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Otago’s Greatest Hits

The Tracks You’ll Keep Coming Back to Time and Again...

Clutha Gold Trail
Brook Sabin

Inspiration Otago’s Greatest Hits

Whilst undoubtedly the best way to fully immerse yourself in Otago’s vast cycle trail network is on a multi-day ride, if you’re short on time (as Brook was), here’s a selection of shorter rides to get a taste of the best bits.

Most of these options are out-and-back rides, but many of the local bike tour companies will offer one-day highlight packages that include transfers so can be ridden as a longer one-way ride, or you can book a multi-day tour including bike hire, accommodation, bag drops and transfers.

CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL

The Clutha Gold Trail stretches for 135km from Roxburgh in Central Otago to Waihola in the Clutha District – which is just a 30-minute drive from Dunedin.

Here are a handful of the best short, scenic rides on the Clutha Gold Trail.

WATCH: Brook's Clutha Gold Trail Highlights

The extensive boardwalk section at Lake Waihola is a trail highlight.

The quirky Calder Stewart Bridges between Milton and Waihola.

Lake Waihola reserve - where you'll find arguably the best fish and chips in NZ!

Lake Waihola
Beginning at Waihola domain on the lakefront, the boardwalk section around Lake Waihola and the wetlands is a delight with great opportunities to see native wildlife. At only about 3km return, the boardwalk section is probably best enjoyed as a walk, rather than bike ride. Including a stop at the Waihola Fish & Chip shop is a must… we reckon it’s a contender for the best in NZ! Check out this video and see what you think?!

Mt Stuart Reserve to Waitahuna 
From tranquil Mt Stuart reserve ride westward along the trail on a section of disused railway. You’ll cycle over an old viaduct, through beautiful deciduous woodland and eventually come to the Mt Stuart and then Round Hill tunnels. Carry on to Waitahuna for coffee or lunch at the beautifully restored Waitahuna Goods Shed Café. Approx 36km return, allow 3-hours.

Lawrence to Gabriel’s Gully
From Lawrence an excellent side trip from the Clutha Gold Trail is to visit Gabriel’s Gully (5km one way), where the Otago Gold Rush started in 1861. There’s an excellent interpretation walk at the Department of Conservation managed reserve, but its also worth while getting a copy of the Lawrence Storymapp.

Storymapp is your own personal tour guide to Gabriel's Gully, the Lawrence Chinese Camp, and more. It includes a self-guided tour, audio, 360° historical recreations, and over 40 photos and articles which brings the history of the region to life.

Bring a head torch for the Mount Stuart tunnel.

The lovingly restored Goods Shed Cafe and old station building in Waitahuna.

Check out the awesome Storymapp for Lawrence.

Sunset spa at Bellamy Station - trailside accommodation on the Clutha Gold Trail.

Miller’s Flat to Horseshoe Bend Bridge and the Lonely Graves
Meandering eastward alongside the turquoise waters of the Clutha River | Mata Au from Miller’s Flat the trail leads to Horseshoe Bend Bridge and the Lonely Graves. The impressive suspension bridge dates to 1913 and is worth the short walk to explore. A short distance further along the trial is the site of Lonely Graves and a real tear-jerker of a story.

20kms return from Millers Flat. Allow 2-3 hours to include the short walk to the bridge.

Roxburgh
Whilst technically on the Clutha Gold Trail, Roxburgh is also the logical hub for people riding the Roxburgh Gorge Trail (which starts 9km upstream at the hydro dam).

The small town is world-famous in New Zealand for Jimmy’s Pies, but the café at 103 The Store is also making a bid for the title of NZ’s best cinnamon scrolls! Next door, Feinerman’s General Store and the Teviot Tea Shop are ideal for some off-the-bike retail therapy.

More Info: Clutha Gold Trail Website

103 The Store in Roxburgh - contender for the best cinnamon scrolls in NZ... or at least Otago!

Retail therapy at Feinerman's General Store in Roxburgh.

The Clutha River meandering next to the Clutha Gold Trail near Miller's Flat and Horseshoe Bend Bridge.

ROXBURGH GORGE TRAIL

Currently the Roxburgh Gorge Trail between Alexandra and Roxburgh Dam is just 21km long with a 13km water taxi / jet boat transfer in the middle. It makes a spectacular day ride with numerous bike tour operators offering day trips inclusive of bike hire, transfers and the water taxi.

Alternatively riding from Alexandra to Doctor’s Point and back makes an easy 20km ride. The sections along the river just outside of Alexandra are particularly picturesque in spring when the wild thyme is in bloom, or in autumn with the spectacular golden leaves.

Starting at Roxburgh Dam offers a slightly more challenging ride with grade 3 sections of trail with steep-ish, tight switchbacks to negotiate. But the 22km return ride out to Shingle Creek and back offers spectacular gorge scenery.

A new section of trail is currently under construction to complete the 13km gap and is due for completion in the summer of 2026 / 2027.

WATCH: Brook's Roxburgh Gorge Trail Highlights

The dramatic Roxburgh Gorge Trail - section between Shingle Creek and Roxburgh Dam [photo: Geoff Marks].

Autumn colours on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail near Alexandra [photo: Cameron MacKenzie].

Ormaglade Cabins in Millers Flat on the Clutha Gold Trail - a good hub for exploring both trails.

Relaxing with a glass of Central Otago wine in the outdoor bath at Ormaglade Cabins.

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