The trail crosses farmland and areas of subalpine tussock, passing close to Loganburn Reservoir, formerly the Great Moss Swamp.[1]. The newest Great Ride in Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, this specially built trail provides a vital link to the Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trail. Rich in history both Maori and early pioneers. The Clarks Junction pub still had the same proprietor as when I visited three years before (I think if Id visited twenty years earlier that would have still held), and it was still for sale. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. You climb from Dam level up 120m twice on this 42km trail. From here it turns toward the valley of the Manuherikia River, finishing at Moa Creek. We neednt go up onto the Rock and Pillars, rather complete the trail to the highway and ride to Middlemarch for dinner and sleep. Please login to proceed or create a free account. From the Smiths Way car park off SH6, the road through to Wnaka, this easy trail meanders along the edge of Dunstan to Cromwell. Visit the official trail website for more information on riding safely, and check out this great safety video to see whether this trail is right for you. Ask your librarian to subscribe to this service next year. A map showing the planned 500km continuous trail network from Queenstown to Dunedin, estimated in 2018 to cost . But plans on trips like these are fluid at best and I was happy to scale this one back as I had company! The road ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. Vilnius Altstadt 1775-1799 1923. Night fell and Cromwell buzzed with laughter as exhausted cavalcaders square-danced the locals off their feet to the tunes of John Grenell and the PognScroggin Bush Band. Old Dunstan Road is the name of a 4x4 track/Adventure riding track located in Otago South Island of New Zealand. Some great climbing and wide open views, with very interesting geology and flora to boot. As we eased our aches in imagined hot baths, the stories grew tall, but even the most experienced musterers from the area agreed that our storm had been one of the roughest and riskiest they had encountered. Te Kinga Aroha (Former) has special significance as a very rare surviving twentieth century hostel which was dedicated to accommodating and supporting young Mori women. What could go wrong? Be open to new ideas, open to exploring the possibilities and appreciate the strengths and talents each person brings. Get dropped off at the Smiths Way car park and bike back to town, or start from Cromwell and turn it into a 24 hour, 32km return ride. New Zealands newest lake 40km length, covering 26.4km sq of former river-bed and terraces. This Otago geography article is a stub. Losing a few hundred metres in a hurry, things flattened out through a sheep station. With the help of the trees we hid behind, I was dry albeit very warm. The Old Dunstan Road turns off to the left here, and you head into an isolated and barren Central Otago landscape. Wed cross that smaller, greener ridge before then climbing the hills behind that. Dropping a little to the upper Ida Valley (Id crossed further down two days before) things flattened for a short stretch before we turned south on the Old Dunstan Road. Long stretches without food and water mean that riders should be self-sufficient and carry more than enough for the journey,noting that in the summer months the heat makes ample water supplies essential. Peter and Sophie from Cycling in New Zealand, Lindis Loop 23 Cluden Creek to Longslip Creek, Lindis Loop 23 to the headwaters via Dromedary Hill, A40BPT4 Lyell to Mokihinui (Old Ghost Road), A40BPT3 Westport to Lyell via Denniston, A40BPT2 Ces Clark hut to Westport (Paparoa), A40BPT1 Hokitika to Ces Clark hut (Paparoa). Getting out the gully requires the trails biggest climb 130 vertical metres up the aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder. Somehow departing from the trail-proper for the last little bit, that didnt matter we ended up on the correct road and then had to look for the next turn off the road. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unridable because of sticky mud. Cromwell Heritage PrecinctBannockburn wineries (return), 16km or more, Grade 2/easyintermediate, 1.53 hours or more. New bridge Deadmans Point. For a time we rode through a small gorge, the red tussock grasses were abundant. The interactive map will show you some of the best parts of the track and let you see where to take on next. The sheep station here is called Rocklands it could hardly be anything elseand rocks are even used as fence posts. The climbing began again at that cattle stop. At Trail Hub youll find stories, news, itineraries and tips to help you discover trails and towns from Queenstown to Dunedin and throughout Central Otago and Clutha. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. View of road winding down Lammermoor Ranges towards Rocklands Station. This is where you can join the Old Dunstan Road, the modern access. It was designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clyde Dam, a short distance downstream. Influx of European pioneers associated with the gold rush of the 1960s. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. This track was officially opened on the 8th of May 2021. In this week's show, Ray talked us through his insurance win, we have another There was little fuel to warm them, no food to sustain them. Summer heat maddened as frosty valleys became furnaces. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. Thanks to your great story and photos. How does the Overseas Investment Act link with the List? Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. In the winter months which is still a great time to ride some businesses run on limited hours. A good leg-stretch is the 10km ride (20km return) to Jackson Creek and Jackson Buttresses, or a little further to Hydes Spur (23km return) which is at the top of the climb with terrific views back down to the Clyde Dam. After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. Be sure to book tours, accommodation and other services well in advance for the busy summer season, DecemberApril. journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. Old Dunstan road is a great fun drive in dry weather conditions but can get a bit hairy during rain. Id finally biked the Old Dunstan Trail and it was fantastic. Below you will find the full trail map, information about trail markings and sections and you will be able to download the trail map adapted to various running apps. Cyclists and walkers experiencing the Lake Dunstan Trail will marvel at the man-made landscapes, the rich Maori and early pioneer history, and amble through the vineyards of Bannockburn. Thank you. Cycle trail maps have key distances, elevations and trail highlights. Why is this heritage place not on the List? The trail offers cyclists and walkers a challenging 55km ride (Grade 2-3) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as itjourneys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. 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. The 4WD track turn-off passed by without mention as we pushed on, trying to ascertain just when the road would turn away from Loganburn Reservoir. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. To leave Dunedin by the shortest possible route, cycle straight up Stuart Street from the Octagon and veer right onto Taieri Road, which turns into Three Mile Hill Road. (45degrees south). This New Zealand road or road transport-related article is a stub. (Clive pic.) There may have been more walking as we climbed at ten percent for an hour or so before it leveled off. Casual bike hire is available in Cromwell and Clyde. Dunstan Arm Rowing ClubClyde Heritage Precinct. Started construction 1977. Lake Dunstan Trail Map & Sections The Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail can be accessed from Cromwell or Clyde. The territory was trackless and the climate murderous. Check back soon to see our map of the Lakes Dunstan Trail. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! Approximately 16km.The entire Lake Dunstan Trail i. Its mostly uphill cycling, northwest on Highway 87, to Clarks Junction 49 km from Dunedin. Cromwell is only a 40 minute drive from Queenstown, so is also an easy day trip on your South Island adventure. When two californian prospectors startled the Dunedin treasury office by bringing in 87 pounds of gold in 1863 the name Dunstan was little more than a scratching on a surveyors map. This trail is very well served by numerous local companies offering everything from bike hire to fully packaged guided tours. But further thought could wait until the day developed a bit; for now, there was a big downhill to enjoy! There are toilets in Cromwell and Clyde and at various points along the trail including Bannockburn Inlet, Cairnmuir Ladder (near Coffee Afloat), Halfway Hut, and Dunstan Arm Rowing Club. What happens after I submit a consent application for a property included on the List? Leaving the valley floor, things very quickly got dry, brown and dusty. It was time to climb again and climb we did. A mountain bike is recommended. The road loosely follows the trail that was used by gold miners traipsing from Dunedin to Dunstan (now Clyde) in the 1860s. Discover how you can get involved with the New Zealand Heritage List/Rrangi Krero. It is rutted in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. To gold-hungry prospectors time was precious, and most preferred to take their chances with the unpredictable weather and desolate, unstable countryside offered by the Mountain Track. Horses are not permitted on the Lake Dunstan Trail. Food and water are readily available in Cromwell and Clyde. The historic town of Clyde marks the southern end of the Lake Dunstan Trail and the western end of the Otago Central Rail Trail. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. The drive has steep parts and tops out by Rough Ridge, at 1.040m (3,412ft) above the sea level. A series of scenic highways thread through this part of the South Island, including the Central Otago Touring Route stretching between Queenstown and Dunedin (via Cromwell) via the Maniototo. Carry straight on and youll reach Highway 87 a few kilometres north of Mosgiel. Oh, and maybe a gel-seat. The road loosely follows the trail that was used by gold miners traipsing from Dunedin to Dunstan (now Clyde) in the 1860s. The trail follows the road uphill past the dam and turns left off the road to descend down to the Clutha Matau-Au Riverside track and Clyde Bridge. Today, the trail is a public road, ranging in quality from chip-sealed road to gravel track. The difficulty by wet condition is that the rain fill up the road and it is possible that the water level is front wheel depth. Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles or those with experience, and should only be attempted with a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). Toilets are at either end of this section at Cairnmuir Gully & Halfway Hut. Beyond the settlement of Pisa Moorings the trail crosses the 45th Parallel on its way to Lowburn where there are toilets and a car park. The climb was steady and it took us about two hours before the reservoir was revealed. Clyde to Jackson Creek/Hydes Spur(return), 2023km or more,Grade 2/easyintermediate, 23 hours or more. The Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand's Original Great Ride, its open all year round, it is all off-road, no traffic, just Central Otago's big skies and distinctive landscape to enjoy. It was clamped to my head with the wet, perhaps frozen there. I must spend more time in Central Otago, the bikepacking opportunities are immense my family may also be close by. There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. before continuing towards Cornish Point, passing more vineyards and olive groves along the way. Started construction 1977. