Dotted around it were a variety of small huts, all permanent-enough looking but none of which youd go so far to call a house, or even a bach. Before heading onward, its possible to detour up to the historic Bannockburn Hotel, or down Felton Road where there are a bunch of top-notch wineries. Make decisions with the community in mind and in harmony with the natural environment so we can help create the kind of place we can be proud of. Known at the time as "The Mountain Track", it was a dangerous route which claimed numerous lives. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Don't forget to grab a wine map too. It's 46 km long. Grade 2-3, Cairnmuir Gully to Halfway Hut - 8.4km, Grade 2 - 3, Halfway Hut to Dunstan Arm Rowing Club - 10.7km, Grade 2-3, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club to Clyde Heritage Precinct - 3.5km. The trail offers cyclists and walkers an a 40.km ride (Grade 2-3) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as it journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. Smaller local shuttle operators service smaller destinations and tailor trips to visitors needs; many also offer transfers to and from Queenstown. What happens after I submit a consent application for a property included on the List? There are many places to rest a while beside the lake, with swimming, boating and other water sports all popular along most of its distance. There are toilets here. A detailed description of this Great Ride, including maps and more information, can be found here. Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles or those with experience, and should only be attempted with a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). As you go, look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. Old Dunstan Road, Clarks Junction; Galloway Flat Old Dunstan Road approaching the Poolburn Dam, Rough Ridge, from the north-east. From Poolburn, its 50 km mostly downhill to Alexandra. However, it is narrow (1.5m) in places, with a total climb of 580m over 42 kms. All up around two hundred kilometres with perhaps four thousand metres of climbing on mostly gravel and some more rugged, steep off-road sections. One route, from Tuapeka, followed the Molyneux River all the way. Its mostly uphill cycling, northwest on Highway 87, to Clarks Junction 49 km from Dunedin. But further thought could wait until the day developed a bit; for now, there was a big downhill to enjoy! A dramatic entry was planned at Cromwell, with hundreds of onlookers turning out for the opening of the resited and restored buildings in Old Cromwell, the historical precinct built by residents when the towns main road fell to the Clyde Dam development. Casual bike hire is available in Cromwell and Clyde. There is plenty of accommodation in Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra, all of which make great bases for Central Otago cycling adventures. Wellington 6011 We came from the left of shot, from over those ridges, to intersect with the gravel road. The trail offers cyclists and walkers a challenging 55km ride (Grade 2-3) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as it. In driving rain we crested one bald brown ridge after another, thinking that each might mark the beginning of the descent, but knowing we had several hours of rocks and pillars in front of us. To understand what to expect and to prepare for your ride click below. This is where you can join the Old Dunstan Road, the modern access. How does the Overseas Investment Act link with the List? Unlimited access to every NZGeo story ever written and hundreds of hours of natural history documentaries on all your devices. There is a total of 580m climbing between Cromwell and Clyde, with most of the ascents gentle but steady. The trail diverged from the road near the bottom of the downhill, we found the correct gate and put ourselves on farm track trying to follow the path of those miners long ago. Protect and celebrate our rich heritage in landscapes, architecture, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. In this stretch, youll need a compass to avoid drifting onto new, misleading 4WD tracks. First stop was just south of Moa Creek to check the map and to take a photo of some sheep and off down Webster Lane we go until we see the pub. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Copyright Ng Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails 2023. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by This section requires the most attention and skill as there are narrow undulating sections with steep drop-offs. More fenceposts provided handy bike stands at the top of that hour-long climb. Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to the track. That night, in our own version of the 1860s grog tent, hot food and cold ale loosened joints, and John Grenells songs of the high country and the road set the right rustic mood. Grade 3+ Time 2-4 days Distance 170 km Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track At Cromwell Heritage Precinct be sure to park up and explore the boutique galleries, retail stores, restaurants and cafe's. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. TimeZoneOne Be open to new ideas, open to exploring the possibilities and appreciate the strengths and talents each person brings. There are options for a vineyard lunch and stocking up on a few bottles; local shuttles can provide rescue if youve overindulged. A good warm-up for the day, taking about ninety minutes, during which I could look back over the hills Id climbed and traveled over the previous days. The development of the Clyde Dam project resulted in considerable upheaval for Cromwell residents and the commercial heart of the town. Its 46 km (28.64 miles) long, running south-north and coming south at the Poolburn Dam, Upper Taieri-Paerau Road. Old Dunstan Road. Horses are not permitted on the Lake Dunstan Trail. look, In this week's show, Ray joins a bunch of Ducati lowers for a special event, This week on the show, Mat and Ray catch up to swap stories of their, Kiwi Rider Podcast 2022 | E26 | Matariki Mission. