In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. The climbing began again at that cattle stop. The official start of the route is a hill named Stalo kalnas in the centre of Vilnius, but you can start the route from any point or cover it in separate sections. 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. Food and water are readily available in Cromwell and Clyde. Why is this heritage place not on the List? The road was created during the Central Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s. Watching the clock tick over far faster than the odometer, I began to reassess the goals for the day. There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. Looking over the valley below and at the clouds encroaching, they were looking a bit too far away to be that evenings goal. The road ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. Im sold on bivy bags now and will soon have my own to further lessen my bikepacking load on certain trips. From Cornish Point, the landscape changes dramatically to rocky bluffs as the trail heads into the Cromwell Gorge. The development of the Clyde Dam project resulted in considerable upheaval for Cromwell residents and the commercial heart of the town. Key features of the trail are the man-made landscapes, rich Maori and early pioneer history, abundant vineyards and cellar doors in Bannockburn and the Historical Precinct in Cromwell. 10.7km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. Toilets are at either end of this section at Cairnmuir Gully & Halfway Hut. Your email address will not be published. From the house, head north for 300 metres before turning west onto another 4WD track, which is also part of the original Dunstan Trail. Incoming ships bringing prospectors from Australia and Great Britain lost their crews to the new bonanza, and Dunedin storekeepers wrung their hands as their staff deserted them. The trail diverged from the road near the bottom of the downhill, we found the correct gate and put ourselves on farm track trying to follow the path of those miners long ago. With trout released its a popular fishing spot although one would go slow in a boat as there are so many rocks around. Fear not: the expertly designed switchbacks ensure the a reasonably gentle but steady climb. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. 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). Clyde to Jackson Creek/Hydes Spur(return), 2023km or more,Grade 2/easyintermediate, 23 hours or more. The trail was just discernible; the hill was easily recognisable as the sun beat down on us and the gradient stuck to around fifteen percent. . There are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. However, it is narrow (1.5m) in places, with a total climb of 580m over 42 kms. The road ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. . A journey by horse along the old Dunstan Trail. 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. Check out this great safety video to see whether this trail is right for you. Please login to proceed or create a free account. This trail is generally smooth and mostly wide, however, there are some narrow sections with steep drop-offs that require extra care. A wagon team of six Clydesdale horses, the Cobb andCo coach, and ten other carts and wagons rode on before us. Ask your librarian to subscribe to this service next year. Dogs are not permitted between Cornish Point and Dunstan Arm Rowing Club. Note that the most challenging and remote part of the trail is between Cornish Point and the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club, where some trail sections are narrow in places (1.5m) with steep drop-offs. We made it! The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. Can be ridden in both directions. Nationwide Intercity buses service Cromwell and Clyde. For current trail status and any alerts such as temporary track closures and detours check the trail website. The Lake Dunstan Trail is managed by a not-for-profit charitable trust, so if you've enjoyed your ride or walk on the trail, then you're invited to make a donation towards its ongoing maintenance. By which I mean about ten or twenty cars basically rush hour. After Cromwell, known as Clutha River. Grade 1. The first power was generated in 1992. 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. Just past the historic Halfway Hut viewpoint is a series of switchbackswith tight corners and a decent climb/descent. The interactive map will show you some of the best parts of the track and let you see where to take on next. Welcome to the official page for Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail, linking Clyde and Cromwell. Cross the bridge to reach Clyde. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. The rain really set in, so Sunday morning we finished by riding in the rain mostly down, but at times noticeably up, to the outskirts of Dunedin where Dad picked us up and we went for a well-deserved cooked breakfast. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. Winter cold drove some to suicide.. The region's popularity makes it advisable to book accommodation well in advance for peak season (JanuaryApril). Its numerous Baroque churches jostle for space amid glitzy restaurants and dilapidated old buildings that line its cobbled streets, while the student . Choose to learn from past experiences with the future generations in mind. 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. If you smell coffee as you approach Cairnmuir Gully, you are not mistaken. This is where you can join the Old Dunstan Road, the modern access. going in a west / north direction towards the gorge. Historic buildings -dating back to the gold rush of the 1860s were saved or lovingly rebuilt on this higher ground. 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. Please use the above parking locations and park considerately; do not block access to any driveway, boat ramp or trail access point. Cromwell Heritage PrecinctBannockburn wineries (return), 16km or more, Grade 2/easyintermediate, 1.53 hours or more. 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. E-bikes are also permitted and available through most bike-hire companies. Skip to main content Search Central OtagoSearch Our Stories People, Places & Values Influx of European pioneers associated with the gold rush of the 1960s. 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. The trail offers cyclists and walkers a challenging 55km ride (Grade 2-3) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as itjourneys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. Lake Dunstan Trail is a 35 km popular green machine groomed family friendly scenic trail located near Cromwell. a smile on the face of the wagoner. 