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. But by dry condition the track is fine to ride, there are few passages which need extra care since flat gravel is very loose on the driveway the bike could slip on those medium size flat rocks, especially if you travel downhill. The landscapes peculiar forms and unusual lines are clues to the goldmining and hydropower history around here. A dramatic entry was planned at Cromwell, with hundreds of onlookers turning out for the opening of the resited and restored buildings in Old Cromwell, the historical precinct built by residents when the towns main road fell to the Clyde Dam development. As we climbed to over 1000 metres we were five abreast, with the hail battering and soaking horse and rider alike. Please check weather forecast before using the trail. After crossing Bannockburn Bridge, 7km from the Heritage Precinct, cycle up to village and the Felton Road vineyards, or continue along the trail up to Carrick Winery and other vineyards dotted in the hills around Bannockburn Inlet. Old Dunstan Road. This was made keeping in mind that the weather was due to pack it in that night, but there were contingencies. Inthe morning all that was leftwas to award prizes for Sorest Bum, Greenest Trailrider, Most Difficult Horse to Catch, plus others, and to take our leave of our fellow riders. Written by JULIET OCONNOR The road from Styx is not recommended as it is not gravel and has several gates on it. It's not just traditional accommodation, all these historic banks, halls and stables have been repurposed, redesigned, and refurbished to suit the needs of today yep, they even have wifi. Welcome to the official page for Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail, linking Clyde and Cromwell. Cross the bridge to reach Clyde. Your email address will not be published. Reflective of the development of sports and recreation amenities in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Grandstand is closely connected to the history of club rugby. Lake Dunstan Trail Map Lake Dunstan Trail Sections Smith's Way to Cromwell Heritage Precinct: 16.4km Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Bannockburn Bridge - 6km Bannockburn Bridge to Cornish Point - 7.3km Cornish Point to Clyde - 25km (now open) Trip reviews Videos Essential information Videos Cromwell at the confluence of the Clutha River (incorporating Lake Dunstan) and the Kawarau Rivers. The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. A more unknown part of New Zealand, but this trail is putting Cromwell on the map. In summer, riders should pack a sun hat and sunscreen (as well as plenty of water), but also preferably a lightweight top for fuller sun protection on high UV days. Other nearby towns with cycling trails on tap include Alexandra, Wnaka and Queenstown. . Grade 1. The road was part of the original route called the Mountain Road taken by hardy people seeking their goldrush fortunes in the early 1860s, to travel from Dunedin to the goldfields in Central Otago. Nationwide Intercity buses service Cromwell and Clyde. With the wind at our backs and views like this, it was rather pleasant. Getting to Central Otago is easy with flights into Queenstown and Dunedin. Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown 41 Recommended Half-day Tours from $184.62 per adult Wild Hills Off Road Safari 80 Recommended Half-day Tours from $259.00 per adult Mt Cook Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown 13 Recommended Bus Tours from $925.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* The most colourful thing we saw all day; unfortunately we missed all of the tours. There is plenty of accommodation in Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra, all of which make great bases for Central Otago cycling adventures. This was the most direct route back then, but only passable in fair weather. The water was there due to a dam being built in the 1930s to provide irrigation water for the valley below. But, its on our list now. It was into that pitiless landscape that 220 horses, a Clydesdale team, a coach and assorted wagons rode in November 1991 in the first Dunstan Cavalcade, a four-day trek over the 160km trail used by diggers to get to the goldfields. First stop was just south of Moa Creek to check the map and to take a photo of some sheep and off down Webster Lane we go until we see the pub. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. fascinating pioneer & gold mining history, the 86m-long, 29m-high Hugo suspension bridge, Clyde Dam New Zealand's largest concrete hydro-dam, two charming heritage towns Cromwell and Clyde, floating cafe and burger bar on the trail. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the hillsides of the gorge in the mid 1990s. If you smell coffee as you approach Cairnmuir Gully, you are not mistaken. Wellington 6011 The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn area are some of the southernmost grape growing regions in the world. Downhill across open farmland is never as fast as one hopes as one deals with all the bumps and divots on a loaded bike; this was no exception, but it was nice not to be pedaling for a bit. Just past the historic Halfway Hut viewpoint is a series of switchbackswith tight corners and a decent climb/descent. Date: 1/06/2008. Supplies were slow following. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. Lots of inspiration! These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. 