Dropping a little to the upper Ida Valley (I'd crossed further down two days before) things flattened for a short stretch before we turned south on the Old Dunstan Road. We made it! The Roxburgh Gorge Trail (and in turn the Clutha Gold Trail) is also easily accessed at Alexandra, reached from Clyde via the Rail Trail or via the Millennium Track on the other side of the Clutha Mata-Au River. There are impressive views across to the Bannockburn vineyards, through which the trail will soon head once it crosses to the other side. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. Supplies were slow following. In places two or more teams were needed to pull a single dray up a steep incline, and on the descents a large rock was often tied on behind to slow the lurching wagon as it careered downhill. Maurice Shadbolt records that these men had to gamble their lives against a pitiless landscape. Id finally biked the Old Dunstan Trail and it was fantastic. Approximately 16km.The entire Lake Dunstan Trail i. Lake Dunstan Trail Map & Sections The Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail can be accessed from Cromwell or Clyde. This video showcases the Lake Dunstan Trail from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct is now open. In winter, multiple layers and gloves are recommended, even if the skies look reassuringly blue. Keep up to date with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Dunstan Trail Dunedin to Alexandra This trip is a collection of quiet gravel roads, 4WD tracks and old wagon trails pioneered as a bike route by gnarly cycle tourers in the 1970s. Theres no shame in that, and youll increase your chances of spotting the pick-axe stuck in the rock wall. More fenceposts provided handy bike stands at the top of that hour-long climb. 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. Speaking of fair clouds, the clouds were kind to us that day providing light cover and no rain. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unridable because of sticky mud. Along the way you will marvel at the man-made landscapes, rich Maori and early pioneer history, and vineyards as you travel along the Lake Dunstan Trail. After Cromwell, known as Clutha River. The Dunstan Trail, also known as the Old Dunstan Road, is a historic route in Otago, New Zealand. The existing road diverts from the trail twice. It climbs to almost 1,000 metres (3,300ft) before dropping down to Paerau (known during the gold rush era as Styx). In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. We saw signs posted that further resurrection was prohibited. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. A series of scenic highways thread through this part of the South Island, including the Central Otago Touring Route stretching between Queenstown and Dunedin (via Cromwell) via the Maniototo. This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. A good leg-stretch is the 10km ride (20km return) to Jackson Creek and Jackson Buttresses, or a little further to Hydes Spur (23km return) which is at the top of the climb with terrific views back down to the Clyde Dam. Vilnius-oblast (Litva) Frolov 1820-1835 1820-1835 1:38 000. The area is earmarked for large-scale windfarm development. Cross the bridge to reach Clyde. In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. This is barren territory, strewn with rocks in any shade ofbrown, with clumps of sparse yellow grass and golden tussock. It was before the approaching ridge, huzzah. It includes more boardwalk sections, a narrow trail that includes a switchback up with amazing hand-stacked rock walls before you reach the storyboard overlooking Halfway Hut. The aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder, may look daunting but the switchbacks have been designed to a maximum of 6 degree gradient with a 3m minimum radius. Hartley and Reilly had lost their gold pan, and used bare hands and a broken shovel. What are the benefits of being included on the List? 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. We neednt go up onto the Rock and Pillars, rather complete the trail to the highway and ride to Middlemarch for dinner and sleep. 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. Incorporate time to explore around Cromwell and through the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. You can then rent a vehicle, catch a bus, or book a tour and be guided through the area. 11.3km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. Its a lovely outing on bike or foot, with stupendous lake and mountain views, pretty picnic areas and swimming spots. Its mostly uphill cycling, northwest on Highway 87, to Clarks Junction 49 km from Dunedin. Be at the cutting edge, setting directions and accepting challenges. Be sure to book tours, accommodation and other services well in advance for the busy summer season, DecemberApril. Started construction 1977. There is no shelter from the weather, which can change quickly, and it is bitterly cold in a southerly. This scenic ride will take you along the Lake Dunstan shores, through undulating hills, flat areas . 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. New Zealand, PO Box 11-310 Its a lovely place to base yourself for Great Ride adventures with a wide range of quality accommodation, and great shops, cafes and restaurants. Erected in a busy pedestrian route in central Auckland in 1993 to commemorate the centenary of womens suffrage in New Zealand. The trail then climbs out of the inlet to Carrick Winery which welcomes cyclists for wine-tasting and dining. