Later horticulture and pastoral farming became features of the landscape. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. Old Dunstan Road, Clarks Junction; Galloway Flat Old Dunstan Road approaching the Poolburn Dam, Rough Ridge, from the north-east. From Cromwell its an easy ride to Bannockburns world-class cellar doors and winery restaurants. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. The road loosely follows the trail that was used by gold miners traipsing from Dunedin to Dunstan (now Clyde) in the 1860s. The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn area are some of the southernmost grape growing regions in the world. The Cashmere Sanatorium Open Air Shelter is a rare surviving open-air patient shelter that provides a poignant insight into the early 20th century response to the global disease of tuberculosis. Why is this heritage place not on the List? Nary a soul about, I was wary of getting stuck up here in the incoming weather although I did have sufficient pork scratchings to see us through. Cromwell at the confluence of the Clutha River (incorporating Lake Dunstan) and the Kawarau Rivers. 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. Leaving the valley floor, things very quickly got dry, brown and dusty. The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. From the house, head north for 300 metres before turning west onto another 4WD track, which is also part of the original Dunstan Trail. 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. What could go wrong? Plenty of breaks provided ample rewards with the view across Central getting better with every metre claimed from gravity. Approximately 16km.The entire Lake Dunstan Trail i. Reflective of the development of sports and recreation amenities in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Grandstand is closely connected to the history of club rugby. Just past the historic Halfway Hut viewpoint is a series of switchbackswith tight corners and a decent climb/descent. The first power was generated in 1992. Or please provide your feedback by completing a trail survey so that improvements can continuously be made to the trail experience. There was little fuel to warm them, no food to sustain them. Even so, the route to the Dunstan was no cakewalk. If you smell coffee as you approach Cairnmuir Gully, you are not mistaken. Cromwell Heritage PrecinctBannockburn Bridge. Grade 1. Lake Dunstan Trail Need to know The trail ranges from grade 2 (easy) to 3 (intermediate), mostly following wide, smooth gravel and earth paths with some sections of wooden boardwalk. Seek to be open and honest in all our interactions. Old maps of Vilniaus When two californian prospectors startled the Dunedin treasury office by bringing in 87 pounds of gold in 1863 the name Dunstan was little more than a scratching on a surveyors map. 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. 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. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. Old Dunstan Trail 4x4 Adventure - The Patearoa dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. with. Ng Manawhenua o Aotearoa me na Krero Tturu | National Historic Landmarks tell the stories of who we are as New Zealanders. The Upper Tairei River is just around the corner, behind that sign. Id finally biked the Old Dunstan Trail and it was fantastic. Trail mark No 1 . Old Dunstan Road is the name of a 4x4 track/Adventure riding track located in Otago South Island of New Zealand. For now to see a full see the link below. We came from the left of shot, from over those ridges, to intersect with the gravel road. I must spend more time in Central Otago, the bikepacking opportunities are immense my family may also be close by. Please login to proceed or create a free account. If its wide open spaces free from man-made structures that youre after, get in quick. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. The rock formations are awesome. Getting to Central Otago is easy with flights into Queenstown and Dunedin. Long stretches without food and water mean that riders should be self-sufficient and carry more than enough for the journey,noting that in the summer months the heat makes ample water supplies essential. 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. This trip is a collection of quiet gravel roads, 4WD tracks and old wagon trails pioneered as a bike route by gnarly cycle tourers in the 1970s. Required fields are marked *. Otago Central Rail Trail - NZ's Original Great Ride | Central Otago Reflection of Lammermoor Range in Still Water of Logan Burn Reservoir As we climbed to over 1000 metres we were five abreast, with the hail battering and soaking horse and rider alike. Map & Sections | Central Otago There may have been more walking as we climbed at ten percent for an hour or so before it leveled off. We want your experiences too! Always ask ourselves is there a better way one that achieves a premium status, quality experience or interaction. 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. Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to track. The odd vehicle kicking up a fair cloud, but they were few and far behind. Dogs are not permitted between Cornish Point and Dunstan Arm Rowing Club. A wagon team of six Clydesdale horses, the Cobb andCo coach, and ten other carts and wagons rode on before us. Poolburn Dam Brown Trout Fishing - 300 Hectare Lake in Ida Valley Otago 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. Cycle north out of Paerau on the Styx-Patearoa Road for 1.5 km. We would shortly climb to Poolburn Reservoir, or Rohan Village as some may know it. This trail is two way (dual direction). 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. After Cromwell, known as Clutha River. The List is a professionally researched and documented record of Aotearoa New Zealands historical and cultural place-based heritage. Old Dunstan Road 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). $1 trial for two weeks, thereafter $8.50 every two months, cancel any time. going in a west / north direction towards the gorge. Taken By: M Kelly. From the Heritage Precinct, the trail follows the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to reach Bannockburn Bridge. Alternatively, a fun way to start is to catch the train to Middlemarch or Pukerangi (see Otago Rail Trail). 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. Photo credits (clockwise from left): bennettandslater.co.nz (1); Tourism Central Otago Will Nelson (2, 3 & 4). This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. This video showcases the Lake Dunstan Trail from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct is now open. 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. Ask your librarian to subscribe to this service next year. The New Zealand Heritage List/Rrangi Krero (the List) is Aotearoa New Zealands national record of our rich and diverse place-based heritage. Dunstan Trail - Wikipedia Designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clutha Dam, a short distance downriver. A mountain bike is recommended. 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. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unridable because of sticky mud. The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. Constructed between 1977 and 1992 as one of the then prime minsters Think Big projects, the 100m-high, 490m-wide concrete structure is New Zealands third-largest hydro-dam. Your email address will not be published. This area experiences extremes of weather any time of year, so go well prepared. 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. There is no shelter from the weather, which can change quickly, and it is bitterly cold in the southerly. Old Dunstan Road is the name of a 4x4 track/Adventure riding track located in Otago South Island of New Zealand. From Clarks Junction, it is 48 km of up and down (but mostly up) to the abandoned Paerau township (called Styx by the locals) where there is an esplanade reserve by the Taieri River. What happens after I submit a consent application for a property included on the List? This section follows the sealed road in places, and shares the Clyde road bridge before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. The road was created during the Central Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s. Winter cold drove some to suicide.. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. Before heading onward, its possible to detour up to the historic Bannockburn Hotel, or down Felton Road where there are a bunch of top-notch wineries. From Cornish Point, the landscape changes dramatically to rocky bluffs as the trail heads into the Cromwell Gorge. Influx of European pioneers associated with the gold rush of the 1960s. The trail is mostly grade 2 (easy) with some gentle hill climbs and tricky bits that push it to grade 3 (intermediate). Route finding from here on is relatively easy. Its a lovely place to base yourself for Great Ride adventures with a wide range of quality accommodation, and great shops, cafes and restaurants. Riders should be capable of riding the full distance, and be confident biking off-road on grade 3 (intermediate) trails. Lake Dunstan Trail Mountain Biking Trail - | Trailforks Lake Dunstan Trail Map & Sections The Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail can be accessed from Cromwell or Clyde. Discover how you can get involved with the New Zealand Heritage List/Rrangi Krero. Vilnius-oblast (Litva) Frolov 1820-1835 1820-1835 1:38 000. Clyde to Jackson Creek/Hydes Spur(return), 2023km or more,Grade 2/easyintermediate, 23 hours or more. In the winter months which is still a great time to ride some businesses run on limited hours. Over the next two days gale force winds continued to challenge the line-up of akubra (stockmans) hats as we forded rivers, followed dusty tracks and cantered across tussocky farmland. At Cromwell Heritage Precinct be sure to park up and explore the boutique galleries, retail stores, restaurants and cafe's. Can be ridden in both directions. Theyre marked on the map as a 4WD track and lead to a derelict house on Linnburn Runs Road, 7 km away. At Clyde, the Lake Dunstan Trail links with New Zealand's original Great Ride the Otago Central Rail Trail. New Zealands newest lake 40km length, covering 26.4km sq of former river-bed and terraces. Grade 3+ Time 24 days Distance 170 km, Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track. In time, the route became known as the Dunstan Road. It wends its way alongside Lake Dunstan from Smiths Way via Pisa Moorings to Cromwell. Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail | Electric Bike | Packages | Trips 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 nor-wester, while warm did at least help us up the hill. The road is sealed at the start and turns to gravel after 9.2km. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}453600S 1695430E / 45.60000S 169.90833E / -45.60000; 169.90833. Lake Dunstan Trail is a 35 km popular green machine groomed family friendly scenic trail located near Cromwell. It is a great fun drive in dry weather conditions but can get a bit hairy during rain. Several national bike tour companies offer customised tours of popular South Island cycle trails, with Christchurch and Queenstown popular departure points for international visitors. Copyright Ng Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails 2023. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. Cross the bridge to reach Clyde. Great Rides of New Zealand | 100% Pure New Zealand Historic buildings -dating back to the gold rush of the 1860s were saved or lovingly rebuilt on this higher ground. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. 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 . Deep Creek Weir from Old Dunstan Road past Rocklands However, its possible to enjoy shorter rides on the trail, a few ideas for which follow here. Getting out the gully requires the trails biggest climb 130 vertical metres up the aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder. Grade 3+ Time 2-4 days Distance 170 km Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track 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. Following the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to Bannockburn, you will have amazing vistas across the lake to Bannockburn vineyards and the next section of trail. A satisfying ride can be had from the Clyde. This section of the Lake Dunstan Trail is a popular day ride or walk to / from Cromwell. Losing a few hundred metres in a hurry, things flattened out through a sheep station. We were a mixed bag: a country music star, a poet (Nasebys Blue Jeans, aka Ross McMillan), New Zealands champion cowboy Dion Church, plus experienced high country people, top dressage and eventing riders, and even two sidesaddle exponents. Lake Dunstan Trail - Cycling and Walking Trail | Central Otago The landscapes peculiar forms and unusual lines are clues to the goldmining and hydropower history around here. Please Thanks to your great story and photos. 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. For current trail status and any alerts such as temporary track closures and detours check the trail website. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 2,202 m blue climb. The climate is extreme, like that of Continental Europe, with hot dry summers and freezing winters. 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. During a northwesterly wind, its easier to do this trip in reverse, from Alexandra to Dunedin. Underneath the water is the original track which is heavily used by 4X4 cars, and the cars left big drive lines behind which are not visible from the bike so the risk is very high to slope and slide to the side in the middle of one of the mud pools and drawn down the bike. The first power was generated in 1992. 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. 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. In this week's show, Ray talked us through his insurance win, we have another Its numerous Baroque churches jostle for space amid glitzy restaurants and dilapidated old buildings that line its cobbled streets, while the student . Not far from the rowing club is Burton Creek Recreation Area, a pretty campground with million-dollar views of the lake and Clyde Dam. Known at the time as "The Mountain Track", it was a dangerous route which claimed numerous lives. Pick up a wine map from around town to plot your route. Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles or those with experience, and should only be attempted with a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). The Dunstan Trail, also known as the Old Dunstan Road, is a historic route in Otago, New Zealand. Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown 41 Recommended Half-day Tours from $184.62 per adult Wild Hills Off Road Safari 80 Recommended Half-day Tours from $259.00 per adult Mt Cook Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown 13 Recommended Bus Tours from $925.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* 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. To share your ride story or trail tip you need to be logged in. Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. Finally, I got to try out the bivy bag Id been carrying for this trip it rained all night. Two galloping horsemen roused the crowd and attempted to rob the Cobb and Co coach as it entered the town, but in true western style the bandits escape was blocked by cavalcade trail boss Bill McMillan, who forced the miscreants to hand back their stolen loot. Toilets are at either end of this section at Cairnmuir Gully & Halfway Hut. New Central Otago cycle trail opens, and more cash promised
