The newest addition to the New Zealand Great Rides catalogue, the Lake Dunstan cycle trail is well worth checking out.
Cycling the Lake Dunstan Trail
The trail begins about 10km north of Cromwell, in the central Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island. This first section is very gentle and mostly populated by families and dog walkers as it follows the lake and the several free camping spots and houses along the way. Once you hit Cromwell, the route takes you to the historic district where there are many cafes, boutique shops and bike rental places. I managed to dig a bit deeper and find a small co-op to buy a much needed Powerade for the next section to Clyde, a remote 30km+ stretch. The day was hot and there was little prospect for shade along the route.
Pedalling away from Cromwell, the trail hugs the lake and there were some fun moments of singletrack across either side of the trail. We crossed a bridge and followed the flowing route towards Cornish point, which is directly opposite Cromwell town. From here, things got really interesting as the gravel trail, nearly singletrack in places but wider than an mtb trail, hugs the lake edge even more closely, driving towards the sheer cliff faces of the lake.
Here, several cantilevered walkways suspend you over the vibrant blue water as you traverse overhanging cliffs and sheer walls. It’s truly impressive what the trail builders have accomplished here and it is testament to the drive of New Zealand tourism to create such accessible and beautiful trails.
The trail begins gently but has moments of greater challenge, especially when the track reaches its highest point around halfway between Cromwell and Clyde. Winding switchbacks make swift work of the steep climb and it is no surprise that many of the riders we saw were tackling the trail on e-bikes.
From the highest point you get great views back towards Cromwell and across the lake. You can watch any-like cyclists scurrying along the trail, or people enjoying the lake by boat and jet ski. The trail continues to rise and fall and we pass a historic miners hut and a suspension bridge as we approach the trail end.
Coming into Clyde, we passed a beach where many locals and tourists are enjoying the cool water and it was with some jealousy that we cycled straight past them on our way into town. Our ride finished at one of historic Clyde’s many cafes for a well earned lunch.
How to ride the Lake Dunstan Trail
The full Lake Dunstan Trail from (north of) Cromwell to Clyde is about 55km and near 700vm of climbing. You can tackle the trail in either direction, but it seemed like most folk were cycling from north to south.
We got a lift in the shuttle bus (I was on tour with Adventure South)to the start and many local rental and tour companies offer a similar service. Otherwise your only option is to ride the trail as an out and back, or circle back by cycling along the side of the road on the opposite side of the lake.
What bike? Our group was riding gravel bikes, which were plenty capable for the gravel trails. Many others were on e-bikes, which certainly took the sting out of the brief climbs. Which leaves me to suggest that any bike with a bit of grip on the tyres would be fine.