Cycling Roxburgh Gorge Trail © Tourism Central Otago ROXBURGH ROXBURGH GORGE TRAIL GORGE Trail Gold-mining history plays a big part in the attraction of this trail, with ALEXANDRA to many remnants to be seen. TRAIL INFO ROXBURGH DAM Starting from Alexandra, the trail enters the Roxburgh Gorge, with bluffs rising almost 350m on either side of the river at its most dramatic 1 Day 34km point. The middle section of this 1 day 34km trail is not accessible by bike, so there is a 12km boat trip down the river before riders continue on their Immerse yourself in his remote wilderness ride bikes. Note that the boat trip needs is like another world, and to be booked in advance. The trail splendid isolation on TRAIL GRADES: the landscape transforms ends at the Lake Roxburgh Dam, T Most of the trail is Grade 2 the Roxburgh Gorge from one season to the next. but on the other side of the river (Easy) with a few Grade 3 The mighty Clutha Mata-au River the Clutha Gold Trail begins. The Trail, a spectacular (Intermediate) sections. is the star of the show – the trail Roxburgh Gorge Trail also connects one-day ride from hugs the edge of this stunning with the Otago Central Rail Trail at NOTE: An annual maintenance river and incorporates a thrilling Alexandra. Together these three contribution of $25 per person Alexandra to Lake or $50 per family covers the cost jet boat journey. trails provide almost 250km of of maintenance for use of the Roxburgh Dam. non-stop Great Riding! Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the adjoining Clutha Gold Trail. A 1-day pass is available for $10 per person, or a life pass for look out for... $500. It can be paid at local bike tour companies and i-SITES. Gold-mining relics MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Discover previously inaccessible, Mobile phone coverage is not fascinating reminders of the area’s available in most sections of the pioneering past. Take a moment to trail. However, there is coverage appreciate the resilience of early Chinese between Alexandra and the miners as you admire the schist huts built Narrows. into the rocky riverbanks, as well as the DRINKING WATER: remains of small mining settlements. The It is recommended that riders chance to explore these well-preserved take their own water and food. mining relics within this imposing Once in the gorge there are no landscape is definitely a trail highlight. food/water outlets. Schist hut in the gorge © Barrie J Wills 117 to Clyde to Omakau 85 Manuherikia River to Ranfurly Lower Manorburn Dam 8 FRUIT-GROWING HUB Clutha Mata-au River Otago Central Rail Trail Central Otago Taste the exquisite fruits ALEXANDRA of summer and autumn – Breathtakingly cherries, apricots, plums, er nectarines, peaches, iv R Different Conroys Dam u pears, berries and apples s -a w ta are available at roadside o a r Butchers Creek r M orchard stalls, along with a a N h t fresh vegetables, preserves e u h l T and juices. In summer, C riding the 8 trying a fresh-fruit ice cream jetty trail is a must! Checking out DOCTORS POINT the region’s Farmers’ The Roxburgh Gorge Trail can be enjoyed as a day trip, or as part of Markets is another way to a multi-day journey that includes get your hands on these e g the Otago Central Rail Trail and the delectable goodies. n a Clutha Gold Trail. Most of the trail R MAP LEGEND is Grade 2 (Easy) with a few Grade 3 y LEFT: Clyde Heritage Precinct b (Intermediate) sections. Gorge b open section BELOW: Apricot orchard, Alexandra o OPPOSITE: Roxburgh Bridge Creek n From the centre of Alexandra, head ALL © Tourism Central Otago Lake Roxburgh K boat / water taxi route south across the main bridge and ROXBURGH GORGE TRAIL immediately turn right, down a short ROXBURGH GORGE TRAIL O start / finish point l track to the river. Turn right again d entral Otago’s landscape is This pretty town lies alongside the The winters are crisp and cold, the the town’s gold-rush beginnings at i-SITE Visitor Centre and pass under the road bridge you M just crossed and head down the mesmerising; from its rust- Clutha Mata-au River, its lake created town bursts into life with flowering the Central Stories Museum and Art a bridge n valley on a wide smooth trail that coloured hills, rugged snow- by the Roxburgh Dam that was blossom trees in spring, the Gallery and walk alongside or cruise jetty SHINGLE CREEK R C weaves through willows. After a few a town capped