Lake Dunstan Trail cycle and boat cruise back - Cromwell heritage precinct - lake like glass

Lake Dunstan Trail | Day Trip + Boat Cruise Back | Meet Clyde → Ride to Cromwell → Boat Cruise Back

Distance: 47 km

Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)

Duration: 6+ hours

Tour meeting point: Clyde

Suitable for: Most cyclists - you need to be comfortable using gears and brakes

From: $190 NZD per adult

What, when, how etc

SUITABLE FOR

This tour is suitable for most cyclists. At a minimum you need to be comfortable with changing gears and braking.  The Lake Dunstan Trail features switchbacks, particularly at the Cairnmuir Ladder section.  These sections also involve climbing and descending with tight turns and require confident and competent riders. 

We recommend E-bikes for this trail, as the climbs will be tiring on a regular mountain bike if you’re not a regular rider.

This Lake Dunstan Trail cycle and boat cruise back tour is amazing! The Cromwell Gorge from two different perspectives in single day.

  • Start and finish in the historic township of Clyde.  You will be riding upriver. Most people ride the Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Clyde – but starting riding from Clyde has its perks too. It’s the same spectacular trail, just with a fresh perspective and an easy ride home
  • Depart Clyde and ride the breathtaking Cromwell Gorge section, including cantilevered boardwalks suspended over the lake
  • Wind your way up the Cromwell Gorge and experience the ride down the Cairnmuir Ladder with panoramic views
  • Call into Coffee and Burger Afloat – New Zealand’s only floating coffee shop!
  • Cycle past the world class vineyards of Bannockburn and stop at Carrick Winery for refreshments
  • 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
  • All day, you’ll cycle alongside the turquoise waters of the Mata-Au (Clutha) and Kawarau Rivers
  • Enjoy a scenic boat cruise back on the Lake Dunstan Explorer, departing at 4pm from Cromwell back to Clyde. You’ll experience the trail from a totally different perspective

Lake Dunstan Trail cycle and boat cruise back

  • From 9:00 am – Meet at our Clyde depot at 9am for a briefing and bike fit. You choose a start time that works for your fitness and ability
  • Depart for Cromwell on the Lake Dunstan Trail
  • 4:00 pm- Depart on your boat cruise from McNulty inlet on Lake Cromwell
  • 4:45 pm – Arrive at the Clyde boat ramp and head back to SheBikesHeBikes Clyde- it is a 3km (15 min) ride.
  • Food options today are at Carrick Winery, and Crowell Heritage Precinct
  • Take loads of photos and create fabulous memories
  • Return your bikes by 5pm at the latest

 

  • 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 boat cruise on the Lake Dunstan Explorer departing 4pm

Upgrades

  • Standard or premium E-Bikes. The Lake Dunstan Trail includes technical grade 3 riding with steep ascents and descents.  Choosing an E-bike can take the sting out of the climbs, save your legs from tiredness, and will let you focus on the fun. Remember, an E-bike can only assist with your pedalling effort and reducing fatigue, it will not improve your technical cycling skills!

Click on the map to view the interactive version

Distance: 47 km

Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)

Duration: 6+ hours

Suitable for: Most cyclists - you need to be comfortable using gears and brakes

Start time: from 9:00 am

From: $190 NZD per adult

Find out more about the Lake Dunstan Trail.

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