OTAGO TRIPPIN' WITH NZ CYCLING JOURNAL
In autumn 2022, after weeks of studying maps, the team from NZ Cycling Journal put together their very own Grande Boucle* of Otago on gravel bikes utilising the infrastructure of the Great Rides as hubs and spokes to explore some wild and remote corners of Otago...
*Otherwise known as the Big Loop… or more commonly as Le Tour de France.
Otago’s Great Rides network encompasses over 400km of purpose-built cycling trails stretching from Queenstown to the Dunedin region and as far as Waihola on the coast with the opening on the Clutha Gold Trail extension in April 2023.
Not only are these trails outstanding multiday rides in their own right, with a supporting infrastructure of great cafes, welcoming country taverns and bike-friendly accommodation, but with mile after mile of quiet gravel roads they also provide the opportunity for exploring well off the beaten track.
Read NZ Cycling Journal's epic story here, with a gallery of previously unpublished photos below.
Photo credits: Cam MacKenzie www.cameronmackenzie.co.nz
The 5-day adventure began and finished from Alexandra. Crossing the Alexandra Bridge and the Clutha River to the start of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.
Meeting the jet boat | water taxi service which connects the 2-ends of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.
The jet boat is one of the highlights of the trail and includes a fascinating commentary on the gold mining heritage of the region.
An aerial view of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail makes it look like a work of art...
Zigging and zagging on the switchbacks up to the viewpoint over the Roxburgh Dam
Spectacular autumn riding along the Clutha River on the Clutha Gold Trail.
Full beam at sunrise on Otago's backroads.
Mighty Mahinerangi - breathtaking scenery on the approach to Lake Mahinerangi
Sunrise on the Otago Central Rail Trail near Middlemarch.
The original and still one of the best - the Otago Central Rail Trail.
The Old Dunstan Road can be challenging - best ridden in warm, dry conditions.
The long steady climb up to Poolburn Dam.
Soft light at sunset over the Ida Valley.
Whether on a mountain bike, gravel bike or eBike, the network of purpose-built trails and backroads throughout the Otago region makes for some outstanding bike riding. So, pull out the map and get planning your next mission!
Special thanks to Liam Friary from NZ Cycling Journal and photographer Cameron MacKenzie for their support with this story.
Related Stories
-
Action Photography Guide
A guide for taking great action photos on the trails.
Read more about Action Photography Guide -
Bridges of the Otago Trails
Otago Bridges - a travel guide for walkers and cyclists
Read more about Bridges of the Otago Trails -
In Pictures Clutha Gold Trail
Photo and video gallery of the Clutha Gold Trail.
Read more about In Pictures Clutha Gold Trail -
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 -
-
Bikepacking for Beginners
A no-stress guide for your first bikepacking adventure.
Read more about Bikepacking for Beginners -
It's Not About the Bike
Myth busting! A guide to cycling holidays for beginners.
Read more about It's Not About the Bike -
Affordable Cycling Holiday Tips
Tips for an affordable cycling holiday.
Read more about Affordable Cycling Holiday Tips -
One Day Winter Wonders
The best bike rides on the Otago cycle trails in winter.
Read more about One Day Winter Wonders -
Clyde Dam Tour
A tour of the Clyde Dam is a unique opportunity to explore this icon of the Lake Dunstan Trail.
Read more about Clyde Dam Tour -
Trail Tipples
Exploring Otago Wine Country on New Zealand’s Best Cycle Trails.
Read more about Trail Tipples -
11 of the Best Short Walks in Otago
11 of the best short walks in Otago and close to the cycle trails, ranging from 30 minutes up to 3 hours.
Read more about 11 of the Best Short Walks in Otago -
Wheel Life
Rob McFarland of Explore Magazine on cycling New Zealand's latest spectacular Great Ride
Read more about Wheel Life -
In Pictures - Roxburgh Gorge Trail
A photo gallery and video from the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail - one of NZ's best day rides.
Read more about In Pictures - Roxburgh Gorge Trail -
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
