We cycled the Lake Dunstan trail and it was awesome! Epic views, rugged terrain and a long day out in the fresh air of Central Otago. What more could you want?!
The Lake Dunstan Trail offers an unforgettable experience for those who want to experience authentic New Zealand landscapes via bike.
In this article we share the highlights of the Lake Dunstan Trail, as well as essential information on booking recommendations and prices.
The Lake Dunstan Trail is a 42km cycle route that winds from Cromwell to Clyde alongside the rugged cliffs at Lake Dunstan. Along this trail you will experience jagged rocks, quirky bridges and steep inclines as you make progress.
The trail is well marked and it suitable for those with good fitness levels. E-bikes are available, which make this trail so much more accessible to many more people which is great!
Jess went for the E-bike and regretted nothing but if you’re fit and fancy a challenge, opt for the regular bike option like Ben did and see how you fare…
There are some epic photography spots along this route, as well as a vineyard and a burger and coffee boat (yep that’s right!) at the half way mark.
All in all this track took us about 5 hours to complete, this is just over 4 hours of riding time and then the remaining time is food/water breaks. (We did have to restart as you’ll see below and that time made our journey probably nearer 6 hours.)
Booking and Prices
To book the Lake Dunstan Trail, we used BikeItNow!. This company were super friendly and professional, and we would absolutely book again with them.
The cost to cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail with Bike it now was $100 for a regular bike and $150 for an e-bike. This price includes your shuttle.
If you have your own bike, you can just use the shuttle service which is $40 per bike.
The other company people use most is one called Kiwi Journeys. This company do the route starting in Clyde and finishing in Cromwell.
They are both similar prices so it’s really up to whether you fancy a burger and coffee followed by a climb or a pizza and wine followed by a an easier route back to Cromwell.
It also depends on when you’re staying afterwards!
Our Day on the Lake Dunstan Trail
Our adventure began early in the morning as we set out from Saint Bathans on a glorious day in May. The crisp, fresh air and the blue sky set the perfect tone for the day.
We arrived in Clyde and went to Bikeitnow!, where they showed us our bikes and made sure that we were comfortable with them.
We then hopped in the minibus and headed to Cromwell, which is only about 20-30 minutes away. During this drive, you can see parts of the trail that you’ll be cycling along– which is either motivation and exciting or daunting.
Once the bus driver drops you off in Cromwell historical precinct, you are free to go at your own pace along the trail. It is an absolutely stunning spot to start, with the lake creating such beautiful scenery.
We had a slight blip at the start as Jess’s e-bike decided to stop working! Rather than risk continuing, we stopped and called the company. As we were only 2km into our journey, we turned around and headed back to the start.
Within 5-10 minutes someone from the Cromwell store was out with a new e-bike for us; he was super friendly and came to our need so quickly.
Take two!
We cycled for about 8km before stopping properly, which was at Carrick Winery. The scenery getting here was fantastic.
We stopped for a quick bite to eat and a top up of water here before continuing our epic journey.
Another 12km from here, we had meandered onto the 25km stretch that takes you along the rocky edge of the Lake Dunstan.
Ben’s legs were definitely already a bit sore and we weren’t even half way! So much for being fit…
At the half way point, you get to the famous burger and coffee boat! This was an exceptionally welcome break where Ben ate a rabbit burger and Jess had the vegan burger.
The next section of the track was tough. It is the steepest climb of the entire trail, but Jess found it pretty easy on the e-bike. Meanwhile, Ben was left behind carrying the rucksack with all the water, slightly cramping legs and absolutely foul language having witnessed Jess tootle on up the hill…
Nevertheless, the views at the top were insane! The highest point of the Lake Dunstan Trail is 130 metres above lake level.
From here, Ben handed Jess the backpack and it is a fairly gentle cruise back, with only one other significant climb up but its not as big as the previous one.
We found it to be getting cold in the latter few kilometres as the path weaves behind hills which blocks it out of the sun.
We went pretty slowly so we could see the views and stop for photos, and the hills really do take it out of you (if you’re not on an E-bike).
Jess would 100% recommend the E-bikes to anyone regardless of fitness level if you’re not an avid cycler as it will make the experience much more enjoyable.
Tips for a Great Experience
- Take Water: As with anything physical, take more water than you think you’ll need.
- Respect Nature: Leave no trace. Make sure to carry out all your rubbish and respect the local wildlife.
- Check the Weather: The weather in Otago can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes.
- Gloves: Are a must, the wind on your hands is cold and there is no way to warm them up again.
Conclusion
The Lake Dunstan Trail is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or simply looking for a day outside, this trail provides a memorable experience that showcases the best of Central Otago’s outdoor scenery.
Don’t forget to share your personal stories and photos from the trail to inspire fellow travellers!
For more information feel free to leave a comment or give us a message on Instagram @jessandbentravel
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