In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. We saw signs posted that further resurrection was prohibited. Closed for about four months each winter (usually from the first Tuesday in June to 30th of September), the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. It climbs to almost 1,000 metres (3,300ft) before dropping down to Paerau (known during the gold rush era as Styx). Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. 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. The views over the Lake Dunstan and surrounding mountains is simply stunning. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. The road ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. The development of the Clyde Dam project resulted in considerable upheaval for Cromwell residents and the commercial heart of the town. From the Smiths Way car park off SH6, the road through to Wnaka, this easy trail meanders along the edge of Dunstan to Cromwell. The Dunstan Trail, also known as the Old Dunstan Road, is a historic route in Otago, New Zealand. This section follows the sealed road in places, and shares the Clyde road bridge before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. From the Heritage Precinct, the trail follows the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to reach Bannockburn Bridge. 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. 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. Toilets are at either end of this section at Cairnmuir Gully & Halfway Hut. But, its on our list now. The Dunstan, like Gabriels Gully 18 months earlier, was to become an irresistible magnet to thousands of fortune seekers. 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. Cellphone coverage is pretty reliable the whole length of the trail. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. Hands and faces froze, and as rain turned to horizontal hail, bodies and steedsmoved closer together in the futile hope of finding shelter. Started construction 1977. Historic place (Category 1): places of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance, Historic place (Category 2): places of historic or cultural significance, Historic area: an area with multiple, related historic places, Whi tpuna: places of ancestral significance for Mori, Whi tapu: places sacred to Mori in the traditional, spiritual, ritual or mythological sense, Whi tapu area: places that contain one or more whi tapu, February 2023 | Category 1 historic place. It was into that pitiless landscape that 220 horses, a Clydesdale team, a coach and assorted wagons rode in November 1991 in the first Dunstan Cavalcade, a four-day trek over the 160km trail used by diggers to get to the goldfields. Dropping a little to the upper Ida Valley (Id crossed further down two days before) things flattened for a short stretch before we turned south on the Old Dunstan Road. The Lake Dunstan Trail includes some remote terrain and challenging grade 3 riding. There is a total of 580m climbing between Cromwell and Clyde, with most of the ascents gentle but steady. We neednt go up onto the Rock and Pillars, rather complete the trail to the highway and ride to Middlemarch for dinner and sleep. There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. Take the time to listen and understand other peoples opinions and cultural differences. Watching the clock tick over far faster than the odometer, I began to reassess the goals for the day. The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. 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. Recognition on the Rrangi Krero is a way to actively care for Mori heritage by promoting the associated stories and tribal connections of those places. $1 trial for two weeks, thereafter $8.50 every two months, cancel any time. journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. There are options for a vineyard lunch and stocking up on a few bottles; local shuttles can provide rescue if youve overindulged. Not far from the rowing club is Burton Creek Recreation Area, a pretty campground with million-dollar views of the lake and Clyde Dam. Vilnius. Nary a soul about, I was wary of getting stuck up here in the incoming weather although I did have sufficient pork scratchings to see us through. New Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. This one was harder to find, but with a route description and a couple of maps we found it. Written by JULIET OCONNOR 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. 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. It was before the approaching ridge, huzzah. Ask your librarian to subscribe to this service next year. 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. A second, the Pigroot, took a traveller north from Dunedin to Waikouaiti by boat, then turned inland via the Shag Valley. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. Old Dunstan Road starts from Clarks junction, around an hour from Dunedin on the way to Middlemarch. The 4WD track turn-off passed by without mention as we pushed on, trying to ascertain just when the road would turn away from Loganburn Reservoir. Young folks these days. Please login to proceed or create a free account. From the house, head north for 300 metres before turning west onto another 4WD track, which is also part of the original Dunstan Trail. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. Somehow departing from the trail-proper for the last little bit, that didnt matter we ended up on the correct road and then had to look for the next turn off the road. This section of the Lake Dunstan Trail is a popular day ride or walk to / from Cromwell. The landscapes peculiar forms and unusual lines are clues to the goldmining and hydropower history around here. Along the way there are sections where the land has been reshaped in the search for gold and then again when the lake was formed. After Cromwell, known as Clutha River. Finally we were up on the plateau, but it still provided enough stream crossings, a strengthening wind and many ups and downs to keep our pace down. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! Cromwell Heritage PrecinctBannockburn Bridge. We also slept in the same playground as that time. 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. This Great Ride's official start point is at Cromwell Heritage Precinct (as indicated by the 0km marker), giving a ride distance of 41km, with local shuttles transferring riders and bikes to the start or finish. This track was officially opened on the 8th of May 2021. 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. The Palmerston North Plunket Rooms (Former) opened their doors to care for parents and their infants in 1929. Today, the trail is a public road, ranging in quality from chip-sealed road to gravel track. Summer heat maddened as frosty valleys became furnaces. This section requires the most attention and skill as there are narrow undulating sections with steep drop-offs. In winter, multiple layers and gloves are recommended, even if the skies look reassuringly blue. This scenic ride will take you along the Lake Dunstan shores, through undulating hills, flat areas . Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown 41 Recommended Half-day Tours from $184.62 per adult Wild Hills Off Road Safari 80 Recommended Half-day Tours from $259.00 per adult Mt Cook Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown 13 Recommended Bus Tours from $925.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* One route, from Tuapeka, followed the Molyneux River all the way. Is the Old Dunstan Road paved? New bridge Deadmans Point. Known at the time as "The Mountain Track", it was a dangerous route which claimed numerous lives. This section includes the first of the remarkable boardwalks built into the bluffs get off and walk if youd rather. Find out what to expect in this short video. This area experiences extremes of weather any time of year, so go well prepared. The trail then climbs out of the inlet to Carrick Winery which welcomes cyclists for wine-tasting and dining. Wellington 6011 This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 2,202 m blue climb. The other engineering landmark here are 13 drainage tunnels drilled in the into the hillsides to prevent landslips. Cross over farm land for a period of time only down and up one gully, Morning tea in gully, sheltered from a breeze. Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to the track. The rock and pillars of the Rock and Pillar. Be sure to book tours, accommodation and other services well in advance for the busy summer season, DecemberApril. It was clamped to my head with the wet, perhaps frozen there. . This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. There's also a 16km section of trail that traces the pretty Lake Dunstan shore from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. The Lake Dunstan Trail extends and complements the well-established Great Rides in Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, and provides a key link with the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, both of which are part of Nga Haerenga - New Zealand Cycle Trails. 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. Please check weather forecast before using the trail. Hartley and Reilly had lost their gold pan, and used bare hands and a broken shovel. A more unknown part of New Zealand, but this trail is putting Cromwell on the map. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. There is a choice of companies to hire from and between them they cover all possible options including childrens bikes and e-bikes. I must spend more time in Central Otago, the bikepacking opportunities are immense my family may also be close by. Underneath the water is the original track which is heavily used by 4X4 cars, and the cars left big drive lines behind which are not visible from the bike so the risk is very high to slope and slide to the side in the middle of one of the mud pools and drawn down the bike. If its wide open spaces free from man-made structures that youre after, get in quick. National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund. VILNIUS is a cosmopolitan and thoroughly modern city that is relatively compact and easy to get to know, with a variety of inexpensive attractions and a lively nightlife. Along the way there are sections where the land has been reshaped in the search for gold and then again when the lake was formed. 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. At Cromwell Heritage Precinct be sure to park up and explore the boutique galleries, retail stores, restaurants and cafe's. 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. 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. A map showing the planned 500km continuous trail network from Queenstown to Dunedin, estimated in 2018 to cost . https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dunstan_Trail&oldid=903812693, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 June 2019, at 04:06. Historic buildings -dating back to the gold rush of the 1860s were saved or lovingly rebuilt on this higher ground. The third,and most direct, route was known as the Mountain Track. with. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. The historic town of Clyde marks the southern end of the Lake Dunstan Trail and the western end of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Reconciling the maps with the view above left us with the pill to swallow that we were going up that hill. A mountain bike is recommended. From Poolburn, its 50 km mostly downhill to Alexandra. Parts of the trail are in remote terrain with some challenging grade 3 sections. After 3 km, this track meets up with the Old Dunstan Road. The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. Incorporate time to explore around Cromwell and through the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. Vilnius-oblast (Litva) Frolov 1820-1835 1820-1835 1:38 000. A detailed description of this Great Ride, including maps and more information, can be found here. 