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

A 6-Day Cycle Tour with world class scenery on 3 spectacular trails following the mighty Clutha through a series of massive canyons.

The Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold 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 it’s 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 nights 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 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 how to use your bike, explain where to ride and let you enjoy the trails at your own pace.
  • All inclusive – all meals, accommodation, ebikes, transport and the jet boat 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 boutique bed and breakfast accommodations stunning locations, 3 nights lakeside
  • Your choice of a high performance ebike, 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 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.

  • Choose between a high performance ebike or mountain bike at no extra cost. Both are excellent but the ebike makes the trip much easier!
  • Pick-up/drop-off from alternate locations to Queenstown can be arranged upon request, but may incur additional cost.
  • Private tours can be arranged for groups of 6-10 people. Price is be 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
09/11/2023 $3995 $695 Sold Out
16/11/2023 $3995 $695 Sold Out
23/11/2023 $3995 $695 4 places left
30/11/2023 $3995 $695 Sold Out
11/01/2024 $3995 $695 places left
18/01/2024 $3995 $695 places left
25/01/2024 $3995 $695 Sold Out
01/02/2024 $3995 $695 places left
05/02/2024 $3995 $695 Sold Out
08/02/2024 $3995 $695 places left
15/02/2024 $3995 $695 places left
22/02/2024 $3995 $695 places left
29/02/2024 $3995 $695 Sold Out
04/03/2024 $3995 $695 Sold Out
07/03/2024 $3995 $695 Sold Out
14/03/2024 $3995 $695 Sold Out
21/03/2024 $3995 $695 4 places left
28/03/2024 $3995 $695 Sold Out
04/04/2024 $3995 $695 places left
11/04/2024 $3995 $695 places left
18/04/2024 $3995 $695 places left
25/04/2024 $3995 $695 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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