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga 2023. Its a fairly exposed point that cops a fair bit of weather, but with luck youll have perfect conditions to admire the views. Old Dunstan Road is the name of a 4x4 track/Adventure riding track located in Otago South Island of New Zealand. 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. An extremely quiet area to escape to, Adele was eyeing it up for future breaks. It looks a wonderful spot to simply explore the many rocks and land around. The presbytery was relocated in six sections to a rural site, where it was reassembled and continues as a comfortable residence. This section also passes under the amazing Cairnmuir Slide, a terraced stone face engineered to protect the river from a major landslide that could overwhelm the Clyde Dam downstream. The trail crosses farmland and areas of subalpine tussock, passing close to Loganburn Reservoir, formerly the Great Moss Swamp.[1]. A little unfinished business there. The newest Great Ride in Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, this specially built trail provides a vital link to the Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trail. The development of the Clyde Dam project resulted in considerable upheaval for Cromwell residents and the commercial heart of the town. Its numerous Baroque churches jostle for space amid glitzy restaurants and dilapidated old buildings that line its cobbled streets, while the student . Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to the track. But, its on our list now. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! We really enjoyed reading your blog. Weaving our way through countless scattered, jagged rocks kept the interest level up as plenty of holiday traffic passed us on the road. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. Started construction 1977. Check back soon to see our map of the Lakes Dunstan Trail. This section follows the sealed road in places, and shares the Clyde road bridge before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. The newest Great Ride in Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, this specially built trail provides a vital link to the Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trail. The original road now traverses private farmland towards an area called Blackball. The climb was steady and it took us about two hours before the reservoir was revealed. The road was created during the Central Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s. The trail was just discernible; the hill was easily recognisable as the sun beat down on us and the gradient stuck to around fifteen percent. This area experiences extremes of weather any time of year, so go well prepared. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. A map showing the planned 500km continuous trail network from Queenstown to Dunedin, estimated in 2018 to cost . . After 3 km, this track meets up with the Old Dunstan Road. It's 46 km long. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. With the help of the trees we hid behind, I was dry albeit very warm. As trail transport does not run to a scheduled timetable, any shuttles should be arranged in advance direct through operators or local i-SITE visitor centres. Are places listed on the List protected from being demolished or altered? To understand what to expect, to help you choose the right section of trail for your ability, and how to prepare for your ride, click here. Cromwell at the confluence of the Clutha River (incorporating Lake Dunstan) and the Kawarau Rivers. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. 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. In this parched, waterless landscape a gimlet and straw were said to be part of a wagoners essential equipment. The Clarks Junction pub still had the same proprietor as when I visited three years before (I think if Id visited twenty years earlier that would have still held), and it was still for sale. Queenstown airport is 45 minutes drive from Cromwell, and an hour to Clyde. 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. Along the way you will marvel at the man-made landscapes, rich Maori and early pioneer history, and vineyards as you travel along the Lake Dunstan Trail. 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. Although the trail is well signposted, carrying the official map will enhance the experience by pinpointing landmarks and assist with timings for boat and shuttle pick-ups. Wellington 6142 Find out what to expect in this short video. Hands and faces froze, and as rain turned to horizontal hail, bodies and steedsmoved closer together in the futile hope of finding shelter. The third,and most direct, route was known as the Mountain Track. There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. However, it is narrow (1.5m) in places, with a total climb of 580m over 42 kms. A mountain bike is recommended. The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. The road from Styx is not recommended as it is not gravel and has several gates on it. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. For a less experienced rider consider Clyde to Cromwell. Please understand that most places on the List are private property and not accessible to the public. This track was officially opened on the 8th of May 2021. This was made keeping in mind that the weather was due to pack it in that night, but there were contingencies. