CLUTHA GOLD Trail
BEST FOR: Couples or groups with conflicting interests – this one ticks a lot of boxes.
LAKE ROXBURGH DAM to LAWRENCE 2 days
GREAT RIDE • CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL
TRAIL INFO
BOTH IMAGES: Clutha Gold Trail © www.cluthanz.com
73km
Whether you’re adventurous, a naturelover, history-buff or science seeker, this trail keeps every cyclist smiling. TOP TIP – Pack a head torch. Big Hill Tunnel is found on the last 20km stretch of the trail and measures a whopping 440m in length.
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here are Māori moa hunting and gold-rush stories for the historians; great feats of engineering for the perpetually intrigued, and between the countryside and rumbling Clutha Mata-au River (hello nature-lovers), a bounty of farming and fruit orchards to elate the foodies. The Clutha Gold Trail officially starts at Roxburgh Dam and finishes in Lawrence: Otago’s first gold-rush town after Gabriel Read discovered the precious metal in 1861. Speed demons could complete the trail in one day, but two days allows for an overnight stay somewhere seriously gorgeous. If you’d prefer to experience just a segment of the track, the four main villages to weave between are Roxburgh, Millers Flat, Beaumont and Lawrence. Rich in folklore, there are a handful of information boards along the route that detail days gone by, including 19th century gold fever. These days, ‘golden’ finds are more likely to include native kōwhai trees, with their signature yellow flowers, and Roxburgh apricots, said to be the tastiest in the world. The track eventually ambles into Lawrence, where local hosts welcome guests inside – and pour large drops of world-class wine.
2 Days 73km
TRAIL GRADES: ALL GRADE 2 (EASY) COMMISSIONER FLAT (ROXBURGH DAM) TO ROXBURGH, 9KM ROXBURGH TO MILLERS FLAT, 20KM MILLERS FLAT TO BEAUMONT, 25KM BEAUMONT TO LAWRENCE, 19KM NOTE: An annual maintenance contribution of $25 per person or $50 per family can be purchased at local i-SITES or bike tour companies. A 1-day pass is $10 per person or a life pass is $500. MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Coverage is good for almost the entire length of the trail, but can get patchy away from townships and in river narrows. DRINKING WATER: Water bottles can be filled at various settlements. TYPE OF BIKE: A mountain bike is recommended, but a hybrid bike will suffice. E-bikes are permitted. GRADE 1 (EASIEST) GRADE 2 (EASY)
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