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. It was 50km shorter than the Pigroot, but required the crossing of four mountain ranges: the Lammermoors, the Rock and Pillar Range, Rough Ridge and the Raggedy Range. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. Don't forget to grab a wine map too. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. For a less experienced rider consider Clyde to Cromwell. Some careless child of the giants left their Tonka toy just sitting there. Erected in a busy pedestrian route in central Auckland in 1993 to commemorate the centenary of womens suffrage in New Zealand. At the time of the road's creation, it was the shortest route from the city of Dunedin to the goldfields around Clyde, or Dunstan as it was then known. Wellington 6142 Copyright: Heritage New Zealand. The climate is extreme, like that of Continental Europe, with hot dry summers and freezing winters. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. We were a mixed bag: a country music star, a poet (Nasebys Blue Jeans, aka Ross McMillan), New Zealands champion cowboy Dion Church, plus experienced high country people, top dressage and eventing riders, and even two sidesaddle exponents. 10.7km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. 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. We came from the left of shot, from over those ridges, to intersect with the gravel road. Approximately 16km.The entire Lake Dunstan Trail i. The road ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. With less bike time in Adeles legs than mine, the plan was modified to stay the night in one of the huts on the Rock and Pillars and ride home the following morning. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. imtmeio pabaigoje. Peter and Sophie from Cycling in New Zealand, Lindis Loop 23 Cluden Creek to Longslip Creek, Lindis Loop 23 to the headwaters via Dromedary Hill, A40BPT4 Lyell to Mokihinui (Old Ghost Road), A40BPT3 Westport to Lyell via Denniston, A40BPT2 Ces Clark hut to Westport (Paparoa), A40BPT1 Hokitika to Ces Clark hut (Paparoa). 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. Cycle north out of Paerau on the Styx-Patearoa Road for 1.5 km. Or please provide your feedback by completing a trail survey so that improvements can continuously be made to the trail experience. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. It's 46 km long. The road is sealed at the start and turns to gravel after 9.2km. Closed for about four months each winter, the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4WD vehicle. It can be done on a rainy day too but the road will change into a single mud track. 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. Te Kinga Aroha (Former) has special significance as a very rare surviving twentieth century hostel which was dedicated to accommodating and supporting young Mori women. Maurice Shadbolt records that these men had to gamble their lives against a pitiless landscape. However, it is narrow (1.5m) in places, with a total climb of 580m over 42 kms. Discover how you can get involved with the New Zealand Heritage List/Rrangi Krero. Influx of European pioneers associated with the gold rush of the 1960s. Some network coverage is patchy in places, but text messages will usually get through. 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. For current trail status and any alerts such as temporary track closures and detours check the trail website. The territory was trackless and the climate murderous. The official start of the route is a hill named Stalo kalnas in the centre of Vilnius, but you can start the route from any point or cover it in separate sections. What are the benefits of being included on the List? The Lake Dunstan Trail is New Zealand's latest Great Ride. Vilnius Altstadt 1775-1799 1923. The 55km Lake Dunstan Trail takes you from Smith's Way, just out of Cromwell to Clyde along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the stunning Cromwell Gorge. Its 46.1 km (28.64 miles) long, running south-north from New Zealand 87 State Highway, at Clarks Junction to Upper Taieri-Paerau Road. On this section, there are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. Grade 1. However, its possible to enjoy shorter rides on the trail, a few ideas for which follow here. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. It is rutted in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. Please note that parts of the trail are in remote terrain with some challenging grade 3 sections which are only recommended for confident and experienced cyclists. Key features of the trail are the man-made landscapes, rich Maori and early pioneer history, abundant vineyards and cellar doors in Bannockburn and the Historical Precinct in Cromwell. Old Dunstan Road, Clarks Junction; Galloway Flat Old Dunstan Road approaching the Poolburn Dam, Rough Ridge, from the north-east. Your email address will not be published. The Cashmere Sanatorium Open Air Shelter is a rare surviving open-air patient shelter that provides a poignant insight into the early 20th century response to the global disease of tuberculosis. 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 journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. 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. We made it! 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 time, the route became known as the Dunstan Road. On average it takes 2 hours55 minutes to complete this trail. Just past the historic Halfway Hut viewpoint is a series of switchbackswith tight corners and a decent climb/descent. Lots of inspiration! Reflection of Lammermoor Range in Still Water of Logan Burn Reservoir ( Great Moss Swamp ), Old Dunstan Trail, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand . The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. Later horticulture and pastoral farming became features of the landscape. Head south, through Patearoa and take the Linnburn Runs Rd turnoff (40km). Downhill across open farmland is never as fast as one hopes as one deals with all the bumps and divots on a loaded bike; this was no exception, but it was nice not to be pedaling for a bit. Several national bike tour companies offer customised tours of popular South Island cycle trails, with Christchurch and Queenstown popular departure points for international visitors. 