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This Great Ride's official start point is at Cromwell Heritage Precinct (as indicated by the 0km marker), giving a ride distance of 41km, with local shuttles transferring riders and bikes to the start or finish. It was mid-winter, 1862, when Hartley and Reilly found gold in the Cromwell Gorge, a few kilometres downriver from Cromwell. Wellington 6142 Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. Back on road again, a brief section of relative pace. look, In this week's show, Ray joins a bunch of Ducati lowers for a special event, This week on the show, Mat and Ray catch up to swap stories of their, Kiwi Rider Podcast 2022 | E26 | Matariki Mission. Old Dunstan Road starts from Clarks junction, around an hour from Dunedin on the way to Middlemarch. The trail then climbs out of the inlet to Carrick Winery which welcomes cyclists for wine-tasting and dining. The region's popularity makes it advisable to book accommodation well in advance for peak season (JanuaryApril). Route finding from here on is relatively easy. There are many places to rest a while beside the lake, with swimming, boating and other water sports all popular along most of its distance. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. Choose to learn from past experiences with the future generations in mind. The nor-wester, while warm did at least help us up the hill. Its a lovely outing on bike or foot, with stupendous lake and mountain views, pretty picnic areas and swimming spots. It is rutted and corrugated in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry, and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. Your email address will not be published. The trail is well constructed albeit narrow in places making 2 way passing tricky. The other engineering landmark here are 13 drainage tunnels drilled in the into the hillsides to prevent landslips. There is a choice of companies to hire from and between them they cover all possible options including childrens bikes and e-bikes. If you go any further than the river, youll be on private land. The area is earmarked for large-scale windfarm development. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by As news of Horatio Hartley and Christopher Reillys magnificent haul spread, the name sparked an exodus of the able-bodied for the new El Dorado. It then arcs around the lake to reach Cromwell where it dips under the highway bridge and continues along the shoreline to reach Cromwell Heritage Precinct, a great place to park up and explore the boutique galleries, shops and cafes. Following the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to Bannockburn, you will have amazing vistas across the lake to Bannockburn vineyards and the next section of trail. Long having wanted to ride the Old Dunstan Trail, my plan for the day at the outset of this trip had become ambitious. In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. Taken By: Owen Graham. The Palmerston North Plunket Rooms (Former) opened their doors to care for parents and their infants in 1929. This would be the last time that such a trek could use the historic Fruitgrowers Road on the west side of the Clutha River, opposite the new highway. This section follows the sealed road in places, and shares the Clyde road bridge before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. Lake Dunstan Trail is a 35 km popular green machine groomed family friendly scenic trail located near Cromwell. The jail here has a fireplace that may be useful if its raining or snowing. VILNIUS is a cosmopolitan and thoroughly modern city that is relatively compact and easy to get to know, with a variety of inexpensive attractions and a lively nightlife. This section also passes under the amazing Cairnmuir Slide, a terraced stone face engineered to protect the river from a major landslide that could overwhelm the Clyde Dam downstream. There is no shelter from the weather, which can change quickly, and it is bitterly cold in the southerly. Copyright: Heritage New Zealand. When theyre open and do check if youre keen you can also get refreshments at the Bannockburn Hotel and nearby wineries, and Coffee Afloat around the trails midway point. A little unfinished business there. Cycling the Rail Trail offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the history and romance of the railway and the Otago gold rush. The trail diverged from the road near the bottom of the downhill, we found the correct gate and put ourselves on farm track trying to follow the path of those miners long ago. In time, the route became known as the Dunstan Road. Cromwell and Clyde are the obvious bases for a Lake Dunstan ride. Take extra care and remember that the trail is two-way expect to meet riders or walkers travelling in the opposite direction, and get off and push your bike if necessary. Its a lovely place to base yourself for Great Ride adventures with a wide range of quality accommodation, and great shops, cafes and restaurants. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by Incorporate time to explore around Cromwell and through the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. There is a total of 580m climbing between Cromwell and Clyde, with most of the ascents gentle but steady. Plenty of breaks provided ample rewards with the view across Central getting better with every metre claimed from gravity. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. Some careless child of the giants left their Tonka toy just sitting there. One route, from Tuapeka, followed the Molyneux River all the way. Can be ridden in both directions. An extremely quiet area to escape to, Adele was eyeing it up for future breaks. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. Oddly, for Central Otago, we rarely spotted rabbits; they must have felt vibrations from the horses hooves well in advance of our arrival. The Lake Dunstan Walking and Cycling Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. It was designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clyde Dam, a short distance downstream.

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