Clutha Gold Trail
The Clutha Gold trail combines a rural heartland experience with the many layers of history that the Central Otago Region is known for.
Maori Tribes, European settlers, and Chinese miners have all travelled to the many mining towns in in the region to make the most of the natural resources of the region. Navigate through their historic settlements and past rolling rural farmlands, guided by the mighty Clutha River.
Total Distance
Per Day
73km
30-45km
Grade
Ride Time
1-2
1-2 Days
Need to know more? Check out the map for more detail.
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Meander along the Mighty Clutha River as you pass the tracks and signs of early mining in the region. As you travel further, you will be wowed by the expansive orchards, taking advantage of the wonderful weather the region is known for.
Pop across the Roxburgh Bridge into town for a break, or continue on towards Pinders Pond for a safe swimming spot. This section is littered with incredible rock formations carved out by the rivers, more orchards, and stunning outlooks towards Millers Flat.
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A marked change from the previous section, as you travel through the remote Beaumont Gorge. You will be riding along a mix of quiet, back country roads and old railway routes until you reach Beaumont Bridge. You have the option of a short detour up to the Lonely Graves as you continue the remainder of this leg to Beaumont.
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Leaving Beaumont, you climb towards the high point of the trail, where you will be greeted by a dedicated cycle tunnel to mark the beginning of a long downhill towards Evans Flat.
You will meander through rolling farmland, and past numerous reminders of the many people that made the area their home over the centuries.
You will finish your ride in the historic town of Lawrence, the first gold rush town in Otago.
No matter which way you travel, you will experience a variety of terrain. Not only that, you will learn how the history of many different peoples that ventured out for the gold rush intertwined as you go.
Clutha Gold Trail Tours
