Unlocking the Secrets of the Lake Dunstan Trail

1. Wine Time

Along with its amazing network of cycle trails, Central Otago is perhaps best known for its world-class pinot noir, and the Lake Dunstan Trail is one of the best cycle trails in New Zealand if you want to visit vineyards and cellar doors.

In Bannockburn, a new trail along Felton Road connects to multiple wineries, with several offering lunch at restaurants located onsite at the vineyards. Cairnmuir Road, which runs parallel to the trail for a short distance, also has numerous wineries to visit including Carrick Winery which is located right on the trail itself and offers cyclists everything from a quick coffee and snack, to fine dining.

At the Clyde end, Monte Christo Winery is a great place to finish a day of riding. It’s home to the first ever vines planted in Central Otago back in the late 1860’s and is an idyllic location to relax with a glass of fine wine and a bite from ‘Fritzy’ the onsite food truck.

But let's not forget beer lovers!… Victoria Store Brewery at Oliver’s Restaurant in Clyde is the perfect finale to a day on the trail, with a variety of craft beers brewed onsite which you enjoy in their shady garden.  

2. Pedal Back in Time…

Whilst the Lake Dunstan Trail might be the newest Great Ride in New Zealand, the trail connects cyclists to a part of Central Otago that’s rich in history. Cromwell and Clyde bookend the trail and each have fascinating museums where you can learn about the heritage of the region.

The Trail itself has numerous interpretation panels along the way which provide an engaging insight into the lifestyles of the early pioneers. So, make time to stop and read these panels to understand more about the spectacular landscape which you’re riding through.

3. Highlands Motorsport Park

Located not far from the Lake Dunstan Trail in Cromwell, is one of the country’s most exceptional motor racing circuits. Highlands is a Central Otago must-do where visitors can experience the thrill of a hot lap in a supercar, drive a race car themselves, race their mates on the go-cart circuit, visit the National Motorsport Museum, or get competitive on the 18-hole mini golf course. Bike hire for the Lake Dunstan Trail is also available.

Highlands also offers a unique opportunity for you to ride your bike around the circuit during their “hour of power”! The track is exclusively yours to spend as much time on during the hour as you like. One lap or ten its up to you... take a scenic lap, or put your pedal power to the test and try to set the fastest lap time.

4. An Exclusive Tour of Clyde Dam

Lake Dunstan would not exist had it not been for the construction of the Clyde Hydroelectric Dam, which was commissioned in 1992. Clyde Dam Tours offer an exclusive, behind the scenes, tour of the Dam which provides a fascinating insight into the construction and current operation of the Dam, but also takes you deep under the lake itself….