Bike Hire Cromwell → Ride Cromwell to Clyde → Shuttle back
Distance: 42 km
Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
Duration: 5 hours
Tour meeting point: Cromwell
Suitable for: Most cyclists - you need to be comfortable using gears and brakes
From: $110 NZD per adult
What, when, how etc
PRICING
Cromwell Heritage Precinct Morning Bike Delivery - return afternoon transport from Clyde
- Meet at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct at approximately 10:00 am (winter timetable differs)
- Bike fit, ride to Clyde
- Return transport at 4:15 pm to Cromwell
| Group size | Adult E-Bike & transport | Kids E-Bike & transport | MTB & transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 / person | $175 | $150 | $120 |
| 5 to 8 / person | $170 | $145 | $115 |
| 9 to 19 / person | $165 | $140 | $110 |
SUITABLE FOR
If you’re staying in Cromwell or coming from from the North then this is a good option. We meet you in Cromwell at 10am approximately when we drop off customers we’ve transported from Clyde. Note that this trip operates during our general season (October to April inclusive)
We’ll set you up on your bikes and then you’re off on your way through to Clyde.
This tour is suitable for most riders. At a minimum, you’ll need to be comfortable changing gears and braking. E-Bikes are recommended for this trail because the climbs are quite fatiguing on a mountain bike if you don’t ride often. E-bikes are also a great choice for making the whole experience more fun. We have options the incorporate a boat cruise for those who’d prefer to skip the steep climbs, fast descents, and narrow boardwalks in the second half.
Transport from Clyde to Cromwell departs at 4:15 pm giving you enough time to explore all of Clyde’s secrets and visit some of the amazing boutique shops.
The Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Clyde is a popular tour for those staying in Cromwell. We meet you at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct at 10 am (October to April inclusive) and set you up on bikes once we’ve set off the customers we’ve brought up from Clyde. You Cycle through to Clyde and get on our return transport at 4:15 pm.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cycle alongside the turquoise waters of the Kawarau, Lake Dunstan and Mata-Au (Clutha) rivers
- Explore the charming Cromwell Heritage Precinct with galleries, cafes, and history
- Learn how some of Cromwell ended up under water with the building of the Clyde Hydro scheme.
- Cycle past the world class vineyards of Bannockburn and stop at Carrick Winery for refreshments
- Ride the breathtaking Cromwell Gorge section, including cantilevered boardwalks suspended over the lake
- Stop at Coffee Afloat. New Zealand’s only floating coffee shop!
- Wind your way up the scenic Cairnmuir Ladder climb with panoramic views
- Go for a swim near the Dunstan Rowing club (Clyde) in the awesome swimming area. There is a designated swimming zone with a pontoon inside it.
- Finish in the historic township of Clyde – from the West Clyde boat ramp, you have 3km to ride, to finish back at our Clyde depot. You may have time to explore its heritage buildings and relax at a local café or visit Monte Christo vineyard.
- Enjoy smooth, efficient transport in our modern bus fleet from Clyde to Cromwell.
You’ll see a few different ‘official’ distances for the Lake Dunstan Trail. Technically, the trail starts at Smiths Way (55 km), but most riders begin at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct (42 km). Our map shows about 40 km because we start you from the main car park nearby, which is where we can access the trail with our buses and trailers. Let’s just call it 42 km – and if it’s actually a bit less, well… bonus!
ITINERARY
Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Clyde – Shuttle up, bike back.
- 10:00 am approximately – Meet at our shuttle as i drops customers transported up from Clyde. They’ll set you up on your bikes and brief you.
- 10:30 am – Depart for Cromwell Heritage Precinct (42km).
- Food options today are at the Heritage Precinct cafes, Carrick Winery (Bannockburn) or Coffee and Burger Afloat on the trail. Otherwise, pack a picnic lunch and take it with you.
- Take loads of photos and create fabulous memories
- Finish with a swim at the awesome swimming area at the Dunstan Rowing club at Clyde, then ride 3km (15 min) back to Clyde
- If you have time, visit Clyde’s main street. The 1800s gold rush buildings have been sympathetically repurposed as accommodation, restaurants and cafes, specialty shops and art galleries
- Consider riding 1km over to Monte Christo Winery. Founded in 1864, Monte Christo is the birthplace of Central Otago wine and offers walk-in (ride-in!), tastings
- Return your bikes by 4:00pm and check in for your return transport
- 4:15 pm – Transport departs for Cromwell.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Mountain bike with helmet, pannier bag, cycle computer, bike light, puncture repair kit and pump. Consider booking an E-Bike for the additional fee for this ride
- Chain repair kit for your group. Generally not needed but “just in case”
- Trail map
- Return transport from Clyde to Cromwell Heritage Precinct
UPGRADES & OPTIONS
Upgrades
- Standard or premium E-Bikes. This journey has some steep climbs and not having to deal with that fatigue results in a more fun experience.
- For the best possible prices, bring a group of people as transport costs decrease as group sizes increase
Options
- If you’re not confident you’ll cope with the second half of the trail then seriously consider our Lake Dunstan Explorer option where you’ll be picked up just before the first big climb at the Cairnmuir Ladder and cruise back to Clyde.
Click on the map to view the interactive version
Distance: 42 km
Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
Duration: 5 hours
Suitable for: Most cyclists - you need to be comfortable using gears and brakes
Start time: 10:00 am
From: $110 NZD per adult
Other adventures you might like
Lake Dunstan Magic
Bike and transport | 1 Day
Distance: 42 km
Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
Duration: 5 hours
Tour meeting point: Clyde
Suitable for: Most cyclists - you need to be comfortable using gears and brakes
From: $95 NZD per adult
Golden Progress
Golden Progress | 1 Day
Distance: 30 km
Grade 1 (Easiest)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour meeting point: Omakau
Suitable for: All cyclists - perfect ride for families
From: $85 NZD per adult
Tunnels to Station
Tunnels to Station | 1 Day
Distance: 55 km
Grade 1 (Easiest)
Duration: 6 hours
Tour meeting point: Clyde
Suitable for: All cyclists - note this is a longish ride
From: $99 NZD per adult
Bike, transport and boat cruise | 1 Day
Distance: 20 km
Grade 1-2 (Easiest to Easy)
Duration: 5 hours
Tour meeting point: Clyde
Suitable for: Most cyclists - you need to be comfortable using gears and brakes
From: $195 NZD per adult
Poolburn Gorge Classic
Poolburn Gorge Classic | 1 Day
Distance: 30 km
Grade 1 (Easiest)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour meeting point: Omakau
Suitable for: All cyclists - great ride for families
From: $60 NZD per adult
DeVineCycle - Clyde
DeVineCycle Clyde | 1 Day
Distance: 29 km
Grade 1 (Easiest)
Duration: 6+ hours
Tour meeting point: Clyde
Suitable for: All cyclists - note the River Track trail is narrow in some parts
From: $85 NZD per adult