Lake Dunstan Trail

The Lake Dunstan Trail is a 55km cycling and walking trail that links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell in Central Otago, New Zealand.

The trail offers a challenging ride or walk through unique and dramatic landscapes, with a Grade 2-3 difficulty level. The region’s rich modern, pioneering, and Maori historical stories are integrated along the way, some of which are brought to life in the Clyde and Cromwell Historical Precinct. 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.

The trail is divided into several sections, with the Smiths Way to Cromwell Heritage Precinct section being the most popular day ride or walk to/from Cromwell, covering 16km and with a Grade 1 difficulty level. Other sections of the trail include Cromwell to Bannockburn Inlet (7km, easy/moderate), Bannockburn Inlet to Cairnmuir Gully (11.3km, moderate), Cairnmuir Gully to Halfway Hut (8.4km, moderate), Halfway Hut to Dunstan Arm Rowing Club (10.7km, moderate), and Dunstan Arm Rowing Club to Clyde Heritage Precinct (3.5km, easy). The trail winds alongside Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River, and the Clutha River Mata-au, with highlights including the Cairnmuir Gully Switchbacks and Highest Point (2 hours), Hugo Bridge (approx. 2.5 hours), Clyde Dam (4 hours), and Clyde (end).

The Lake Dunstan Trail is a must-do for those looking for a taste of Central Otago's landscapes, rich heritage, and delicious food and wine. The trail is set to become an iconic cycling day trip that extends the already fabulous cycle trail options in Central Otago. Visitors can join the trail at various starting points, including the 16km relatively flat section alongside Lake Dunstan and the inlets of Pisa Mooring to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. For safety, visitors are advised to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, carry plenty of water, and check the weather forecast before setting out on the trail. The Lake Dunstan Trail is a purpose-built cycling and walking trail that traverses some of Central Otago's most dramatic landscapes and scenery.