Clyde to Roxburgh Hydro - Group of cyclists in the Clutha River Jet boat ready for their transport

Roxburgh Gorge Trail- 1 day - Clyde to Roxburgh Hydro Dam

Distance: 36 km (riding)

Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)

Duration: 7 hours

Tour meeting point: Clyde

Suitable for: All cyclists - note trail is narrow in some parts

From: $260 NZD per adult

What, when, how etc

SUITABLE FOR

This Roxburgh Gorge Trail journey is suitable for all cyclists. Please note that the trail between Alexandra and the Roxburgh Hydro Dam climbs, descends and narrows in parts and you need to be comfortable with this type of riding.

Experience a day like no other, combining cycling, jet boating, and jaw-dropping scenery on the Clyde to Roxburgh adventure. Often described as New Zealand’s Grand Canyon, the Roxburgh Gorge will captivate you with its dramatic landscapes and rich history.

  • Start and finish your ride in the historic township of Clyde, nestled at the foot of the Clyde Dam
  • Ride the scenic 150th Anniversary River Track to Alexandra, then follow the true right (west) side of the Clutha Mata-Au River through the dramatic Roxburgh Gorge, carved between towering schist cliffs
  • Marvel at the rugged, remote landscape, discover gold mining relics and stone huts, and capture stunning shots of the river’s deep turquoise waters.  Only accessible by bike or boat
  • The gorge is remote and rich in history. Some have said the Roxburgh Gorge Trail has the look and feel of the Grand Canyon. What will you think of it?
  • Enjoy a thrilling 13 km jet boat transfer through the section of trail yet to be built, before completing your ride at the Lake Roxburgh Hydro – where you can cycle across the dam itself.
  • At the day’s end, relax on our comfortable shuttle back to Clyde
  • Well done, you’ve ridden Roxburgh Gorge Trail from Clyde to Lake Roxburgh. What trail are you going to tackle next or do you think you’d like to ride it again, but in the opposite direction?
  • Congratulations -you’ve ridden the Roxburgh Gorge Trail from Clyde to Lake Roxburgh! Will your next adventure take you to to one of our other trails and tours, or would you like to return and experience this one in reverse?

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail – Clyde to Roxburgh Hydro Dam

Your day

  • Bring your own picnic lunch for this one because there are no cafes in the Roxburgh Gorge
  • 8:30 am Meet at our depot. We’ll get you away cycling early so you have plenty of time to make your booked boat transfer time
  • 9:00 am, depart for Alexandra. Choose to ride the Otago Rail Trail through to Clyde ( 8 km ) or take the very scenic River Track (12 km)
  • On arrival in Alexandra, make a good decision about your pace. Steady riding will get you to the boat in about 60 minutes so you may keep riding.  If you have enough time to stop and soak up the sights (and it’s worth it!), then grab a takeaway coffee or sit down for morning tea – it’s your call.
  • 12:30 pm  – Most of our itineraries have a prebooked 12.30pm boat booking time for departure. Your bike is safely stowed onboard while you relax and enjoy the ride down the gorge, stopping at key points where the skipper will share fascinating local history. This is the perfect time to enjoy your lunch.
  • 1:00 pm –Arrive at Shingle Creek and jump back on your bike for the 13 km ride to the Roxburgh Hydro Dam. If you’ve got time then we recommend riding over the Hydro Dam as it’s very rare to be able to do this. Make sure you are watching the time, as you need to come back to your pickup location.
  • 3:30 pm – Your shuttle departs from Stone House Garden.
  • 4:00 pm – Arrive Clyde, you did it, you’ve conquered the Roxburgh Gorge Trail!

 

  • Mountain bike with helmet, pannier bag, cycle computer, bike light, puncture repair kit and pump. Consider booking an E-Bike for the additional fee as this make the day a total cruise and a lot of fun
  • Map

Upgrades

Options

  • Choose between riding the Otago Rail Trail to Alexandra or the River Track today. What you choose depends on you and your cycling ability.

 

Click on the map to view the interactive version

Distance: 36 km (riding)

Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)

Duration: 7 hours

Suitable for: All cyclists - note trail is narrow in some parts

Start time: 8:30 am

From: $260 NZD per adult

Find out more about the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

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