Clutha Gold Trail © James Jubb / Tourism Central Otago
CLUTHA GOLD Trail GREAT RIDE • CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL
TRAIL INFO BEST FOR: Couples or groups with conflicting interests – this one ticks a lot of boxes.
2 Days 73km
LAKE ROXBURGH DAM to LAWRENCE 73km
2 days
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Whether you’re adventurous, a naturelover, history-buff or science seeker, this trail keeps every cyclist smiling.
here are Māori moa hunting and gold-rush stories for the historians; great feats of engineering for the perpetually intrigued, and between the countryside and rumbling Clutha Mata-au River (hello nature-lovers),
a bounty of farming and fruit orchards to elate the foodies. The Clutha Gold Trail officially starts at Roxburgh Dam and finishes at Lawrence. (From late March 2023 this trail will be extended by 63km
riding the trail 200m 100m 0m
130
Roxburgh Dam 9km
Roxburgh
Rich in folklore, there are a handful of information boards along the route that detail days gone by, including 19th century gold fever. These days, ‘golden’ finds are more likely to include native kōwhai trees, with their signature yellow flowers, and Roxburgh apricots, said to be the tastiest in the world. The track eventually ambles into Lawrence, where local hosts welcome guests inside – and pour large drops of world-class wine.
nzcycletrail.com for more Trail Detail... Millers Flat
20km
to finish in Waihola making it a total of 136km.) Speed demons could complete the 73km trail in one day, but two days allows for an overnight stay somewhere seriously gorgeous. If you’d prefer to experience just a segment of the track, the four main villages to weave between are Roxburgh, Millers Flat, Beaumont and Lawrence.
Beaumont 25km
Lawrence 19km
TRAIL GRADES: ALL GRADE 1-2 (EASIEST-EASY) COMMISSIONER FLAT (ROXBURGH DAM) TO ROXBURGH, 9KM ROXBURGH TO MILLERS FLAT, 20KM MILLERS FLAT TO BEAUMONT, 25KM BEAUMONT TO LAWRENCE, 19KM LAWRENCE TO WAIHOLA, 63KM (FROM LATE MARCH 2023) NOTE: An annual maintenance contribution of $25 per person or $50 per family can be purchased at local i-SITES or bike tour companies. A 1-day pass is $10 per person or a life pass is $500. MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Coverage is good for most of the trail, but can get patchy away from townships and in river narrows. DRINKING WATER: Water bottles can be filled at various settlements. TYPE OF BIKE: A mountain bike is recommended, but a hybrid bike will suffice. E-bikes are permitted. GRADE 1 (EASIEST) GRADE 2 (EASY)
