After an exhilarating downhill, the trails reaches the impressive Hugo suspension bridge, 85.5m long and 28.6m high. Unlimited access to every NZGeo story ever written and hundreds of hours of natural history documentaries on all your devices. Trail Key Trail Access and Parking Toilets Important Information The Lake Dunstan Trail is open year-round. 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. Theres no shame in that, and youll increase your chances of spotting the pick-axe stuck in the rock wall. After crossing Bannockburn Bridge, 7km from the Heritage Precinct, cycle up to village and the Felton Road vineyards, or continue along the trail up to Carrick Winery and other vineyards dotted in the hills around Bannockburn Inlet. Leaving the valley floor, things very quickly got dry, brown and dusty. Old Dunstan Road. In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. Influx of European pioneers associated with the gold rush of the 1960s. Turn left off the Old Dunstan Trail and proceed on farm track for 2 kms. With the help of the trees we hid behind, I was dry albeit very warm. In this week's show, Ray talked us through his insurance win, we have another This section follows the sealed road in places, and shares the Clyde road bridge before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. 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. Summer heat maddened as frosty valleys became furnaces. Nationwide Intercity buses service Cromwell and Clyde. If you smell coffee as you approach Cairnmuir Gully, you are not mistaken. With trout released its a popular fishing spot although one would go slow in a boat as there are so many rocks around. 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. Oddly, for Central Otago, we rarely spotted rabbits; they must have felt vibrations from the horses hooves well in advance of our arrival. A good warm-up for the day, taking about ninety minutes, during which I could look back over the hills Id climbed and traveled over the previous days. 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. 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. Old Dunstan Road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, is a 4WD track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. It then varies between gravel, clay and bare rock. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. 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. A fence heads off to the left 150metres after a hay shed. Its 46 km (28.64 miles) long, running south-north and coming south at the Poolburn Dam, Upper Taieri-Paerau Road. As I loaded my little borrowed mare into the horsefloat I took a last look back towards the mountains and wondered when another opportunity to experience history so vividlywould present itself. This section requires the most attention and skill as there are narrow undulating sections with steep drop-offs. Protect and celebrate our rich heritage in landscapes, architecture, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. This trail is very well served by numerous local companies offering everything from bike hire to fully packaged guided tours. From the house, head north for 300 metres before turning west onto another 4WD track, which is also part of the original Dunstan Trail. A satisfying ride can be had from the Clyde. 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. One prospector is said to have taken 200 ounces of gold from a crevice in a single panning. The existing road diverts from the trail twice. Cromwell at the confluence of the Clutha River (incorporating Lake Dunstan) and the Kawarau Rivers. This track was officially opened on the 8th of May 2021. Old Dunstan Road starts from Clarks junction, around an hour from Dunedin on the way to Middlemarch. As we climbed to over 1000 metres we were five abreast, with the hail battering and soaking horse and rider alike. To gold-hungry prospectors time was precious, and most preferred to take their chances with the unpredictable weather and desolate, unstable countryside offered by the Mountain Track. We hid behind the trees for a bit of refueling (a lot more soft brie) before making our assault on the steepest section of the Old Dunstan Road. For a less experienced rider consider Clyde to Cromwell. Dogs are not permitted between Cornish Point and Dunstan Arm Rowing Club. 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. There is no shelter from the weather, which can change quickly, and it is bitterly cold in the southerly. A wagon team of six Clydesdale horses, the Cobb andCo coach, and ten other carts and wagons rode on before us. Faces quickly became mudpacks aswind-borne dust whistled down the gorge and coated the cavalcade. The nor-wester, while warm did at least help us up the hill. The road ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. The historic town of Clyde marks the southern end of the Lake Dunstan Trail and the western end of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Lake Dunstan Trail is a 35 km popular green machine groomed family friendly scenic trail located near Cromwell. This is where you can join the Old Dunstan Road, the modern access. Lake Dunstan Trail Map & Sections The Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail can be accessed from Cromwell or Clyde. Reconciling the maps with the view above left us with the pill to swallow that we were going up that hill. This trail is two way (dual direction). 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). There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. 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. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unridable because of sticky mud. Old Dunstan Road, Clarks Junction; Galloway Flat Old Dunstan Road approaching the Poolburn Dam, Rough Ridge, from the north-east. A detailed description of this Great Ride, including maps and more information, can be found here. Cellphone coverage is pretty reliable the whole length of the trail. 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. Choose to learn from past experiences with the future generations in mind. 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. Cromwell Heritage PrecinctBannockburn Bridge. Carry straight on and youll reach Highway 87 a few kilometres north of Mosgiel. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. 