Alternatively, a fun way to start is to catch the train to Middlemarch or Pukerangi (see Otago Rail Trail). The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. Parts of the trail are in remote terrain with some challenging grade 3 sections. The trail offers cyclists and walkers a challenging 55km ride (Grade 2-3) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as it. Its a fairly exposed point that cops a fair bit of weather, but with luck youll have perfect conditions to admire the views. Grade 2-3, Cairnmuir Gully to Halfway Hut - 8.4km, Grade 2 - 3, Halfway Hut to Dunstan Arm Rowing Club - 10.7km, Grade 2-3, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club to Clyde Heritage Precinct - 3.5km. This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. As you go, look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. Old Dunstan Road: Ultimate 4wd destination in NZ - dangerousroads.org 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. View of road winding down Lammermoor Ranges towards Rocklands Station. Getting to Central Otago is easy with flights into Queenstown and Dunedin. 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. This area experiences extremes of weather any time of year, so go well prepared. But, its on our list now. Old Dunstan Road. By which I mean about ten or twenty cars basically rush hour. Dropping a little to the upper Ida Valley (Id crossed further down two days before) things flattened for a short stretch before we turned south on the Old Dunstan Road. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. From there it's mainly plain sailing to the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club, except for some short, tricky, grade 3 riding around Jackson and Byford Creeks, and Annan Gully. Hands and faces froze, and as rain turned to horizontal hail, bodies and steedsmoved closer together in the futile hope of finding shelter. Other highways, such as the Southern Scenic Route, offer further exploration of the deep south. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. 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. 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. Lake Dunstan Trail Map Lake Dunstan Trail Sections Smith's Way to Cromwell Heritage Precinct: 16.4km Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Bannockburn Bridge - 6km Bannockburn Bridge to Cornish Point - 7.3km Cornish Point to Clyde - 25km (now open) Trip reviews Videos Essential information Videos The 55km Lake Dunstan Trail takes you from Smith's Way, just out of Cromwell to Clyde along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the stunning Cromwell Gorge. Make decisions with the community in mind and in harmony with the natural environment so we can help create the kind of place we can be proud of. Its a hard 71-km day from Paerau to Alexandra with a lot of uphill and heaps of downhill. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. At the pub we turn right and thats the start (from the western end) of the Dunstan Trail though a road sign to say it was the Old Dunstan Road would've have been nice. 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. Smaller local shuttle operators service smaller destinations and tailor trips to visitors needs; many also offer transfers to and from Queenstown. Finally, I got to try out the bivy bag Id been carrying for this trip it rained all night. To understand what to expect, to help you choose the right section of trail for your ability, and how to prepare for your ride, click here. 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. The schist was ever present and we began to notice tall, skinny slabs of it filling the role of fence posts and looking like theyd done so for scores of harsh Central Otago years. In those hardy days all the miners provisions had to be carted in from Dunedina two- or three-week round trip by horse-drawn dray, and even longer for a bullock wagon. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dunstan_Trail&oldid=903812693, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 June 2019, at 04:06. Cromwell at the confluence of the Clutha River (incorporating Lake Dunstan) and the Kawarau Rivers. Carry straight on and youll reach Highway 87 a few kilometres north of Mosgiel. The trail then climbs out of the inlet to Carrick Winery which welcomes cyclists for wine-tasting and dining. Vilnius-oblast (Litva) Frolov 1820-1835 1820-1835 1:38 000. We made it! Your email address will not be published. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. This is where you can join the Old Dunstan Road, the modern access. This track was officially opened on the 8th of May 2021. Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. The landscapes peculiar forms and unusual lines are clues to the goldmining and hydropower history around here. Grade 3+ Time 2-4 days Distance 170 km Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. This section includes the first of the bluff bridges, and you will cycle at the base of the stonework faces of the Cairnmuir slide, a unique feature high on the slopes above the lake. A fence heads off to the left 150metres after a hay shed. We would shortly climb to Poolburn Reservoir, or Rohan Village as some may know it. Great Rides of New Zealand | 100% Pure New Zealand Please use the above parking locations and park considerately; do not block access to any driveway, boat ramp or trail access point. With less bike time in Adeles legs than mine, the plan was modified to stay the night in one of the huts on the Rock and Pillars and ride home the following morning. This section requires the most attention and skill as there are narrow undulating sections with steep drop-offs. The Old Dunstan Road turns off to the left here, and you head into an isolated and barren Central Otago landscape. Ng Manawhenua o Aotearoa me na Krero Tturu | National Historic Landmarks. Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to the track. Your email address will not be published. This section follows the sealed road in places, and shares the Clyde road bridge before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. 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. But plans on trips like these are fluid at best and I was happy to scale this one back as I had company! Watching the clock tick over far faster than the odometer, I began to reassess the goals for the day. In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. Wed cross that smaller, greener ridge before then climbing the hills behind that. Be sure to book tours, accommodation and other services well in advance for the busy summer season, DecemberApril. Vilnius Travel Guide. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. Lake Dunstan Trail Map & Sections The Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail can be accessed from Cromwell or Clyde. In winter, multiple layers and gloves are recommended, even if the skies look reassuringly blue. Access There are several access places around the lake that can be used (see map), Some of these cross private land, and many can only be used by 4WD vehicles. Vilnius 100km - Takas aplink Vilni Dunstan Arm Rowing ClubClyde Heritage Precinct. Losing a few hundred metres in a hurry, things flattened out through a sheep station. Some sections can be exposed to high winds so check weather alerts. It's 46 km long. In summer, riders should pack a sun hat and sunscreen (as well as plenty of water), but also preferably a lightweight top for fuller sun protection on high UV days. The jail here has a fireplace that may be useful if its raining or snowing. 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. Level 3, 4 Bond St At the time of the road's creation, it was the shortest route from the city of Dunedin to the goldfields around Clyde, or Dunstan as it was then known. Reflection of Lammermoor Range in Still Water of Logan Burn Reservoir Otago Central Rail Trail - NZ's Original Great Ride | Central Otago The trail offers cyclists and walkers a challenging 55km 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. 