5-Day Clyde to Lake Waihola Cycle Tour

Clutha Gold Trail 5 day Itinerary

You’ve got 5 fabulous days ahead of you as you begin your journey from Clyde, ending in Lake Waihola, enjoying the latest extension to the Clutha Gold Trail.

Day One – Clyde to Roxburgh Hydro (Roxburgh Gorge trail), or Roxburgh (approx. 35  km)

Start your journey in Clyde, a charming heritage town nestled at the foot of the Clyde Dam. Follow the Rail Trail or the River track down toward Alexandra, where you’ll cross the Clutha River and begin the dramatic ride through the Roxburgh Gorge.

You’ll wind your way past steep schist cliffs, see gold mining ruins, and arrive at Doctor’s Point, where your jet boat transfer will transport you 13 km downriver through a spectacular section of gorge accessible only by water. Commentary by your jet boat host will also fill you in on the history of the gorge.

Rejoin the trail at Shingle Creek and cycle to your overnight stay at Lake Roxburgh Village or into the township of Roxburgh. Don’t miss a stop at Jimmy’s Pies or a stroll through the riverside gardens.

Day Two – Roxburgh to Millers Flat  (approx. 29 km)

It’s a shorter day today as you start the Clutha Gold Trail, following the river downstream through a changing landscape of orchards, farmland, and historic sites.

Roxburgh is your morning tea location and you’ll need to pickup something for a picnic lunch to eat along the way. Pinders pond is a nice spot to stop and is also good for swimming in the summer.

This section of trail is gentle and flowing, with beautiful views and plenty of opportunity to take it slow and enjoy the rural charm.

Finish in Millers Flat and settle in for the evening. The Millers Flat Hotel is just across the bridge and in town you’ll find the Bakehouse Museum (hours are limited as it’s staffed by volunteers) and the swimming baths that are open in Summer.

Day Three – Millers Flat to Lawrence (44 km)

The final day takes you through the lush rolling hills and farmland of the Tuapeka area, following the trail through old gold mining country and onto the path of an old Railway line.

Pass the Horseshoe Bend Bridge, the Lonely Graves and then through Big Hill tunnel before arriving in Lawrence — the first town founded during the 1860s gold rush.

Take time to explore the local museum or cafes. If you have the legs, a ride out to the Gabriel’s Gully memorial is a great way to cap off the historical side of this trail.

Stay the night in Lawrence to relax and enjoy the town’s small-town hospitality and historic vibe. You’ve crossed the halfway point in your Clyde to Lake Waihola Journey, celebrate it!

Day Four – Lawrence to Milton (45km)

Today’s route follows the newest part of the trail interspersed with some short and quiet back road transitions.  You’ll see the landscape start to change to rolling farmland as you begin your journey out of the Clutha district and toward the coast. This stretch of riding offers a mix of wide open views, tree lined corridors and very long tunnels.

Take some food with you today for a picnic along the way. Morning tea is at the delightful Waitahuna Station Coffee cart before you head into the depths of the Manuka Gorge and emerge onto the Taieri plain.

End the day in Milton, a small service town with everything you need to rest and refuel. You’ll find good food options here, along with local history and character.

Day Five – Milton to Lake Waihola (16 km)

The final day is a short, easy ride that gradually brings you closer to Dunedin. Your destination is Lake Waihola, a scenic freshwater lake popular for birdlife and boating, where you can relax and reflect on your journey. The trail builders installed some epic flowing boardwalks through some of the wetland areas and these make for magic photos.

Enjoy a lakeside picnic or visit the café before your shuttle arrives and congratulate yourself as you’ve just ridden all the way from Clyde to Lake Waihola!