The Lake Dunstan Trail has you cycling through unique and fascinating landscapes of Central Otago, while following Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River - linking townships Clyde to Cromwell on an awesome 1-day adventure.

Your adventure starts at our Cromwell depot, arriving about 8.30am for a briefing and bike fitting prior to taking our shuttle to Clyde departing at 9.15am. Upon arrival you may wish to enjoy a coffee at one of the many café/restaurants in the Clyde Heritage Precinct prior to starting your adventure.

We operate this adventure both ways, but we like this option as you are cycling on the inside of the trail (safer side) and you can cycle to Carrick Winery just in time to enjoy lunch and a glass of wine about 1pm, hence why we suggest this direction.

Clyde Heritage Precinct to Dunstan Arms Rowing Club 3.5km (grade 1)

From Clyde you head out cycling over the Clyde Bridge then turn right and head down to meet the trail heading towards the Clyde Dam and Dunstan Arms Rowing Club. This section is a sealed road to start with, note that Clyde bridge is shared with other traffic. A dominant feature you cycle past is New Zealand’s third largest hydro-dam – the Clyde Dam, in which the first power was generated in 1992.

Dunstan Arms Rowing Club to Halfway Hut 10.7km (grade 2-3)

There are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside on this section. Closer to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb/descent.

Halfway Hut to Cairnmuir Gully 8.4km (grade 2-3)

This section requires more attention and skill, as has narrow sections and more gradient. It’s also the section with the highest point of the trail, with magnificent views to take in. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section. Coffee Afloat awaits your arrival at the end of this section – yummy coffee and treats awaits you

Cairnmuir Gully to Bannockburn Inlet 11.3km (grade 2-3)

This section includes the first of the bluff bridges, you will cycle at the base of the stonework faces of the Cairnmuir slide, a unique feature high on the slopes above the lake.

As you continue towards Cornish Point cycling though vineyards and olive groves you come to Carrick Winery & Restaurant, pop off your bike and enjoy a glass of wine with a bit of lunch prior to heading towards Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular with a designated swimming area.

Bannockburn Inlet – Cromwell Heritage Precinct 7km (grade 2)

Follow the trail cycling under the Bannockburn bridge following Lake Dunstan to Cromwell Heritage Precinct, if time allows be sure to park up and explore the boutique galleries, retail stores and restaurant/cafes here prior to cycling back to our Cromwell office (2.5kms) to return your bikes by 5pm.