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. The landscapes peculiar forms and unusual lines are clues to the goldmining and hydropower history around here. When the Clyde Dam was completed in 1990 the main street of Cromwell disappeared. There's also a 16km section of trail that traces the pretty Lake Dunstan shore from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. Cross the bridge to reach Clyde. 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. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! So vital were the wagoners supplies to the isolated canvas-town communities of prospectors that prices could be pushed sky-high. Grade 3+ Time 24 days Distance 170 km, Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track. 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. But plans on trips like these are fluid at best and I was happy to scale this one back as I had company! Even so, the route to the Dunstan was no cakewalk. The road loosely follows the trail that was used by gold miners traipsing from Dunedin to Dunstan (now Clyde) in the 1860s. journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. 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. In the winter months which is still a great time to ride some businesses run on limited hours. Known at the time as "The Mountain Track", it was a dangerous route which claimed numerous lives. From the Smiths Way car park off SH6, the road through to Wnaka, this easy trail meanders along the edge of Dunstan to Cromwell. 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). $1 trial for two weeks, thereafter $8.50 every two months, cancel any time. Looking over the valley below and at the clouds encroaching, they were looking a bit too far away to be that evenings goal. Find out what to expect in this short video. For now to see a full see the link below. Plenty of breaks provided ample rewards with the view across Central getting better with every metre claimed from gravity. Supplies were slow following. Other highways, such as the Southern Scenic Route, offer further exploration of the deep south. 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. It is rutted in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. 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 section of the Lake Dunstan Trail is a popular day ride or walk to / from Cromwell. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. Ng Manawhenua o Aotearoa me na Krero Tturu | National Historic Landmarks. 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. Photographed by Peter Meecham. Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. Some great climbing and wide open views, with very interesting geology and flora to boot. Grade 1. How does the Overseas Investment Act link with the List? There are impressive views across to the Bannockburn vineyards, through which the trail will soon head once it crosses to the other side. Closed for about four months each winter, the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4WD vehicle. Maps To follow the Dunstan Trail proper, it is essential to take NZTopo250 26 Alexandra and NZTopo50 CD15 Paerau. The newest Great Ride in Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, this specially built trail provides a vital link to the Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trail. 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). However, it is recommended that you make all bookings for hire, transport and tours in advance, particularly during peak season (DecemberApril). 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. TimeZoneOne 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. The first power was generated in 1992. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. 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. Incorporate time to explore around Cromwell and through the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. A Ranfurly rider, David McAtamney, stole the show later with a farewell opera song, and Blue Jeans summed up the ride with a poem specially written for the occasion. E-bikes are also permitted and available through most bike-hire companies. The first power was generated in 1992. Take the time to listen and understand other peoples opinions and cultural differences. A small hole in one of the liquor barrels being transported to a hotel or grog shop, a long thirst-quenching pull on the straw, a peg and some wet soil to hide the evidence . 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. 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. The new Dunstan Trail is the first stage of a 122km project linking Queenstown, . At Clyde, the Lake Dunstan Trail links with New Zealand's original Great Ride the Otago Central Rail Trail. Be open to new ideas, open to exploring the possibilities and appreciate the strengths and talents each person brings. When theyre open and do check if youre keen you can also get refreshments at the Bannockburn Hotel and nearby wineries, and Coffee Afloat around the trails midway point. 1-7 Days 315 Km 1 hr 30 mins from Auckland Airport to Christchurch Airport 1 hr 50 mins from Auckland Airport to Queenstown Airport 5 mins from Lake Tekapo & Twizel The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail serves up remarkable scenery from Aoraki Mt Cook all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Are places listed on the List protected from being demolished or altered? 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. Later horticulture and pastoral farming became features of the landscape. The Dunstan Trail, also known as the Old Dunstan Road, is a historic route in Otago, New Zealand. 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. Some careless child of the giants left their Tonka toy just sitting there. Taken By: Owen Graham. 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. Soon after crossing Silver Stream, turn right onto Milners Road. Ng Manawhenua o Aotearoa me na Krero Tturu | National Historic Landmarks tell the stories of who we are as New Zealanders. To share your ride story or trail tip you need to be logged in. Designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clutha Dam, a short distance downriver. It climbs to almost 1,000 metres (3,300ft) before dropping down to Paerau (known during the gold rush era as Styx). There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. The interactive map will show you some of the best parts of the track and let you see where to take on next. 