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. Wellington 6011 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. [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. 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. We also slept in the same playground as that time. This New Zealand road or road transport-related article is a stub. journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. Supplies were slow following. From Poolburn, its 50 km mostly downhill to Alexandra. Started construction 1977. Subscribe to our free newsletter for news and prizes. 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 . The nor-wester, while warm did at least help us up the hill. The List is a professionally researched and documented record of Aotearoa New Zealands historical and cultural place-based heritage. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. From Cromwell its an easy ride to Bannockburns world-class cellar doors and winery restaurants. 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. Oddly, for Central Otago, we rarely spotted rabbits; they must have felt vibrations from the horses hooves well in advance of our arrival. There are impressive views across to the Bannockburn vineyards, through which the trail will soon head once it crosses to the other side. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. 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. Central Otago is a fantastic year-round cycling destination, with the colour palette changing dramatically through the seasons. 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. 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. From the Heritage Precinct, the trail follows the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to reach Bannockburn Bridge. How does the Overseas Investment Act link with the List? Plenty of breaks provided ample rewards with the view across Central getting better with every metre claimed from gravity. It was 50km shorter than the Pigroot, but required the crossing of four mountain ranges: the Lammermoors, the Rock and Pillar Range, Rough Ridge and the Raggedy Range. This Otago geography article is a stub. Turn left off the Old Dunstan Trail and proceed on farm track for 2 kms. New Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. 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. Seek to be open and honest in all our interactions. In winter, multiple layers and gloves are recommended, even if the skies look reassuringly blue. The historic town of Clyde marks the southern end of the Lake Dunstan Trail and the western end of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Queenstown airport is 45 minutes drive from Cromwell, and an hour to Clyde. The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn area are some of the southernmost grape growing regions in the world. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. before continuing towards Cornish Point, passing more vineyards and olive groves along the way. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. Inthe morning all that was leftwas to award prizes for Sorest Bum, Greenest Trailrider, Most Difficult Horse to Catch, plus others, and to take our leave of our fellow riders. Night fell and Cromwell buzzed with laughter as exhausted cavalcaders square-danced the locals off their feet to the tunes of John Grenell and the PognScroggin Bush Band. The Cairnmuir slide is an unique feature on the slopes above the Clutha River. After an exhilarating downhill, the trails reaches the impressive Hugo suspension bridge, 85.5m long and 28.6m high. Old Dunstan Road, Clarks Junction; Galloway Flat Old Dunstan Road approaching the Poolburn Dam, Rough Ridge, from the north-east. If you go any further than the river, youll be on private land. Approximately 16km.The entire Lake Dunstan Trail i. What happens after I submit a consent application for a property included on the List? There are toilets here. The climb was steady and it took us about two hours before the reservoir was revealed. The 4WD track turn-off passed by without mention as we pushed on, trying to ascertain just when the road would turn away from Loganburn Reservoir. A dramatic entry was planned at Cromwell, with hundreds of onlookers turning out for the opening of the resited and restored buildings in Old Cromwell, the historical precinct built by residents when the towns main road fell to the Clyde Dam development. New Zealand, PO Box 11-310 Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to track. 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). All up around two hundred kilometres with perhaps four thousand metres of climbing on mostly gravel and some more rugged, steep off-road sections. Copyright: Heritage New Zealand. It is a diverse and evolving resource available to all New Zealanders. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Visit the official trail website for more information on riding safely, and check out this great safety video to see whether this trail is right for you. You can then rent a vehicle, catch a bus, or book a tour and be guided through the area. The map will show you where the best spots to stop, and help you get the most out of your ride. Erected in a busy pedestrian route in central Auckland in 1993 to commemorate the centenary of womens suffrage in New Zealand. After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. A map showing the planned 500km continuous trail network from Queenstown to Dunedin, estimated in 2018 to cost . Please understand that most places on the List are private property and not accessible to the public. This is barren territory, strewn with rocks in any shade ofbrown, with clumps of sparse yellow grass and golden tussock. These sections are only suitable for confident, experienced cyclists and are not recommended for most children. 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. Closed for about four months each winter, the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4WD vehicle. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. With only one turn to go and armed with Adeles dinner order, I waited no longer and got to the pub and placed our orders as the gloom settled. First stop was just south of Moa Creek to check the map and to take a photo of some sheep and off down Webster Lane we go until we see the pub. 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. The map can be downloaded here. But further thought could wait until the day developed a bit; for now, there was a big downhill to enjoy! Your email address will not be published. Copyright Ng Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails 2023. It was into that pitiless landscape that 220 horses, a Clydesdale team, acoach 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. New Zealands newest lake 40km length, covering 26.4km sq of former river-bed and terraces. We want your experiences too! 