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. Copyright: Heritage New Zealand. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. In the winter months which is still a great time to ride some businesses run on limited hours. This New Zealand road or road transport-related article is a stub. 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. The original road now traverses private farmland towards an area called Blackball. Lake Dunstan Trail - Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Bannockburn Its numerous Baroque churches jostle for space amid glitzy restaurants and dilapidated old buildings that line its cobbled streets, while the student . Are places listed on the List protected from being demolished or altered? Head south, through Patearoa and take the Linnburn Runs Rd turnoff (40km). National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund. 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. The road ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. From the house, head north for 300 metres before turning west onto another 4WD track, which is also part of the original Dunstan Trail. Soon after crossing Silver Stream, turn right onto Milners Road. Faces quickly became mudpacks aswind-borne dust whistled down the gorge and coated the cavalcade. Id finally biked the Old Dunstan Trail and it was fantastic. This would be the last time that such a trek could use the historic Fruitgrowers Road on the west side of the Clutha River, opposite the new highway. 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. More fenceposts provided handy bike stands at the top of that hour-long climb. The Lake Dunstan Trail extends and complements the well-established Great Rides in Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, and provides a key link with the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, both of which are part of Nga Haerenga - New Zealand Cycle Trails. 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. After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. Some great climbing and wide open views, with very interesting geology and flora to boot. It wends its way alongside Lake Dunstan from Smiths Way via Pisa Moorings to Cromwell. 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). Copyright Ng Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails 2023. The existing road diverts from the trail twice. Started construction 1977. It then varies between gravel, clay and bare rock. For current trail status and any alerts such as temporary track closures and detours check the trail website. 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. Dunstan Trail - Wikipedia A mountain bike is recommended. Reflective of the development of sports and recreation amenities in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Grandstand is closely connected to the history of club rugby. Written by JULIET OCONNOR Dropping a little to the upper Ida Valley (I'd crossed further down two days before) things flattened for a short stretch before we turned south on the Old Dunstan Road. Dunstan's cavalcade | New Zealand Geographic Please login to proceed or create a free account. It can be done on a rainy day too but the road will change into a single mud track. The water was there due to a dam being built in the 1930s to provide irrigation water for the valley below. Rich in history both Maori and early pioneers. New Zealand, PO Box 11-310 Oh, and maybe a gel-seat. Some careless child of the giants left their Tonka toy just sitting there. Started construction 1977. After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. 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. The road is sealed at the start and turns to gravel after 9.2km. Food and water are readily available in Cromwell and Clyde. TimeZoneOne 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 . There were few smiles on the faces of the 1991 cavalcaders as we cocked our akubra hats to the southerly blast and picked our way up the Rock and Pillar on our first day on the trail. Today, the trail is a public road, ranging in quality from chip-sealed road to gravel track. The difficulty by wet condition is that the rain fill up the road and it is possible that the water level is front wheel depth. 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. From the Heritage Precinct, the trail follows the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to reach Bannockburn Bridge. Why is this heritage place not on the List? (Lake Dunstan has now buried this orchard road forever.). A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. 10.7km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. The aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder, may look daunting but the switchbacks have been designed to a maximum of 6 degree gradient with a 3m minimum radius. To gold-hungry prospectors time was precious, and most preferred to take their chances with the unpredictable weather and desolate, unstable countryside offered by the Mountain Track. Designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clutha Dam, a short distance downriver. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. 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. 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. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unridable because of sticky mud. Weaving our way through countless scattered, jagged rocks kept the interest level up as plenty of holiday traffic passed us on the road. Seek to be open and honest in all our interactions. What could go wrong? We saw signs posted that further resurrection was prohibited. Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail - Backyard Travel Family 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 Guide to Cycle Safety on the Lake Dunstan Trail | Central Otago Good Cycle Etiquette and Safety on the Lake Dunstan Trail Preparing to ride the Lake Dunstan Trail - cycle safety and trail etiquette. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by The aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder, may look daunting but the switchbacks have been designed to a maximum of 6 degree gradient with a 3m minimum radius. Other nearby towns with cycling trails on tap include Alexandra, Wnaka and Queenstown. with. There are options for a vineyard lunch and stocking up on a few bottles; local shuttles can provide rescue if youve overindulged. . Can be ridden in both directions. Along the way you will marvel at the man-made landscapes, rich Maori and early pioneer history, and vineyards as you travel along the Lake Dunstan Trail. From raging rivers, goldminers Hartley and Reilly, the Cairnmuir Slide, a unique climate and much more the area has many of its own stories to tell which you will learn about along the way. One prospector is said to have taken 200 ounces of gold from a crevice in a single panning. The Lake Dunstan Trail includes some remote terrain and challenging grade 3 riding. Theyre marked on the map as a 4WD track and lead to a derelict house on Linnburn Runs Road, 7 km away. There may have been some hike-a-bike good training for the madness that is Godzone. The Dunstan Trail, also known as the Old Dunstan Road, is a historic route in Otago, New Zealand.The road was created during the Central Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s.. At the time of the road's creation, it was the shortest route from the city of Dunedin to the goldfields around Clyde, or Dunstan as it was then known.Known at the time as "The Mountain Track", it was a dangerous route which .

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