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. Its a lovely outing on bike or foot, with stupendous lake and mountain views, pretty picnic areas and swimming spots. What happens after I submit a consent application for a property included on the List? All up around two hundred kilometres with perhaps four thousand metres of climbing on mostly gravel and some more rugged, steep off-road sections. Required fields are marked *. 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. It was clamped to my head with the wet, perhaps frozen there. Today, the trail is a public road, ranging in quality from chip-sealed road to gravel track. Written by JULIET OCONNOR The most colourful thing we saw all day; unfortunately we missed all of the tours. 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. The trail then climbs out of the inlet to Carrick Winery which welcomes cyclists for wine-tasting and dining. Happy riding and keep posting! It's 46 km long. The map can be downloaded here. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The climate is extreme, like that of Continental Europe, with hot dry summers and freezing winters. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 2,202 m blue climb. 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. 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. As you go, look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. New bridge Deadmans Point. 8.4km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. This would be the last time that such a trek could use the historic Fruitgrowers Road on the west side of the Clutha River, opposite the new highway. Keep up to date with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. 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. Not far from the rowing club is Burton Creek Recreation Area, a pretty campground with million-dollar views of the lake and Clyde Dam. The road was created during the Central Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s. The New Zealand Heritage List/Rrangi Krero (the List) is Aotearoa New Zealands national record of our rich and diverse place-based heritage. New Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. After 3 km, this track meets up with the Old Dunstan Road. Skip to main content Search Central OtagoSearch Our Stories People, Places & Values From Poolburn, its 50 km mostly downhill to Alexandra. Or please provide your feedback by completing a trail survey so that improvements can continuously be made to the trail experience. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. Some sections can be exposed to high winds so check weather alerts. Reflective of the development of sports and recreation amenities in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Grandstand is closely connected to the history of club rugby. Central Otago is a popular holiday destination and well set up for visitors. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. Cycle trail maps have key distances, elevations and trail highlights. Park cars at the trees. Oh, and maybe a gel-seat. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. It was mid-winter, 1862, when Hartley and Reilly found gold in the Cromwell Gorge, a few kilometres downriver from Cromwell. Below you will find the full trail map, information about trail markings and sections and you will be able to download the trail map adapted to various running apps. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. There is a total of 580m climbing between Cromwell and Clyde, with most of the ascents gentle but steady. One route, from Tuapeka, followed the Molyneux River all the way. Long having wanted to ride the Old Dunstan Trail, my plan for the day at the outset of this trip had become ambitious. Watching the clock tick over far faster than the odometer, I began to reassess the goals for the day. Welcome to the official page for Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail, linking Clyde and Cromwell. . After crossing the Bannockburn Bridge, the trail heads around to a pretty Bannockburn Inlet where there is picnic area (with designated swimming area), car park and toilet a good point of return for a short, family-friendly day ride. 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 trail is well constructed albeit narrow in places making 2 way passing tricky. 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. 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 video showcases the Lake Dunstan Trail from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct is now open. Finally, I got to try out the bivy bag Id been carrying for this trip it rained all night. XVIII. Getting out the gully requires the trails biggest climb 130 vertical metres up the aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder. Queenstown airport is 45 minutes drive from Cromwell, and an hour to Clyde. Just past the historic Halfway Hut viewpoint is a series of switchbackswith tight corners and a decent climb/descent. 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. In late spring the hillsides are covered in the purple of flowering wild thyme, and in late summer and autumn the celebrated Central Otago green and gold colours contrast with the brilliant blue sky, dry hillsides and schist outcrops. Check out this great safety video to see whether this trail is right for you. Old Dunstan Road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, is a 4WD track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. The drive has steep parts and tops out by Rough Ridge, at 1.040m (3,412ft) above the sea level. 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. 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 trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. The next 800-metre section of the old trail youre looking for has been ploughed up, but if you cycle along the northern side of the fence up towards the hills, youll soon pick up two historic cartwheel ruts in the grass. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. The List is a professionally researched and documented record of Aotearoa New Zealands historical and cultural place-based heritage. With the wind at our backs and views like this, it was rather pleasant. Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. These sections are only suitable for confident, experienced cyclists and are not recommended for most children. Several national bike tour companies offer customised tours of popular South Island cycle trails, with Christchurch and Queenstown popular departure points for international visitors. Your email address will not be published. New Zealand, PO Box 11-310 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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