This 73km long ‘Great Ride’ (one of a few acknowledged as New Zealand’s most iconic trails) only requires a moderate level of fitness. It’s a very well managed trail making it easy to follow and taking you through everchanging and attractive scenery that ranges from historical remnants and places of New Zealand’s gold rush, back country towns, swimming holes and picnic spots and classic tussock, mountain and riverside scenery.
Day 1 – Starting below the Roxburgh Dam, the trail follows the gentle bends of the Clutha River. You’ll make your way to the picturesque town of Roxburgh (a place famous for its fruit and autumnal colours).
From Roxburgh, you’ll follow the trail to (and the river) to Miller’s flat. There are swimming holes to explore and wonderful rock scenery.
Day 2 – Departing Millers Flat, you’ll head for Beaumont on a custom-built bike path (following some of the original rail trail) that takes you past river scenery and quiet tree vistas. There’s a couple of optional detours to visit other areas (such as Horseshoe Bend bridge or Lonely Graves).
You’ll emerge on the main road across the other side of which is the historic Beaumont Hotel (built in the 1930’s) where you can grab a pizza or perhaps stay the night.
Day 3 – On the final leg of the Clutha Gold trail, you’ll depart Beaumont and make your way towards Lawrence. Following the old rail trail, you’ll also make your way through a rail tunnel so it pays to have a torch on this section. You’ll be meandering through pastural countryside and farmlands on your way through Evans flat and ending in Lawrence – Otago’s first gold rush town.
