Copyright: Heritage New Zealand. 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. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. The most colourful thing we saw all day; unfortunately we missed all of the tours. Old Dunstan Road is the name of a 4x4 track/Adventure riding track located in Otago South Island of New Zealand. For a time we rode through a small gorge, the red tussock grasses were abundant. There are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. At the pub we turn right and thats the start (from the western end) of the Dunstan Trail though a road sign to say it was the Old Dunstan Road would've have been nice. Park cars at the trees. Cyclists and walkers experiencing the Lake Dunstan Trail will marvel at the man-made landscapes, the rich Maori and early pioneer history, and amble through the vineyards of Bannockburn. TimeZoneOne The sheep station here is called Rocklands it could hardly be anything elseand rocks are even used as fence posts. 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. (Bigger groups are advised to ring Coffee Afloat before they set off, as this helps with their logistics.) New Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. Please understand that most places on the List are private property and not accessible to the public. 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. However, it is narrow (1.5m) in places, with a total climb of 580m over 42 kms. There are toilets in Cromwell and Clyde and at various points along the trail including Bannockburn Inlet, Cairnmuir Ladder (near Coffee Afloat), Halfway Hut, and Dunstan Arm Rowing Club. 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. Date: 1/06/2008. 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. The first power was generated in 1992. But further thought could wait until the day developed a bit; for now, there was a big downhill to enjoy! 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. It then arcs around the lake to reach Cromwell where it dips under the highway bridge and continues along the shoreline to reach Cromwell Heritage Precinct, a great place to park up and explore the boutique galleries, shops and cafes. From the Smiths Way car park off SH6, the road through to Wnaka, this easy trail meanders along the edge of Dunstan to Cromwell. 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. 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. You can also download the awesome Great Rides App to see where you are on the trail. Highlights Trail Detail Day Rides Need to Know Plan Your Trip Lake Dunstan Trail Download trail map Share ride View on New Zealand Cycling Map Visit the trail website In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. The road loosely follows the trail that was used by gold miners traipsing from Dunedin to Dunstan (now Clyde) in the 1860s. Lots of inspiration! We really enjoyed reading your blog. In the winter months which is still a great time to ride some businesses run on limited hours. Queenstown airport is 45 minutes drive from Cromwell, and an hour to Clyde. There were few smiles on the faces of the 1991 cavalcaders as we cocked our akubra hats to the southerly blast and picked our way up the Rock and Pillar on our first day on the trail. The first power was generated in 1992. A hundred or so kilometres of gravel on the trail, leaving it to slog up a 4WD track onto and along the Rock and Pillar Range, a steep plunge off the side to Middlemarch and then another sixty kilometres of gravelly hills to the coast and home. A pit stop and a strongly lacedrum truffle restored morale, and the afternoon ride to the Styx Creek was a dream compared with what we had just endured. 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. 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. Carry straight on and youll reach Highway 87 a few kilometres north of Mosgiel. In summer, riders should pack a sun hat and sunscreen (as well as plenty of water), but also preferably a lightweight top for fuller sun protection on high UV days. We cycled in Central Otago but never did this trail. 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. In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. Ng Manawhenua o Aotearoa me na Krero Tturu | National Historic Landmarks. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by The Dunstan Trail, also known as the Old Dunstan Road, is a historic route in Otago, New Zealand.The road was created during the Central Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s.. 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.Known at the time as "The Mountain Track", it was a dangerous route which . This scenic ride will take you along the Lake Dunstan shores, through undulating hills, flat areas . It wends its way alongside Lake Dunstan from Smiths Way via Pisa Moorings to Cromwell. The Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail can be accessed from Cromwell or Clyde. New Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. 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. All smiles after the lovely valley floor riding the Ida Valley behind. 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). Find out more about trail safety, riding skills and equipment in the Need to Know section. This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by The existing road diverts from the trail twice. 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. It was time to climb again and climb we did. 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. Unlimited access to every NZGeo story ever written and hundreds of hours of natural history documentaries on all your devices. We saw signs posted that further resurrection was prohibited. However, it is recommended that you make all bookings for hire, transport and tours in advance, particularly during peak season (DecemberApril). $1 trial for two weeks, thereafter $8.50 every two months, cancel any time. If you go any further than the river, youll be on private land. Long having wanted to ride the Old Dunstan Trail, my plan for the day at the outset of this trip had become ambitious. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the Cromwell Gorge in the mid 1990s. For a less experienced rider consider Clyde to Cromwell. To leave Dunedin by the shortest possible route, cycle straight up Stuart Street from the Octagon and veer right onto Taieri Road, which turns into Three Mile Hill Road. We were going to get to the kitchen before it closed! Written by JULIET OCONNOR What happens after I submit a consent application for a property included on the List? Reconciling the maps with the view above left us with the pill to swallow that we were going up that hill. Young folks these days. E-bikers should ensure that batteries have sufficient capacity and charge for the days riding and, if staying in local accommodation, check that they can be recharged there. 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. Wed cross that smaller, greener ridge before then climbing the hills behind that. 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. Faces quickly became mudpacks aswind-borne dust whistled down the gorge and coated the cavalcade. Protect and celebrate our rich heritage in landscapes, architecture, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. 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. 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. [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. Cromwell and Clyde are the obvious bases for a Lake Dunstan ride. 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. Its numerous Baroque churches jostle for space amid glitzy restaurants and dilapidated old buildings that line its cobbled streets, while the student . There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the hillsides of the gorge in the mid 1990s. 