In the Bannockburn Sluicings, the landscape is shaped and scarred by a short-lived gold-mining era. Explore this terrain on foot or by bike along a variety of tracks. You’ll also encounter gold-mining history on routes that take in river landscapes, old mining sites and historic places—with trails varying considerably in length, difficulty and duration.
Cycling Trails: Day Trip or Multi-Day Ride
The Roxburgh Gorge Trail follows the Clutha Mata-au River past eroded rock faces and old gold-mining sites. The trip combines 21 kilometres of cycling with a 13-kilometre boat ride. It is designed as a day trip and is graded 2–3. You can explore the trail on foot or by bike from either direction.
For a longer trip, the Otago Central Rail Trail offers a different option: it is 152 kilometres long, graded 1 and suited to one to five days. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders can use it; the route can be travelled in either direction, with access at various points. Along the way, dry, hilly landscapes give way to river gorges, tunnels and viaducts. Historic homesteads and preserved gold-mining settlements are also part of the scenery along the trail.
The Clutha Gold Trail is an easy cycling and walking trail, graded 1–2. It runs for 135 kilometres between Roxburgh Dam in Central Otago and Waihola in the Clutha region; allow two to four days for the trip. If you’re comparing routes, these timeframes offer a starting point: a one-day cycling and boat trip, a multi-day ride of up to five days, or the two-to-four-day Clutha Gold Trail.
For mountain biking, Naseby Forest has a 100-kilometre network of trails graded from 1 to 5, from beginner to advanced. Check access and trail conditions before setting out.
Riverbanks, Wine Country and History
The Lake Dunstan Trail follows the shores of Lake Dunstan between Cromwell and Clyde, passing through the wine-growing areas of Bannockburn, Cornish Point and Cromwell Gorge. Much of the trail offers opportunities for swimming, boating and other water sports. History also features along the route: modern, pioneer and Māori stories are explored along the trail, with some brought to life at the Clyde and Cromwell Historical Precinct.
The Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail also leads to historic places. It includes more than 20 sites accessible on foot, by bike or by car. Examples include Mitchell’s Cottage, Earnscleugh Dredge Tailings, Bald Hill Flat and Dead Horse Pinch. The blend of gold-mining history and varied landscapes offers several ways to explore the District’s past, without requiring every discovery to involve a longer bike ride.
Art, Fruit and Wine
The Central Otago Arts Trail combines gallery visits with the opportunity to meet artists in their studios. You can also explore sculptures and murals, each with its own backstory. Discover the region through individual works of art and the stories behind them.
Around Roxburgh and Cromwell, orchards offer tours or pick-your-own experiences. Participation may vary depending on the orchard and harvest season. Wine and food events such as the Clyde Food & Wine Festival, Cromwell’s National Cherry Festival and Alexandra’s Basin New Release Tasting are for those interested in wine and food. Check the dates and whether the events are taking place before your trip.
Getting There and Finding Accommodation
Central Otago can be reached by flying to Queenstown or Dunedin. Visitors can rent a vehicle, take a bus or book a guided tour for onward travel.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Roxburgh, Kyeburn Diggings, Naseby, Omakau, Patearoa, Conroys Gully, Lindis Valley, Millers Flat, Cromwell, Clyde, Kokonga, Ranfurly, Alexandra, Coal Creek Flat, Waipiata, Queensbury, Oturehua, Chatto Creek, Tarras, Lauder, Earnscleugh.
For the broader travel overview: Otago.