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. 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. Take the time to listen and understand other peoples opinions and cultural differences. This section follows the sealed road in places, and shares the Clyde road bridge before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. The landscapes peculiar forms and unusual lines are clues to the goldmining and hydropower history around here. 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 Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail can be accessed from Cromwell or Clyde. It wends its way alongside Lake Dunstan from Smiths Way via Pisa Moorings to Cromwell. 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. 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. The trail then climbs out of the inlet to Carrick Winery which welcomes cyclists for wine-tasting and dining. In this parched, waterless landscape a gimlet and straw were said to be part of a wagoners essential equipment. 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. Old Dunstan Road starts from Clarks junction, around an hour from Dunedin on the way to Middlemarch. XVIII. We were going to get to the kitchen before it closed! But, its on our list now. Photographed by Peter Meecham. 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. Started construction 1977. As trail transport does not run to a scheduled timetable, any shuttles should be arranged in advance direct through operators or local i-SITE visitor centres. This puts you on the side away from the dropoffs. Route finding from here on is relatively easy. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. The Upper Tairei River is just around the corner, behind that sign. Rich in history both Maori and early pioneers. Historic place (Category 1): places of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance, Historic place (Category 2): places of historic or cultural significance, Historic area: an area with multiple, related historic places, Whi tpuna: places of ancestral significance for Mori, Whi tapu: places sacred to Mori in the traditional, spiritual, ritual or mythological sense, Whi tapu area: places that contain one or more whi tapu, February 2023 | Category 1 historic place. This is part of the Old Dunstan trail from the Styx Basin. There is no shelter from the weather, which can change quickly, and it is bitterly cold in a southerly. We would shortly climb to Poolburn Reservoir, or Rohan Village as some may know it. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. A mountain bike is recommended. Grade 3+ Time 2-4 days Distance 170 km Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track 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. A more unknown part of New Zealand, but this trail is putting Cromwell on the map. The trail crosses farmland and areas of subalpine tussock, passing close to Loganburn Reservoir, formerly the Great Moss Swamp.[1]. Grade 3+ Time 24 days Distance 170 km, Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track. Always ask ourselves is there a better way one that achieves a premium status, quality experience or interaction. The road loosely follows the trail that was used by gold miners traipsing from Dunedin to Dunstan (now Clyde) in the 1860s. Thank you. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. Maurice Shadbolt records that these men had to gamble their lives against a pitiless landscape. 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. Beyond Paerau, the trail becomes far rougher as it passes above the meanders and oxbow lakes of the upper Taieri River's scroll plain, and then descends towards Poolburn Reservoir, best known as a location during the filming of The Lord of the Rings trilogy of films. Weaving our way through countless scattered, jagged rocks kept the interest level up as plenty of holiday traffic passed us on the road. The Lake Dunstan Track is a 55km (34mi) cycle trail that runs between Cromwell and Clyde in Central Otago. If its wide open spaces free from man-made structures that youre after, get in quick. Level 3, 4 Bond St Along the way there are sections where the land has been reshaped in the search for gold and then again when the lake was formed. Be open to new ideas, open to exploring the possibilities and appreciate the strengths and talents each person brings. Its mostly uphill cycling, northwest on Highway 87, to Clarks Junction 49 km from Dunedin. It was before the approaching ridge, huzzah. Bike hire, shuttles and tours are also available here. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. Long having wanted to ride the Old Dunstan Trail, my plan for the day at the outset of this trip had become ambitious. This trail is very well served by numerous local companies offering everything from bike hire to fully packaged guided tours. The new Dunstan Trail is the first stage of a 122km project linking Queenstown, . Protect and celebrate our rich heritage in landscapes, architecture, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. With the help of the trees we hid behind, I was dry albeit very warm. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga 2023. 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. This section includes the first of the remarkable boardwalks built into the bluffs get off and walk if youd rather. As we climbed to over 1000 metres we were five abreast, with the hail battering and soaking horse and rider alike. Getting out the gully requires the trails biggest climb 130 vertical metres up the aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder. As we eased our aches in imagined hot baths, the stories grew tall, but even the most experienced musterers from the area agreed that our storm had been one of the roughest and riskiest they had encountered. The climate is extreme, like that of Continental Europe, with hot dry summers and freezing winters. (Clive pic.) 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. $1 trial for two weeks, thereafter $8.50 every two months, cancel any time. On this section, there are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. Old Dunstan Road is the name of a 4x4 track/Adventure riding track located in Otago South Island of New Zealand. A hundred and thirty years ago, punters could travel the Dunstan Road by five-horse coach, and stop at one of a number of stores, accommodation houses, and sly grog outlets which sprang up along the route. 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. The Dunstan, like Gabriels Gully 18 months earlier, was to become an irresistible magnet to thousands of fortune seekers. It climbs to almost 1,000 metres (3,300ft) before dropping down to Paerau (known during the gold rush era as Styx).
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