Roxburgh Gorge Trail to be Completed

Over the past three years, Dr Barrie Wills, Secretary of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail Trust, and Janeen Wood, Chief Executive of Southern Lakes Trails, have worked closely with James Russell of Gorge Creek Station, as well as with Members of Parliament, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and the Department of Conservation (DoC), to navigate past challenges and secure a positive outcome.

Dr Wills, who has been involved in the trail project since its inception, has walked the land many times and, together with Mr Russell, has identified an alignment that will provide a stunning and enjoyable ride through the gorge’s rugged terrain.

Dr Wills said that, “After more than a decade of patiently working on maintaining the existing trail and planning to complete 'The Gap', it is gratifying to be working with the landowners to get that last 13kms constructed. Much of it will be on the original alignment, passing interesting heritage spots and with magnificent views across Lake Roxburgh and the Mata-au | Clutha River, including where the old 14 Mile electric dredge once operated".

"The Roxburgh Gorge Trail has always had brilliant feedback from cyclists and walkers, the landscape, flora and fauna is special and we look forward to providing decades more of this great Central Otago experience to all”, he said.

Mr Russell commented, “all it took was the right people working together towards balanced solutions".

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail was originally opened in 2013 with only the two end sections from Alexandra to Doctors Point and from Roxburgh Dam to Shingle Creek completed. The missing section has been bridged by Clutha River Cruises, which has provided a unique jet boat transfer for trail users. This experience has been a highlight for many riders, offering historical insights and spectacular river views. The jet boat option will remain available for those who prefer not to ride the full trail or who wish to enjoy the history and beauty of the Gorge from the water.

Once completed, the Roxburgh Gorge Trail will span 34 kilometres, providing a seamless link in the broader vision of a continuous cycling network from Queenstown to Waihola. The Kawarau Gorge Trail, also being constructed by Southern Lakes Trails, is now over 50% complete and will connect the Queenstown Trail network to the Lake Dunstan Trail, from which cyclists can connect to the Otago Central Rail Trail to Middlemarch, or link to the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and then on to the Clutha Gold Trail to Waihola on the east coast.

Ms Wood, CEO of Southern Lakes Trails, expressed her thanks to all who have given their support to this project, especially the Miller family who farm the neighbouring property through which the trail traverses to complete the connection to Shingle Creek.