CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL

0Km

To ride the Clutha Gold Trail

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Take a journey of discovery on the Clutha Gold Trail as you cycle beside the mighty Clutha / Mata-au river and through a major stone fruit growing region of New Zealand. The trails gentle gradient makes it a delight to cycle for just about everyone.

The Clutha Gold is combined with the Roxburgh Gorge Trail to provide for a slightly longer cycling option that spans two to three days.

Quick Facts

Distance

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Roxburgh Hydro to Lawrence

Duration

One to three days (average is currently two days). This trail is usually combined with the Roxburgh Gorge trail to provide a two to four day journey.

Direction

The trail can be ridden from either end, Roxburgh Hydro to Lawrence or Lawrence to Roxburgh Hydro.

Most people cycle from the Roxburgh Hydro in the direction that the Clutha River is running.

Suitable for

Rated as “Grade 2 Easy” by New Zealand Cycle Trails, this trail has something for just about everyone. There is only one major ascent but it’s very short and can be ridden or walked.

Click to find out more about the New Zealand Cycling trail grades

Gradient

Max gradient:

1 in 10 (that’s 1 meter up for every 10 meters ridden or 10%) on the steepest section but most of the trail has a gradient of 1 in 30 ( 3.3% )

Average gradient:

Not available at this time

Surface

Purpose built cycling trail with very hard packed gravel, an excellent surface. This surface is very fast riding.

Climate

Prevailing wind

North Westerly

Season averages

Spring (Sept to Nov) -3 to 20°C – rainfall 45mm / month
Summer (Dec to Feb) 10 to 30+°C – rainfall 54 mm / month
Autumn (Mar to May) -3 to 24°C – rainfall 51 mm/ month
Winter (Jun to Aug) -6 to 15°C – rainfall 37 mm / month

Season

Open all year round. Some facilities close over winter and winter riders need to be well prepared.

Accommodation

Budget / mid range / luxury accommodation options are available across the trail but not in all townships. We’ll help you divide up your journey to work in with the accommodation you’re looking for.

Food

A range of general stores, 4 Square supermarkets, cafes, hotels and restaurants are located across the length of the trail and in some cases your accommodation provider will provide a meal option.

We provide you with a full food and snacks guide that details the various options for each day of your journey.

Riders / Year

Not available at this time

Airports

Like the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails share that unique advantage of having international airports at either end. So, if it works for you with flights, you can fly into Queenstown and out of Dunedin (or vice versa). It’s also easy enough to be returned to Queenstown when you’ve finished.

Roxburgh is 98 mins from Dunedin Airport or 98 mins from Queenstown Airport

Lawrence is 57 mins from Dunedin Airport or 140 mins from Queenstown Airport

Cost

Daily on trail costs per person / day (including bike hire / bag transport / accommodation and trail maintenance contribution) – may cost more or less depending on:

– days on the trail

– group composition (singles or couples) and group size

– accommodation options you choose

– additional activities

We will work with you to help meet your budget.

Budget – from $113/ person / day

Mid range – from $136/ person / day

Luxury – from $152/ person / day

Self Guided Tours

Shebikeshebikes offer a fully customised, free itinerary service so you can get the most out your Clutha Gold Trail adventure. You’ll find a range of starting options provided below to give you an idea about what might suit you and what an indicative cost might be. We’ll work with you to refine things and book the accommodation and transport to suit your requirements. The itinerary you’ll received is fully itemised so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for.

Two days – Double delight

You’ll need to be fit for this one with 106 km of cycling over two days down the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails before finishing in Lawrence.

riding a bike on the Otago Central Rail Trail near Tiger Hill

Three days – Clutha supreme

With a little more time up your sleeve you can afford to cruise on this three day adventure that takes you across the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails.

The Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails have a variety of accommodation option to meet most requirements. Accommodation is broken roughly into budget, mid range and luxury options.

Budget

Budget options are available in Clyde, Alexandra and Roxburgh, Millers Flat and Beaumont. Budget accommodation does not include breakfast and own bedding may be required or hired at an additional cost, bathroom facilities are shared and cooking facilities are available. Rates are based on twin share in most cases.

Camping ground tent