Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga 2023. However, it is recommended that you make all bookings for hire, transport and tours in advance, particularly during peak season (DecemberApril). Old Dunstan Road, Clarks Junction; Galloway Flat Old Dunstan Road approaching the Poolburn Dam, Rough Ridge, from the north-east. 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. Always ask ourselves is there a better way one that achieves a premium status, quality experience or interaction. 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. Closed for about four months each winter, the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4WD vehicle. The road ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. This area experiences extremes of weather any time of year, so go well prepared. Finally, I got to try out the bivy bag Id been carrying for this trip it rained all night. Be sure to admire the painstakingly stacked rock-walls around here. Dropping to Deep Stream, there was but one more ten percent climb left this time on the seal. The water was there due to a dam being built in the 1930s to provide irrigation water for the valley below. 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. Clyde to Jackson Creek/Hydes Spur(return), 2023km or more,Grade 2/easyintermediate, 23 hours or more. Its mostly uphill cycling, northwest on Highway 87, to Clarks Junction 49 km from Dunedin. Other nearby towns with cycling trails on tap include Alexandra, Wnaka and Queenstown. From the house, head north for 300 metres before turning west onto another 4WD track, which is also part of the original Dunstan Trail. On this section, there are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. A fence heads off to the left 150metres after a hay shed. The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. Started construction 1977. Photo credits (clockwise from left): bennettandslater.co.nz (1); Tourism Central Otago Will Nelson (2, 3 & 4). 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. Please understand that most places on the List are private property and not accessible to the public. For a less experienced rider consider Clyde to Cromwell. journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. 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The road was part of the original route called the Mountain Road taken by hardy people seeking their gold rush fortunes in the early 1860s, to travel from Dunedin to the goldfields in Central Otago. It is rutted and corrugated in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry, and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Central Otago is a popular holiday destination and well set up for visitors. Or please provide your feedback by completing a trail survey so that improvements can continuously be made to the trail experience. The existing road diverts from the trail twice. Riders are richly rewarded with fine food and wine too, not only at Cromwell, Bannockburn and Clyde, but also at Cairnmuir Gully where theres a floating cafe on the lakeshore a unique and unforgettable place to take a refreshment break. A dramatic entry was planned at Cromwell, with hundreds of onlookers turning out for the opening of the resited and restored buildings in Old Cromwell, the historical precinct built by residents when the towns main road fell to the Clyde Dam development. 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. 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. This is barren territory, strewn with rocks in any shade ofbrown, with clumps of sparse yellow grass and golden tussock. What are the benefits of being included on the List? The drive has steep parts and tops out by Rough Ridge, at 1.040m (3,412ft) above the sea level. We neednt go up onto the Rock and Pillars, rather complete the trail to the highway and ride to Middlemarch for dinner and sleep. 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. It is a great fun drive in dry weather conditions but can get a bit hairy during rain. Is the Old Dunstan Road paved? You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. Head south, through Patearoa and take the Linnburn Runs Rd turnoff (40km). Smaller local shuttle operators service smaller destinations and tailor trips to visitors needs; many also offer transfers to and from Queenstown. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by Riders should be capable of riding the full distance, and be confident biking off-road on grade 3 (intermediate) trails. Closed for about four months each winter (usually from the first Tuesday in June to 30th of September), the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The climate is extreme, like that of Continental Europe, with hot dry summers and freezing winters. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 2,202 m blue climb. 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). Parts of the trail are in remote terrain with some challenging grade 3 sections. New Zealand, PO Box 11-310 There's also a 16km section of trail that traces the pretty Lake Dunstan shore from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. The other engineering landmark here are 13 drainage tunnels drilled in the into the hillsides to prevent landslips. Not far from the rowing club is Burton Creek Recreation Area, a pretty campground with million-dollar views of the lake and Clyde Dam. There is no shelter from the weather, which can change quickly, and it is bitterly cold in a southerly. Park cars at the trees. Its 46 km long. What could go wrong? 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. Subscribe to our free newsletter for news and prizes. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Toilets are at either end of this section at Cairnmuir Gully & Halfway Hut. It is rutted in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. Approximately 16km.The entire Lake Dunstan Trail i. But further thought could wait until the day developed a bit; for now, there was a big downhill to enjoy! 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. It is suited to riders of average fitness; although some riders may wish to push up some of the steeper climbs. There is no shelter from the weather, which can change quickly, and it is bitterly cold in the southerly. Te Kinga Aroha (Former) has special significance as a very rare surviving twentieth century hostel which was dedicated to accommodating and supporting young Mori women. The Lake Dunstan Trail is managed by a not-for-profit charitable trust, so if you've enjoyed your ride or walk on the trail, then you're invited to make a donation towards its ongoing maintenance. I had no fear of losing my hat to the wind. Take the time to listen and understand other peoples opinions and cultural differences. Started construction 1977. Your email address will not be published. After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. Faces quickly became mudpacks aswind-borne dust whistled down the gorge and coated the cavalcade. Find out what to expect in this short video. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent.