Enjoy the Ultimate trip on the Lake Dunstan Trail. 42km of biking, a celebratory drink in Clyde, followed by a shuttle to the boat to explore the trail and its history on the way back to Cromwell.
Meet the team at Cromwell. You will be provided with a route overview, a safety briefing and an introduction to your e-bike, including the assist levels and setting up your seat height.
Once ready you will cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Clyde - 42km of purpose built trail which was opened in May 2021. The Dunstan Trail is a Grade 1-3 Trail. The surface is good throughout (compact gravel). nzbiketrails rents both Regular (non-assisted) and e-bikes (assisted). nzbiketrails recommends e-bikes on this trail as the last 25km has no road access and two climbs. We find that experienced riders will use the assist levels less than other riders. Our bikes can be ridden in the 'off' mode.
The trail is a stunning ride - a feat of engineering. You will enjoy riding on the 450m of 'clip-ons', two 150m climbs and also over the 85m long Hugo suspension bridge. In total there is about 2.5 hours of actual riding so you have time to briefly stop at the Carrick Winery and Burger Afloat for refreshments along the way. Once you get to Clyde you should have time for a quick celebratory drink before you are shuttled down to the Dunstan Explorer Boat. This explores the trail as you travel back up Lake Dunstan. You will see the Clyde dam, Goldminers Hut, Suspension Bridge and possibly even some of old Cromwell - which was flooded when the Clyde Dam was built - on the boats sonar.
The Dunstan Trail is a 'must do' one day adventure. Adding the Boat return to your experience helps you to understand better the history of the trail from the Skipper and the gold rush within the Gorge. The Skipper will also take you close into the trail to show you some areas that you could not see whilst you were cycling.
All riders should be confident on a bike, taller than 140cm and 8 years and over. Younger riders should be able to handle an e-bike, be confident and be use to using the gears on a bike.