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

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: $205 NZD per adult

What, when, how etc

SUITABLE FOR

This tour is suitable for most cyclists as you will take a boat cruise past the narrower sections which involve steep climbs and descents, with tight turns which require confident and competent riders.

Either MTB’s or E-Bike’s are fine for this tour, however choose an E-Bike if you think you might struggle to make your boat departure time of 12.30pm. The boat cannot wait for you if you are late!

Enjoy the best of both worlds with this Lake Dunstan Trail cycle and boat cruise. Cycle the highlights of the Lake Dunstan Trail, then relax on the Lake Dunstan Explorer boat. This 1 day tour is perfect for skipping the trickier sections while still soaking up the trail’s magic.

HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy smooth, efficient transport in our modern bus fleet from Clyde to Cromwell. From there, cycle the trail and return by boat cruise to your accommodation or car in Clyde– with no time pressure except making your boat departure time.
Cycle alongside the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River, Lake Dunstan and the Mata-Au (Clutha) river
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 breath taking Cromwell Gorge section, including cantilevered boardwalks suspended over the lake
Stop at the small beach before the trail heads inland and up the Cairnmuir Ladder. This is your pickup spot for the Dunstan Explorer at 12.30pm
Boat cruise back to Clyde. You’ll be entertained by your super knowledgeable skipper and dropped off with your bike to the West Clyde boat ramp.
Go for a swim near the Dunstan Rowing club 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.

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 cycle and boat cruise

9:00 am – Meet at our Clyde depot at 9am for a briefing and bike fit
9:30 am – Depart from Clyde for Cromwell Heritage Precinct, Bannockburn Bridge or Smith’s way depending on which drop-off point you have chosen
10:00 am – Arrive at the Heritage Precinct and collect your bikes from the trailer. Take a quick photo opportunity, our team member will assist and away you go. If you’re being dropped to Smiths Way or Bannockburn Bridge to start riding, then jump back on the bus and we’ll drop you there shortly.
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.
Ride to meet the Lake Dunstan Explorer boat at the inlet just before the Cairnmuir Ladder at 12.30pm and then settle back for your boat cruise down to Clyde.
Take loads of photos and create some fabulous memories
Finish with a swim at the awesome swimming area at the Dunstan Rowing club at Clyde
Ride 3km 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 to our depot by 5pm at the latest

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transport from Clyde to Cromwell Heritage Precinct
Mountain bike with helmet, pannier bag, cycle computer, bike light, puncture repair kit and pump. Consider booking an E-Bike (additional fee) for this ride
Chain repair kit for your group. Generally not needed but “just in case”
Trail map
Transfer on the Lake Dunstan Explorer from the foot of the Cairnmuir Ladder back to Clyde

UPGRADES & OPTIONS

Upgrades

Standard or premium E-Bikes. Not feeling like you have to rush, and having fun on your e-bike is a great idea. Remember that you also need to get to the boat in time for your departure.
For the best possible prices, bring a group of people as transport costs decrease as group sizes increase!

Options

For a small additional fee, you can be dropped at
- Bannockburn Bridge to shorten the total distance to get to the boat.

Click on the map to view interactive version

Distance: 20 km

Grade 1-2 (Easiest to Easy)

Duration: 5 hours

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

Start time: 9:00 am

From: $205 NZD per adult

Find out more about the Lake Dunstan Trail.

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