
BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME
Opened in May 2021, the Lake Dunstan Trail is an engineering masterpiece that has quickly become one of New Zealand's most popular trails and is the 23rd, and latest, of the country's Great Rides.
The short video below provides an insight into the scale and complexity involved in the trail's construction.
- Produced by Crux -
- Shot and edited by James Haskard, produced by Georgia Merton in partnership with Two Bearded Men using funding from NZ On Air -

Southern Lens - The Ultimate Bike Trail
The Southern Lens team records the engineers building the Lake Dunstan Trail as they literally blasted and bridged their way through the Cromwell Gorge.

Constructing the Lake Dunstan Trail was more than your usual trail build...

Ropes, climbing harnesses and head for heights were essential on the build.

The complex build relied on helicopter support for materials.

With no other access into the Cromwell Gorge, helicopters were essential.

The stonework on the retaining walls on the trail is a work of art.

Negotiating steep bluffs and cliffs.
SUPPORT THE TRAIL
The initial building of the Lake Dunstan Trail was funded by Government, the Central Lakes Trust and Otago Community Trust.
However, the ongoing maintenance of the trail relies heavily on donations. If you have ridden the trail and would like to contribute to its upkeep then you can make a donation by clicking below. Thank you.

MORE INFORMATION
To find out more about the Lake Dunstan Trail, including tips to help plan for your ride, trail safety, and maps click the link below.
Related Stories
-
In Pictures - the Queenstown Trails
A stunning photo gallery of the Queenstown Trail - a network of over 130km of purpose-built walking and cycling trails.
Read more about In Pictures - the Queenstown Trails -
In Pictures - The Otago Central Rail Trail
Best of the Otago Central Rail Trail - a stunning video and photo gallery.
Read more about In Pictures - The Otago Central Rail Trail -
In Pictures - Autumn Trail Colours
A gallery of spectacular autumnal photos from around the Otago Trails.
Read more about In Pictures - Autumn Trail Colours -
The Movie Pedlar
Brett is the Taupō-based founder, curator, and self-described pedlar, of the Big Bike Film Night – a film festival that celebrates cycling in all its glorious shapes and forms.
Read more about The Movie Pedlar -
The Best Pies in Otago
A guide to the best pies in Otago along the cycle trails.
Read more about The Best Pies in Otago -
Trail Rescue
The Coastguard is a crucial resource for rescuing injured walkers or cyclists across the Otago trail network.
Read more about Trail Rescue -
Wheel Life
Rob McFarland of Explore Magazine on cycling New Zealand's latest spectacular Great Ride
Read more about Wheel Life -
Taniwhā's Tail
The Upper Taiari River Scroll Plains are one of the most important and unique wetlands in NZ, and an easy detour off the Rail Trail.
Read more about Taniwhā's Tail -
Up-Cycles
Up-Cycles repairs old bikes and donates them to those in need via local community groups.
Read more about Up-Cycles -
The Clutha Gold Trail Expansion
A remarkable 62km extension to the Clutha Gold Trail is nearing completion. This ambitious project will connect the existing network of trails in Central Otago and Clutha, establishing a continuous cycle path all the way to the East Coast.
Read more about The Clutha Gold Trail Expansion