peaks and vast plains to its commissioned in 1956. Beautiful summers are sizzling hot and shades the Clutha Mata-au River. n minutes the landscape changes, g bright blue rivers, shimmering lakes historic mudbrick and stone of gold and red abound with the Beautifully preserved Clyde offers e café/restaurant becoming more and more desert-like and vivid seasonal flowers. buildings are still in use and the autumn leaves. The town’s modern with towering rocks and large drops. heartfelt southern hospitality and is toilets The sun’s rays light up Roxburgh’s gorge has many preserved Chinese facilities and range of eateries, home to the awesome Clyde hydro- Around 10km from Alexandra you 8 patchwork of fruit orchards as rock shelters. wineries and artists’ studios fulfil its electric dam. The intact historic car park will reach the end of this section they occupy land next to farms Alexandra is a town of contrast; role as Central Otago’s commercial precinct on Sunderland St is a delight of the trail at Doctors Point, where LAKE ROXBURGH DAM accommodation that extend to tussock-clad hills. beautiful to visit in every season. and cultural centre. Learn about to explore. Lake Roxburgh Village there is a toilet and a jetty. From here shelter a boat will take you down river. The boat trip includes an introduction to Clyde after a Scottish general • 86km E of Queenstown 1 state highway the history and geology, costs $95 and must be pre-booked. For boat CALL 0800 BIKE NOW 25 Holloway Street, Clyde Ph: +64 3 449 2228 Email: [email protected] options contact Clutha River Cruises (245 366) Clutha Mata-au River www.bikeitnow.co.nz Teviot River on +64 3 449 3173 or Beaumont Jet or BOOK ONLINE 1800 446 356 AUS FREEPHONE on +64 3 485 9455. Clutha Gold Trail The boat trip is 12km and ends at a ROXBURGH second jetty at Shingle Creek. From © AA Traveller 2018 there the trail takes you down the to Lawrence valley to a car park high above the Lake Roxburgh Dam. If you intend Alexandra Doctors Point Shingle Creek Lake Roxburgh to continue on to the Clutha Gold 10km 12km 12km Dam Trail, cross the dam and follow signs boat to about 500m below the dam to BIKE IT NOW! CLYDE, CENTRAL OTAGO Quotes from Clients: 300m • Bike Tours • Itinerary planning • Top quality bike hire 200m the car park where the Clutha Gold “Beyond the call of duty” • Half-day to multiday hires • Queenstown transfers PJP – Auckland 100m Trail begins. • E Bike hire and retail specialists • Bike Retail (Scott, “Perfectly planned bike trip” 0m Trek, Avanti, Haibike, Merida and Smart Motion) Beth Mullins - USA • Full range of clothing and accessories • Otago Central “This company goes beyond Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge & Clutha Gold specialists the 100% to ensure your Roxburgh experience is top notch. Could The Personal Touch because it is “All about you!” not be faulted” Barbru 2017 Omakau after an ancient town in Scotland • 150km NW of Dunedin belonging to a husband & wife • 190km NW of Dunedin 141 Roxburgh East Rd, Roxburgh 20A Tamblyn Dr, Lake Roxburgh Ph: +64 3 446 8364 • Mob: +64 27 203 7061 Ph: +64 3 446 8220 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.cluthagoldcottages.co.nz Roxburgh Gorge Trail • Ideal accommodation WHERE THE TWO TRAILS MEET! “A Stunning One Day Ride” FREE Clutha Gold Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trail base for the Clutha Gold & From $220.00 per person WiFi Roxburgh Gorge trails. • Superb ideally located accommodation with licensed garden restaurant Includes: Bike Hire, Shuttle from • 1 & 2 brm s/c cottages $105- • All inclusive 2/3/4-night cycling packages Clyde to Lake Roxburgh and 45 $130 (1-2p), large house available minute Jet Boat Ride sleeps 11 - POA, camping • Explore stunning Lake Roxburgh and FREE UNLIMITED WIFI Optional Extras: Return Shuttle from $13.50 pp & motorhome surrounding mountains Queenstown and accommodation in Clyde. parking $30 per site • 11 studios & suites (super king & queen beds, spa bath suite) www.cyclesurgery.co.nz • Undercover storage, bike • Breakfast, a la carte dinner, licensed bar NZ Freephone: 0800 292 534 wash, kids’ pool/play areas (craft beers & Central Otago wines), espresso coffee. Free WiFi AUS Freephone: 1800 854 687 • Easy trail access at rear of • Packed lunches available E-mail: [email protected] cottages • Tariff: $145-$290 Contact us TODAY to BOOK! www.lakeroxburghlodge.co.nz 118 119.