramatic Cromwell Gorge, where the track winds around sheer rockfaces and over lake inlets on impressively engineered platforms and bridges rising above the lake to Clyde. For those riders who wish to avoid the more demanding section through the gorge, there will be an option to drive to Clyde and ride in towards the far end of the Gorge. We finish by a lakeside beach, so weather permitting it's a great place to soak sore muscles before a stop for a real fruit ice-cream on the way back to Queenstown in the van. There will be a drop off at the airport and another in the centre of town. Please avoid booking any international flights tonight and any domestic flights departing before 7pm. Cycle : Alexandra to Clyde River Trail : 18km/11miles,+168m/551ft Lake Dunstan Trail - McNulty Inlet to Cornish Point 17km/11miles, +187m/613ft Lake Dunstan Trail - Cornish Point to Clyde Rowing Club (Moderate) – 24km/15miles, 346m/1134ft

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic and cafe lunches (x5), two course restaurant dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 4 nights comfortable motel/hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides with groups of 8 or more)
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Return transport to Queenstown
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Rider fees paid to the Department of Conservation and Trail Trusts for ongoing maintenance and improvements

Not included

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

Adventure Highlighted Video

Otago Central Rail Trail Highlights

Otago Central Rail Trail Highlights
Lake Dunstan Trail Highlights

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