In early November 2022, with Dale and Paul unavailable, three of us (Steve, Kevin and Kem) rode three of the trails along the Clutha River in Central Otago:

Day 1: Lake Dunstan Trail: Cromwell to Alexandra (56 km)

Day 2: Roxburgh Gorge Trail: Alexandra to Millers Flat (51 km)

• Includes 12 km jet-boat ride in middle of gorge

Day 3: Clutha Gold Trail: Millers Flat to Lawrence (45 km)

Day 4: Clutha Gold Trail: Back to Beaumont (21 km)

• Pick-up and return to Queenstown

These three trails create a continuous ride from Cromwell to Lawrence.

No detailed diary this time: just a self-explanatory gallery of photos to record our travels and experience.

Photo Gallery:

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Dave & Sue Tidey of Altitude Bikes in Alexandra for arranging the tour, including provision of ebikes, pick-up and drop-off in Queenstown, all accommodation and bag shuttle between overnight stops. They also booked the Roxbugh Gorge jetboat for the middle section on Day 2.

The bikes provided (Giant Talon eMTB) were ideal for the ride, and all accommodation was of a high standard – and close to restaurants or country pubs for meals.

We fully recommend using Dave and Sue to arrange your next ride in this area.

Thanks also to Mark and Jude of Lawrence Accommodation, who provided the accommodation at Lawrence Townhouse, and shelter from the rain at Mata-Au Lodge in Beaumont while we awaited pick-up by Dave on Day 4. While we didn’t stay at the latter, we did get a look around, and can recommend both options for groups on this trail.

And once again, thanks to Laurence of Clutha River Cruises. Laurence was also the “pilot” on our earlier ride of the Roxbugh Gorge (see Roxbugh Gorge Cycle Trail), and once again entertained with both his knowledge and enthusiasm for the history of this stunning area.