The Clutha Canyons – Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge, Clutha Gold

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our 6-Day Cycle Tour, where you’ll journey through breathtaking landscapes along three remarkable trails— the Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail, and Clutha Gold Trail— tracing the majestic Clutha River through awe-inspiring canyons.

The Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Clutha Gold Trail are 3 of New Zealand’s most spectacular cycle trails. We combine them into an action-packed 6-day adventure following the mighty Clutha (Mata-au) through a series of massive canyons as the river carves its way toward the sea. The scenery and trails are world-class, with some amazing cantilevered engineering to bridge the steep gorge walls and chasms. With boutique accommodation, fabulous food and Escape by Cycle’s top-class service, the Clutha Canyons is without a doubt, one of the world’s most spectacular bike tours.

Clutha Canyon Cycle Tour Highlights

  • 6-day / 5-night cycling adventure through stunning scenery, with boutique accommodation, fabulous food and top-class service.
  • Highlights of 4 amazing cycle trails – Lake Dunstan Trail, Clutha Gold, Wanaka Trail and the Roxburgh Gorge.
  • Ride the cantilevered bridges of the newly opened Lake Dunstan Trail through the Cromwell Gorge.
  • 2-hour scenic boat cruise on Lake Wanaka with a short nature walk on a stunning island.
  • Enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride through the Roxburgh Gorge Trail – New Zealand’s equivalent to the Grand Canyon.
  • Relax with full vehicle support and an experienced tour guide organising everything and enhancing your experience.
  • We provide full instructions on how to use your bike, explain where to ride and let you enjoy the trails at your own pace.
  • All-inclusive – all meals, accommodation, e-bikes, transport and the jet boat are included in the price.

Length

6 Days / 5 Nights

Start / Pick-up

Queenstown

Finish – Drop-off

Queenstown

See below for dates and prices

Included:

  • 6 days riding on the Lake Dunstan Trail, Clutha Gold, Roxburgh Gorge and selected rides around Wanaka and Bannockburn
  • 5 nights of boutique bed and breakfast accommodations in stunning locations, 3 nights of lakeside
  • Your choice of a high-performance e-bike, or mountain bike at no extra cost
  • Ride the cantilevered bridges of the recently opened Lake Dunstan Trail through the Cromwell gorge
  • Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Queenstown and all transport on tour
  • Enjoy a jet boat tour through the central Roxburgh Gorge
  • Central Otago wine tasting
  • All meals included:
    • Day 1: Lunch and dinner
    • Days 2-5: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    • Day 6: Breakfast and lunch
  • Eat at the best restaurants and cafes. All meals are made with fresh local produce, catering to all dietary requirements.
  • Enjoy our famous “make-your-own” picnics along the trail, with cold meats, cheeses, salads, sandwiches, wraps and dips.
  • Our expert local tour leaders provide insight and background on the areas you visit and show you how to use your bicycle and equipment.
  • Full vehicle support – in case you ever want to take a break from riding or skip a section if the weather turns bad.
  • Unlimited snacks – fresh seasonal fruit from the area, mixed nuts, muesli bars, selection of typical kiwi sweets and chocolates!
  • Drinks breaks provided on the trail – selection of teas, plunger coffee, soft drinks, juice and water.

Excluded:

  • Any drinks (alcohol, soft drinks, teas or coffees) purchased in restaurants or cafés.
  • Day 1 – Pick-up from your accommodation in Queenstown. After a drive through the Kawerau Gorge, we start with a lovely ride beside the Hawea River and along the lake edge into Wanaka. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise across the lake before a fabulous dinner at your lakeside accommodation.
  • Day 2 – Enjoy a lovely ride around the Wanaka region on cycle trails and backcountry roads, stopping for a unique lunch experience along the way. Spend a 2nd night in Wanaka with dinner at a fabulous local restaurant.
  • Day 3 – After a cooked breakfast beside the lake, enjoy a challenging ride following the river to reach a delightful country gastro pub for lunch. After a shorter ride in the afternoon, you will reach your accommodation on the edge of Lake Dunstan.
  • Day 4 – The amazing Lake Dunstan Trail follows the edge of the lake past the historic precinct of Cromwell to reach Bannockburn for morning tea. Then experience the spectacular cantilevered bridges through the Cromwell Gorge to reach the Clyde Dam. Enjoy a fabulous meal at a top restaurant and stay in the historic quarter of Clyde.
  • Day 5 – Follow the amazing Clutha Gold cycle trail as it meanders through trees beside the river,  stopping for a picnic along the way. This spectacular trail is a fabulous ride next to the aqua-blue water of New Zealand’s biggest river by volume. After a fabulous dinner, you may like to take a short walk up to a scenic lookout overlooking the valley.
  • Day 6 – The Roxburgh Gorge is a major highlight – among the best cycle trails you’ll find anywhere in the world. From high above the dam, the cycle trail skirts the top of the walls before plunging deep into the gorge. Take a jet boat ride through the central canyon then get back on your bike to finish with a lovely flowing ride beside the river. After a final late lunch together, we deliver you back to Queenstown in the late afternoon.

* Please note we may alter the itinerary to give you the best possible experience and for the safety and enjoyment of the group.

  • You can choose between a high tech ebike or mountain bike – both are included in the price. However, please only choose an non-electric bike if you are an expert rider with a VERY high level of fitness and regularly ride over 50km per day on gravel. The trails are much more challenging to ride on a non-electric bike. Many of our guests who choose a non-electric bike end up regretting their decision. We generally encourage everyone to choose an ebike.  They make your journey much easier and more comfortable. You can always choose to dial back the level of support on an ebike if you want more of a workout.
  • Pick-up/drop-off from alternate locations to Queenstown can be arranged upon request but may incur additional costs.
  • Private tours can be arranged for groups of 6-10 people. Price is subject to availability of accommodation and depends on the number of people booking. Please let us know your dates and requirements.

IF THE SCHEDULED DATES BELOW DO NOT WORK FOR YOU, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH! WE MAY BE ABLE TO ARRANGE ALTERNATE DATES SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF BIKES, STAFF AND ACCOMMODATION.

Start DatePriceSingle SupplementStatus
14/11/2024 $4395 $795 Sold Out
28/11/2024 $4395 $795 6 places left
16/01/2025 $4495 $795 Sold Out
30/01/2025 $4495 $795 5 places left
13/02/2025 $4595 $795 places left
27/02/2025 $4595 $795 Sold Out
06/03/2025 $4595 $795 Sold Out
13/03/2025 $4595 $795 Sold Out
20/03/2025 $4595 $795 4 places left
27/03/2025 $4595 $795 Sold Out
03/04/2025 $4595 $795 places left
10/04/2025 $4495 $795 Sold Out
17/04/2025 $4495 $795 Sold Out

Prices are per person and based on twin share (twin or double) room accommodation.
Individuals wanting a private room to themselves will be asked to pay a “Single Supplement”. 
Please note we require a minimum of 4 people booked to guarantee a departure. 
Prices are in NZD and include GST.

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