The River Track

Overview

The River Track is a 12 km scenic ride that follows the stunning Mata-Au / Clutha River from Clyde to Alexandra. This route is best suited for confident cyclists due to its narrow, twisting singletrack, dips, and flowing curves that make it a fun and dynamic alternative to the Rail Trail.

This riverside ride can be included as part of several iconic South Island cycle routes including the Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail, our DeVineCycle Wine Ride and Clutha Loop rides

Trail Comparison: River Track vs Rail Trail

If you’re a multi-day journey then this can create a dilemma because you need to pick one and they both provide attractive features. 

What You’ll See Along the River Track

• You’ll look out on the gorgeous turquoise Mata-Au (Clutha River)
• Leftover machinery from the Clyde Dam construction
• The protected Earnscleugh Tailings area. A reminder of the gold mining history of the region. You can do a walk through the tailings.
• The Kayak Slalom Course where young kayakers train and more than a few have gone onto represent NZ like Finn Butcher
• Alexandra’s Historic bridge piers where there was once a suspension bridge

What You’ll See on the Rail Trail

• Daphne Hull Underpass – name after one of the visionary Trustees who started the trail. It’s painted with a fascinating mural which is a story in it’s own right. 
• Official Start / End sign of the trail. It has a fun sign that lets you flip to the current date for your photo. You’ll also find an official rail trail passport sticker box
• Mutton Town Viaduct, with it’s unique wooden construction. It also has the largest number of spans of any bridge on the line
• Neptune Orbit Marker – part of the Interplanetary Cycle Trail

Mix & Match: Groups Can Split and Rejoin

It’s common for groups to split at one end, with confident riders taking the River Track and others using the Rail Trail – then meet back in again at the end. This flexibility makes both routes ideal options depending on experience and time.

Can You Ride It in Reverse?

Yes. The River Track is fully rideable in both directions, but most cyclists prefer the Clyde to Alexandra direction due to its slightly downhill gradient.

Pros and Cons of the River Track

Pros	Cons
Scenic riverside singletrack	Not suitable for beginner riders
Historic and natural highlights	12 km takes longer than the Rail Trail (8 km)
Fun, dynamic riding experience	Narrow sections require caution
Great view of the river	Blind corners and limited passing options in some parts
Connects with multiple major trails	Intermediate-level bike handling needed

Summary

If you’re a confident cyclist looking for a more adventurous and scenic route between Clyde and Alexandra, the River Track offers an fun ride beside the Clutha River. With historic sites, a flowing trail, it’s an exciting alternative to the Rail Trail.