Itinerary

 

Day One: Your day begins with a substantial, nourishing breakfast before your transport collects you to take you to the start of the trail in Alexandra. This is a 30-minute drive.

 

The Roxburgh Gorge is a stunning landscape providing a remote wilderness experience. It is one of New Zealand’s great rides and is breathtakingly different. Cycling is a great way to experience the Roxburgh Gorge. The trail is open all year round and has a well-formed, 2.5-metre-wide, gravel surface with some climbs. It takes between four to five hours to cycle.

 

From the start of the trail in Alexandra, you pass under the Alexandra Bridge and beside the historic bridge piers. The Manuherikia River joins the Clutha and you enter the gorge within 1km of the start of the track. The transition to a rugged, natural environment is almost immediate. The trail gains height as it makes it way toward Butchers Creek (4.1km) where there are stone-walled water races and remnants of the gold mining days. At Doctors Point, you meet the boat transfer between Doctors Point and Shingle Creek. The stunning trip includes an historical commentary. Sit back and enjoy the wonder of being in another world. From Shingle Creek you ride through to Elbow Creek, before passing through a small secluded valley and regenerating Ka-nuka (Tea tree) scrubland and on to Lake Roxburgh Dam lookout. Close by is your accommodation at Lake Roxburgh Lodge.

 

If you are cycling in late spring, the hillsides will be covered in an aromatic purple flower – this is wild thyme. In summer, the dramatic colours of the Clutha River are a dynamic contrast to the grey, schist rock outcrops. In autumn, the willow trees on the water’s edge provide a beautiful golden foreground.

 

Day Two: You cycle from the Lodge across the Roxburgh Dam meeting the Clutha Gold Trail on the other side of the Clutha Mata-au river. The ride from the start of the trail to Roxburgh follows this mighty river with its distinctive turquoise water. With views of orchards on both sides of the valley there is plenty of colour no matter what the season. In spring you can enjoy the blossom, or the stunning colours in autumn, while in summer there is the beauty of trees laden with fruit. Take time to stop in Roxburgh for a cuppa and explore this lovely town before venturing on to Millers Flat. The track continues to meander along the Clutha Mata-au river. Stop at Pinders Pond and enjoy a break and even a swim - before cycling through pastoral farmland toward the small settlement of Millers Flat. Your transport will meet you at Millers Flat and return you to the Lodge.

 

Day Three: After a relaxing breakfast your transport takes you to Millers Flat where the day’s cycling begins. The trail to Beaumont continues to follow the river. Make sure you stop off and visit the historic Horseshoe Bend suspension bridge and the site of the lonely graves. There are also plenty of other photo stops along the way. The trail climbs to its highest point and through the Big Hill Tunnel – a torch is a great idea! It then descends gently into farmland. Along the way, there are several historic sites including ancient Chinese gold mining sites and places where flax fibre was milled for rope making. There’s time to explore Lawrence before meeting your transport and returning to Lake Roxburgh Lodge.