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. Following the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to the Bannockburn bridge, you will have amazing vistas across the lake to Bannockburn vineyards and the next section of trail which loops back round on the opposite side. Oddly, for Central Otago, we rarely spotted rabbits; they must have felt vibrations from the horses hooves well in advance of our arrival. (Bigger groups are advised to ring Coffee Afloat before they set off, as this helps with their logistics.) This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. Beyond the settlement of Pisa Moorings the trail crosses the 45th Parallel on its way to Lowburn where there are toilets and a car park. Provisioning became a surer way ofmaking a fortune than panning. fascinating pioneer & gold mining history, the 86m-long, 29m-high Hugo suspension bridge, Clyde Dam New Zealand's largest concrete hydro-dam, two charming heritage towns Cromwell and Clyde, floating cafe and burger bar on the trail. There are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. Closed for about four months each winter, the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4WD vehicle. The trail follows the road uphill past the dam and turns left off the road to descend down to the Clutha Matau-Au Riverside track and Clyde Bridge. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. Date: 1/06/2008. It is suited to riders of average fitness; although some riders may wish to push up some of the steeper climbs. Riders should be capable of riding the full distance, and be confident biking off-road on grade 3 (intermediate) trails. Cycle trail maps have key distances, elevations and trail highlights. [1], The road begins at Clarks Junction in the Strath-Taieri, where it meets SH 87, and extends to the northwest, crossing between the Lammermoor and Rock and Pillar Range before turning north. It wends its way alongside Lake Dunstan from Smiths Way via Pisa Moorings to Cromwell. The trail then shares a 4WD track closer to lake level before reaching a section of trail that was the toughest to build and virtually all hand made. There is a total of 580m climbing between Cromwell and Clyde, with most of the ascents gentle but steady. Get dropped off at the Smiths Way car park and bike back to town, or start from Cromwell and turn it into a 24 hour, 32km return ride. Maps To follow the Dunstan Trail proper, it is essential to take NZTopo250 26 Alexandra and NZTopo50 CD15 Paerau. Faces quickly became mudpacks aswind-borne dust whistled down the gorge and coated the cavalcade. Nine of our number were bundled into support vehicles suffering from hypothermia, but for the rest of us the blizzard blew and whipped for an eternity. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. The climate is extreme, like that of Continental Europe, with hot dry summers and freezing winters. Vilnius. Long stretches without food and water mean that riders should be self-sufficient and carry more than enough for the journey,noting that in the summer months the heat makes ample water supplies essential. Looking over the valley below and at the clouds encroaching, they were looking a bit too far away to be that evenings goal. 8.4km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. Unlimited access to every NZGeo story ever written and hundreds of hours of natural history documentaries on all your devices. Grade 3+ Time 24 days Distance 170 km, Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track. 1-7 Days 315 Km 1 hr 30 mins from Auckland Airport to Christchurch Airport 1 hr 50 mins from Auckland Airport to Queenstown Airport 5 mins from Lake Tekapo & Twizel The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail serves up remarkable scenery from Aoraki Mt Cook all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The road was part of the original route called the Mountain Road taken by hardy people seeking their goldrush fortunes in the early 1860s, to travel from Dunedin to the goldfields in Central Otago. Not far from the rowing club is Burton Creek Recreation Area, a pretty campground with million-dollar views of the lake and Clyde Dam. There's numerous explanation boards detailing the history of settlement, and the construction of the Dam. The road passes through a spectacular landscape with ever changing views some of which made it into the second part of the LOTR trilogy. From the Heritage Precinct, the trail follows the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to reach Bannockburn Bridge. The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. In time, the route became known as the Dunstan Road. The climbing began again at that cattle stop. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. There are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. Dunstan Arm Rowing ClubClyde Heritage Precinct. We would shortly climb to Poolburn Reservoir, or Rohan Village as some may know it. The new Dunstan Trail is the first stage of a 122km project linking Queenstown, . Cromwell and Clyde are the obvious bases for a Lake Dunstan ride. The most colourful thing we saw all day; unfortunately we missed all of the tours. We want your experiences too! The regions rich modern, pioneering and Maori historical stories are integrated along the way, some of which are brought to life in the Clyde and Cromwell Historical Precinct. Reflection of Lammermoor Range in Still Water of Logan Burn Reservoir ( Great Moss Swamp ), Old Dunstan Trail, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand . This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. If its wide open spaces free from man-made structures that youre after, get in quick. . With trout released its a popular fishing spot although one would go slow in a boat as there are so many rocks around. Cashmere Sanatorium Open Air Shelter, Christchurch. When theyre open and do check if youre keen you can also get refreshments at the Bannockburn Hotel and nearby wineries, and Coffee Afloat around the trails midway point.

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