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. For a less experienced rider consider Clyde to Cromwell. The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn area are some of the southernmost grape growing regions in the world. Date: 1/06/2008. Toward the end, the road passes Lake Poolburn which was another movie site for LOTR. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the Cromwell Gorge in the mid 1990s. I had no fear of losing my hat to the wind. This one was harder to find, but with a route description and a couple of maps we found it. In time, the route became known as the Dunstan Road. Required fields are marked *. A little unfinished business there. But plans on trips like these are fluid at best and I was happy to scale this one back as I had company! Cromwell Heritage PrecinctBannockburn wineries (return), 16km or more, Grade 2/easyintermediate, 1.53 hours or more. The Lake Dunstan Track is a 55km (34mi) cycle trail that runs between Cromwell and Clyde in Central Otago. Be sure to book tours, accommodation and other services well in advance for the busy summer season, DecemberApril. It is rutted in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. The trail is mostly grade 2 (easy) with some gentle hill climbs and tricky bits that push it to grade 3 (intermediate). Happy riding and keep posting! Approximately 16km.The entire Lake Dunstan Trail i. Rich in history both Maori and early pioneers. One prospector is said to have taken 200 ounces of gold from a crevice in a single panning. Only averaging ten kilometres an hour by now, Middlemarch went out the window and the aim was to get to Clarks Junction before the pub closed. Its a lovely outing on bike or foot, with stupendous lake and mountain views, pretty picnic areas and swimming spots. Started construction 1977. From Cornish Point, the landscape changes dramatically to rocky bluffs as the trail heads into the Cromwell Gorge. I restarted my playlist of favourites in the hope it would reduce the suffering, or just distract us from it. An easy start on the Rail Trail ended after half an hour and we began climbing over the Raggedy Range (mentioned mostly because I like the name). With Adele arriving late after work Friday night and her bike still needing to be loaded that night, I was happy with a six-thirty start on a lightly overcast day. Skip to main content Search Central OtagoSearch Our Stories People, Places & Values (Lake Dunstan has now buried this orchard road forever.). Those who followed were scarcely better prepared; some perished in the harsh landscape, many returned to Dunedin emptyhanded and disillusioned, a few became wealthy overnight. Route finding from here on is relatively easy. This would be the last time that such a trek could use the historic Fruitgrowers Road on the west side of the Clutha River, opposite the new highway. The region's popularity makes it advisable to book accommodation well in advance for peak season (JanuaryApril). If you smell coffee as you approach Cairnmuir Gully, you are not mistaken. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. Please It's not just traditional accommodation, all these historic banks, halls and stables have been repurposed, redesigned, and refurbished to suit the needs of today yep, they even have wifi. Access There are several access places around the lake that can be used (see map), Some of these cross private land, and many can only be used by 4WD vehicles. Lake Dunstan Trail Map Lake Dunstan Trail Sections Smith's Way to Cromwell Heritage Precinct: 16.4km Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Bannockburn Bridge - 6km Bannockburn Bridge to Cornish Point - 7.3km Cornish Point to Clyde - 25km (now open) Trip reviews Videos Essential information Videos Riders carrying on to Alexandra can stay on the true right of the Clutha Mata-au River and follow it downstream via the pretty, family-friendly Millennium Track (12km). To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. Constructed between 1977 and 1992 as one of the then prime minsters Think Big projects, the 100m-high, 490m-wide concrete structure is New Zealands third-largest hydro-dam. There was little fuel to warm them, no food to sustain them. New Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. A small hole in one of the liquor barrels being transported to a hotel or grog shop, a long thirst-quenching pull on the straw, a peg and some wet soil to hide the evidence . It climbs to almost 1,000 metres (3,300ft) before dropping down to Paerau (known during the gold rush era as Styx). Cross over farm land for a period of time only down and up one gully, Morning tea in gully, sheltered from a breeze. The road was part of the original route called the Mountain Road taken by hardy people seeking their gold rush fortunes in the early 1860s, to travel from Dunedin to the goldfields in Central Otago. Wed cross that smaller, greener ridge before then climbing the hills behind that. The first power was generated in 1992. The trail offers cyclists and walkers a challenging 55km ride (Grade 2-3) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as itjourneys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. Getting out the gully requires the trails biggest climb 130 vertical metres up the aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder. The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. Old Dunstan Road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, is a 4WD track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. Written by JULIET OCONNOR . But by dry condition the track is fine to ride, there are few passages which need extra care since flat gravel is very loose on the driveway the bike could slip on those medium size flat rocks, especially if you travel downhill. A steep, walkable alternative is available for those with a fear of heights. This video showcases the Lake Dunstan Trail from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct is now open. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! From there it's mainly plain sailing to the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club, except for some short, tricky, grade 3 riding around Jackson and Byford Creeks, and Annan Gully. (Clive pic.) 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