Clutha Gold Cycle Trail Information

Starting at Lawrence, Otago’s first gold rush town, the trail passes a historic Chinese camp where up to 120 Chinese miners lived in the 1860s. There is evidence that the population once topped 11,500 in this area! Cycle a gentle incline to the highest point of the trail, Big Hill Tunnel. After a 440m pedal through the dark (remember to take your sunglasses off!), enjoy the long downhill as a reward for the first climb. The trail flows through lush farmland and crosses the highway several times on its way through Evans Flat with its bygone vibe of early industry – gold mining, flax milling and pioneer sheep farming.

Start near the Beaumont Hotel and follow the Clutha River away from the road. There are a couple of short detours signposted off the trail. The first nearby, are the Lonely Graves – humble testament to the kindness of strangers. The second, is Horseshoe Bend Bridge, an impressive pedestrian suspension bridge built in 1913. Follow through the Beaumont valley along a mix of quiet roads, old railway line and cycle trail.

From Millers Flat, with it's great new Cafe, there's plenty of variety to see, from the rock formations to the regenerating tea tree (Kanuka). ALthugh the Clutha River isn't safe to swim in, Pinders Pond is a great place for a cooling dip. From the pond, head into the town of Roxburgh, home of Jimmy's Pies! 

From the town of Roxburgh, it's only a short cycle through the increasingly impressive Old Man and Benger Mountain Ranges before arriving at Commissioners Flat under the towering Roxburgh Dam.