LDT Cromwell to Clyde | Most popular
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
What, when, how etc
Pricing
Clyde to Cromwell - Morning
- Meet at our Clyde depot in the morning at 9:00 am (winter timetable differs)
- Bike fit, bikes loaded and depart for Cromwell at 9:30am
- Ride back to Clyde and return bikes before 5pm
Pricing is per person.
Clyde to Cromwell Heritage Precinct
| Group size | Adult E-Bike & transport | Kids E-Bike & transport | MTB & transport | BYO bike & transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 / person | $160 | $135 | $105 | $50 |
| 5 to 8 / person | $155 | $130 | $100 | $45 |
| 9 to 19 / person | $150 | $125 | $95 | $40 |
Clyde to Bannockburn Bridge
| Group size | Adult E-Bike & transport | Kids E-Bike & transport | MTB & transport | BYO bike & transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 / person | $166 | $141 | $111 | $56 |
| 5 to 8 / person | $161 | $136 | $106 | $56 |
| 9 to 19 / person | $156 | $131 | $101 | $56 |
Clyde to Smiths Way
| Group size | E-Bike & transport | Kids E-Bike & transport | MTB & transport | BYO bike & transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 / person | $175 | $150 | $120 | $60 |
| 5 to 8 / person | $170 | $145 | $115 | $60 |
| 9 to 19 / person | $165 | $140 | $110 | $60 |
| BYO bike & transport is a flat rate — no concession pricing available on this trip. | ||||
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 after the perfect way to enjoy the Lake Dunstan Trail without over-complicating it, this is the one. We’ll shuttle you from Clyde to Cromwell in comfort, so you can start with fresh legs and simply enjoy the ride back across this spectacular trail at your own pace.
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 for those who’d prefer to skip the steep climbs, fast descents, and narrow boardwalks in the second half on our Lake Dunstan Trail page
Finish where you started-back at your own car or accommodation-without any extra logistics to worry about. Just a great ride, great scenery, and a simple plan that works.
The Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Clyde is our most popular Lake Dunstan Tour. We transport you up to Cromwell to start your ride back across this fantastic trail. Ride at your own pace back to your car or accommodation.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy smooth, efficient transport in our modern bus fleet from Clyde to Cromwell. From there, cycle the trail back to your accommodation or car in Clyde– with no time pressure
- 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.
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.
- 9:00 am – Meet at our Clyde depot at 9am for a briefing and bike fit
- 9:30 am – Depart for Cromwell Heritage Precinct (42km), Bannockburn Bridge (33km) or Smith’s way (55km) depending on what trip you’ve 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.
- 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 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 for the additional fee for this ride
- Chain repair kit for your group. Generally not needed but “just in case”
- Trail map
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
- For a small additional fee, you can be dropped at
- Bannockburn Bridge for a shorter day
- Smiths Way for a longer day
- 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: 9:00 am
From: $95 NZD per adult
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