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. The Palmerston North Plunket Rooms (Former) opened their doors to care for parents and their infants in 1929. Be sure to admire the painstakingly stacked rock-walls around here. The difficulty by wet condition is that the rain fill up the road and it is possible that the water level is front wheel depth. Vilnius-oblast (Litva) Frolov 1820-1835 1820-1835 1:38 000. These sections are only suitable for confident, experienced cyclists and are not recommended for most children. Once the private chapel for St Joseph's Convent, the Mercy Room continues as a place of devotion for the Catholic community. Some sections can be exposed to high winds so check weather alerts. It then varies between gravel, clay and bare rock. Choose to learn from past experiences with the future generations in mind. Photo credits (clockwise from left): bennettandslater.co.nz (1); Tourism Central Otago Will Nelson (2, 3 & 4). From the Heritage Precinct, the trail follows the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to reach Bannockburn Bridge. E-bikes are also permitted and available through most bike-hire companies. The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. The road is sealed at the start and turns to gravel after 9.2km. After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. 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. It was designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clyde Dam, a short distance downstream. 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 Clutha (known then as the Molyneux, after Robert Mollineux, sailing master of the Endeavour) had been unusually low that year, revealing shingle flats that could be panned and sieved for their gleaming booty. 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. National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund. 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. This section requires the most attention and skill as there are narrow undulating sections with steep drop-offs. Your email address will not be published. The area is earmarked for large-scale windfarm development. 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. Ask your librarian to subscribe to this service next year. After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. From here it turns toward the valley of the Manuherikia River, finishing at Moa Creek. As you go, look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. An easy start on the Rail Trail ended after half an hour and we began climbing over the Raggedy Range (mentioned mostly because I like the name). Incorporate time to explore around Cromwell and through the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. Today, the trail is a public road, ranging in quality from chip-sealed road to gravel track. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. 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. When two californian prospectors startled the Dunedin treasury office by bringing in 87 pounds of gold in 1863 the name Dunstan was little more than a scratching on a surveyors map. It is rutted in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. 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. Oddly, for Central Otago, we rarely spotted rabbits; they must have felt vibrations from the horses hooves well in advance of our arrival. Pick up a wine map from around town to plot your route. Toilets are at either end of this section at Cairnmuir Gully & Halfway Hut. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Influx of European pioneers associated with the gold rush of the 1960s. Finally, I got to try out the bivy bag Id been carrying for this trip it rained all night. As news of Horatio Hartley and Christopher Reillys magnificent haul spread, the name sparked an exodus of the able-bodied for the new El Dorado. In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. Old Dunstan road is a great fun drive in dry weather conditions but can get a bit hairy during rain. The nor-wester, while warm did at least help us up the hill. What could go wrong? Vilnius Altstadt 1775-1799 1923. Nationwide Intercity buses service Cromwell and Clyde. With the wind at our backs and views like this, it was rather pleasant. Rich in history both Maori and early pioneers. 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. Soon after crossing Silver Stream, turn right onto Milners Road. XVIII. 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. . From the house, head north for 300 metres before turning west onto another 4WD track, which is also part of the original Dunstan Trail. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. This section includes the first of the remarkable boardwalks built into the bluffs get off and walk if youd rather. In driving rain we crested one bald brown ridge after another, thinking that each might mark the beginning of the descent, but knowing we had several hours of rocks and pillars in front of us. That night, in our own version of the 1860s grog tent, hot food and cold ale loosened joints, and John Grenells songs of the high country and the road set the right rustic mood. Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to track. Access There are several access places around the lake that can be used (see map), Some of these cross private land, and many can only be used by 4WD vehicles. Erected in a busy pedestrian route in central Auckland in 1993 to commemorate the centenary of womens suffrage in New Zealand. To understand what to expect and to prepare for your ride click below. This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. The road passes through a spectacular landscape with ever changing views some of which made it into the second part of the LOTR trilogy. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. Dropping to Deep Stream, there was but one more ten percent climb left this time on the seal. Notes The historic Dunstan Trail was the route originally used by goldminers in the 1860s to travel from Dunedin to the goldfields in Central Otago. A map showing the planned 500km continuous trail network from Queenstown to Dunedin, estimated in 2018 to cost . The Lake Dunstan Track is a 55km (34mi) cycle trail that runs between Cromwell and Clyde in Central Otago. A fence heads off to the left 150metres after a hay shed. The Lake Dunstan Walking and Cycling Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. A satisfying ride can be had from the Clyde. Smaller local shuttle operators service smaller destinations and tailor trips to visitors needs; many also offer transfers to and from Queenstown. 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 options for a vineyard lunch and stocking up on a few bottles; local shuttles can provide rescue if youve overindulged. Some careless child of the giants left their Tonka toy just sitting there. This video showcases the Lake Dunstan Trail from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct is now open. Find out what to expect in this short video. before continuing towards Cornish Point, passing more vineyards and olive groves along the way. Be open to new ideas, open to exploring the possibilities and appreciate the strengths and talents each person brings. Reflection of Lammermoor Range in Still Water of Logan Burn Reservoir ( Great Moss Swamp ), Old Dunstan Trail, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand . More fenceposts provided handy bike stands at the top of that hour-long climb. 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. Lake Dunstan Trail Map & Sections The Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail can be accessed from Cromwell or Clyde. Dogs are not permitted between Cornish Point and Dunstan Arm Rowing Club. 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 new Dunstan Trail is the first stage of a 122km project linking Queenstown, . Riders should be capable of riding the full distance, and be confident biking off-road on grade 3 (intermediate) trails. Five Must Do Foodies Experiences in Central Otago, Smiths Way to Cromwell Heritage Precinct - 16km, Grade 1, Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Bannockburn Inlet - 7km, Grade 2, Bannockburn Inlet to Cairnmuir Gully - 11.3km.
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