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. After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. The Lake Dunstan Trail is managed by a not-for-profit charitable trust, so if you've enjoyed your ride or walk on the trail, then you're invited to make a donation towards its ongoing maintenance. In this stretch, youll need a compass to avoid drifting onto new, misleading 4WD tracks. 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. This section includes the first of the bluff bridges, and you will cycle at the base of the stonework faces of the Cairnmuir slide, a unique feature high on the slopes above the lake. We cycled in Central Otago but never did this trail. E-bikes are also permitted and available through most bike-hire companies. (Bigger groups are advised to ring Coffee Afloat before they set off, as this helps with their logistics.) Weaving our way through countless scattered, jagged rocks kept the interest level up as plenty of holiday traffic passed us on the road. In those hardy days all the miners provisions had to be carted in from Dunedina two- or three-week round trip by horse-drawn dray, and even longer for a bullock wagon. The New Zealand Heritage List/Rrangi Krero (the List) is Aotearoa New Zealands national record of our rich and diverse place-based heritage. With the help of the trees we hid behind, I was dry albeit very warm. After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. Protect and celebrate our rich heritage in landscapes, architecture, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. The ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail experience is the full, one-way journey from Cromwell to Clyde (41km) using local shuttles to transfer bikes and riders. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by Old Dunstan Road. If you smell coffee as you approach Cairnmuir Gully, you are not mistaken. It's free, works offline and has heaps of useful information, including trail descriptions and photos, trail services, food and accommodation. The schist was ever present and we began to notice tall, skinny slabs of it filling the role of fence posts and looking like theyd done so for scores of harsh Central Otago years. The climbing began again at that cattle stop. 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). Grade 3+ Time 2-4 days Distance 170 km Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track But plans on trips like these are fluid at best and I was happy to scale this one back as I had company! There are toilets here. Skip to main content Search Central OtagoSearch Our Stories People, Places & Values The rock formations are awesome. This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. Thanks to your great story and photos. Two galloping horsemen roused the crowd and attempted to rob the Cobb and Co coach as it entered the town, but in true western style the bandits escape was blocked by cavalcade trail boss Bill McMillan, who forced the miscreants to hand back their stolen loot. There are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. 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. Always ask ourselves is there a better way one that achieves a premium status, quality experience or interaction. With trout released its a popular fishing spot although one would go slow in a boat as there are so many rocks around. Following the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to Bannockburn, you will have amazing vistas across the lake to Bannockburn vineyards and the next section of trail. Started construction 1977. At Trail Hub youll find stories, news, itineraries and tips to help you discover trails and towns from Queenstown to Dunedin and throughout Central Otago and Clutha. From here it turns toward the valley of the Manuherikia River, finishing at Moa Creek. 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. Inthe morning all that was leftwas to award prizes for Sorest Bum, Greenest Trailrider, Most Difficult Horse to Catch, plus others, and to take our leave of our fellow riders. When the Clyde Dam was completed in 1990 the main street of Cromwell disappeared. 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). Incoming ships bringing prospectors from Australia and Great Britain lost their crews to the new bonanza, and Dunedin storekeepers wrung their hands as their staff deserted them. Id finally biked the Old Dunstan Trail and it was fantastic. Bike hire, shuttles and tours are also available here. Please use the above parking locations and park considerately; do not block access to any driveway, boat ramp or trail access point. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. Started construction 1977. Alternatively, a fun way to start is to catch the train to Middlemarch or Pukerangi (see Otago Rail Trail). Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. The List is a professionally researched and documented record of Aotearoa New Zealands historical and cultural place-based heritage. 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. Its a hard 71-km day from Paerau to Alexandra with a lot of uphill and heaps of downhill. It then varies between gravel, clay and bare rock. Welcome to the official page for Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail, linking Clyde and Cromwell. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. More fenceposts provided handy bike stands at the top of that hour-long climb. Designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clutha Dam, a short distance downriver.