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. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 2,202 m blue climb. Vilnius-oblast (Litva) Frolov 1820-1835 1820-1835 1:38 000. This one was harder to find, but with a route description and a couple of maps we found it. 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. XVIII. When the Clyde Dam was completed in 1990 the main street of Cromwell disappeared. However, it is recommended that you make all bookings for hire, transport and tours in advance, particularly during peak season (DecemberApril). Take extra care and remember that the trail is two-way expect to meet riders or walkers travelling in the opposite direction, and get off and push your bike if necessary. Some sections can be exposed to high winds so check weather alerts. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. With trout released its a popular fishing spot although one would go slow in a boat as there are so many rocks around. Dropping to Deep Stream, there was but one more ten percent climb left this time on the seal. 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. A Ranfurly rider, David McAtamney, stole the show later with a farewell opera song, and Blue Jeans summed up the ride with a poem specially written for the occasion. Wellington 6142 There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. A hundred and thirty years ago, punters could travel the Dunstan Road by five-horse coach, and stop at one of a number of stores, accommodation houses, and sly grog outlets which sprang up along the route. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. New Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. 23 talking about this. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga 2023. You climb from Dam level up 120m twice on this 42km trail. 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). After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. Designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clutha Dam, a short distance downriver. A journey by horse along the old Dunstan Trail. Also, writing this Im still most keen to have a go at my original plan. Provisioning became a surer way ofmaking a fortune than panning. 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. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. (Clive pic.) There are options for a vineyard lunch and stocking up on a few bottles; local shuttles can provide rescue if youve overindulged. I had no fear of losing my hat to the wind. The first power was generated in 1992. Started construction 1977. Other nearby towns with cycling trails on tap include Alexandra, Wnaka and Queenstown. Hands and faces froze, and as rain turned to horizontal hail, bodies and steedsmoved closer together in the futile hope of finding shelter. Written by JULIET OCONNOR There is a total of 580m climbing between Cromwell and Clyde, with most of the ascents gentle but steady. Be open to new ideas, open to exploring the possibilities and appreciate the strengths and talents each person brings. Photographed by Peter Meecham. Its 46 km (28.64 miles) long, running south-north and coming south at the Poolburn Dam, Upper Taieri-Paerau Road. The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn area are some of the southernmost grape growing regions in the world. For current trail status and any alerts such as temporary track closures and detours check the trail website. The region's popularity makes it advisable to book accommodation well in advance for peak season (JanuaryApril). 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. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. 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. The map will show you where the best spots to stop, and help you get the most out of your ride. 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. Summer heat maddened as frosty valleys became furnaces. In this week's show, Ray talked us through his insurance win, we have another Several national bike tour companies offer customised tours of popular South Island cycle trails, with Christchurch and Queenstown popular departure points for international visitors. From Poolburn, its 50 km mostly downhill to Alexandra. It is suited to riders of average fitness; although some riders may wish to push up some of the steeper climbs. The Cairnmuir slide is an unique feature on the slopes above the Clutha River. Trail Key Trail Access and Parking Toilets Important Information The Lake Dunstan Trail is open year-round. In places two or more teams were needed to pull a single dray up a steep incline, and on the descents a large rock was often tied on behind to slow the lurching wagon as it careered downhill. Photo credits (clockwise from left): bennettandslater.co.nz (1); Tourism Central Otago Will Nelson (2, 3 & 4). It is rutted and corrugated in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry, and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. We were going to get to the kitchen before it closed! Somehow departing from the trail-proper for the last little bit, that didnt matter we ended up on the correct road and then had to look for the next turn off the road. Taken By: M Kelly. look, In this week's show, Ray joins a bunch of Ducati lowers for a special event, This week on the show, Mat and Ray catch up to swap stories of their, Kiwi Rider Podcast 2022 | E26 | Matariki Mission. Cromwell is only a 40 minute drive from Queenstown, so is also an easy day trip on your South Island adventure. Not far from the rowing club is Burton Creek Recreation Area, a pretty campground with million-dollar views of the lake and Clyde Dam. Its mostly uphill cycling, northwest on Highway 87, to Clarks Junction 49 km from Dunedin. In this stretch, youll need a compass to avoid drifting onto new, misleading 4WD tracks. Find out more about trail safety, riding skills and equipment in the Need to Know section. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. Copyright: Heritage New Zealand. This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. Turn left off the Old Dunstan Trail and proceed on farm track for 2 kms. These sections are only suitable for confident, experienced cyclists and are not recommended for most children. Cellphone coverage is pretty reliable the whole length of the trail. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. From here it turns toward the valley of the Manuherikia River, finishing at Moa Creek. 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. 11.3km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. 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. Thank you. In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. Supplies were slow following. 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. 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. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. Old Dunstan Road is the name of a 4x4 track/Adventure riding track located in Otago South Island of New Zealand. All up around two hundred kilometres with perhaps four thousand metres of climbing on mostly gravel and some more rugged, steep off-road sections. Get dropped off at the Smiths Way car park and bike back to town, or start from Cromwell and turn it into a 24 hour, 32km return ride. E-bikers should ensure that batteries have sufficient capacity and charge for the days riding and, if staying in local accommodation, check that they can be recharged there. The road was part of the original route called the Mountain Road taken by hardy people seeking their goldrush fortunes in the early 1860s, to travel from Dunedin to the goldfields in Central Otago. Winter cold drove some to suicide.. A satisfying ride can be had from the Clyde. In the winter months which is still a great time to ride some businesses run on limited hours. There may have been some hike-a-bike good training for the madness that is Godzone. This was the most direct route back then, but only passable in fair weather. The existing road diverts from the trail twice. Your email address will not be published. The third,and most direct, route was known as the Mountain Track. 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. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. 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). View of road winding down Lammermoor Ranges towards Rocklands Station. This is part of the Old Dunstan trail from the Styx Basin. 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. 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. 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. This is barren territory, strewn with rocks in any shade ofbrown, with clumps of sparse yellow grass and golden tussock. Cycling the Rail Trail offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the history and romance of the railway and the Otago gold rush. The climb was steady and it took us about two hours before the reservoir was revealed. This scenic ride will take you along the Lake Dunstan shores, through undulating hills, flat areas . Other highways, such as the Southern Scenic Route, offer further exploration of the deep south. 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. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. It was into that pitiless landscape that 220 horses, a Clydesdale team, a coach and assorted wagons rode in November 1991 in the first Dunstan Cavalcade, a four-day trek over the 160km trail used by diggers to get to the goldfields. Ask your librarian to subscribe to this service next year. The road is sealed at the start and turns to gravel after 9.2km. Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. 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. We neednt go up onto the Rock and Pillars, rather complete the trail to the highway and ride to Middlemarch for dinner and sleep. Please note that parts of the trail are in remote terrain with some challenging grade 3 sections which are only recommended for confident and experienced cyclists. The other engineering landmark here are 13 drainage tunnels drilled in the into the hillsides to prevent landslips. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. 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. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! 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. Faces quickly became mudpacks aswind-borne dust whistled down the gorge and coated the cavalcade. The road loosely follows the trail that was used by gold miners traipsing from Dunedin to Dunstan (now Clyde) in the 1860s. Soon after crossing Silver Stream, turn right onto Milners Road. 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. 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. Watching the clock tick over far faster than the odometer, I began to reassess the goals for the day. 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. 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. We made it! The rock formations are awesome. 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. Cycle north out of Paerau on the Styx-Patearoa Road for 1.5 km. Theres no shame in that, and youll increase your chances of spotting the pick-axe stuck in the rock wall. The views over the Lake Dunstan and surrounding mountains is simply stunning. This video showcases the Lake Dunstan Trail from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct is now open. Five Must Do Foodies Experiences in Central Otago, Smiths Way to Cromwell Heritage Precinct - 16km, Grade 1, Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Bannockburn Inlet - 7km, Grade 2, Bannockburn Inlet to Cairnmuir Gully - 11.3km. The rain really set in, so Sunday morning we finished by riding in the rain mostly down, but at times noticeably up, to the outskirts of Dunedin where Dad picked us up and we went for a well-deserved cooked breakfast. This section follows the sealed road in places, and shares the Clyde road bridge before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. The first power was generated in 1992. If you go any further than the river, youll be on private land. going in a west / north direction towards the gorge. Be at the cutting edge, setting directions and accepting challenges. Reconciling the maps with the view above left us with the pill to swallow that we were going up that hill. It is rutted in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. Incoming ships bringing prospectors from Australia and Great Britain lost their crews to the new bonanza, and Dunedin storekeepers wrung their hands as their staff deserted them. This is where you can join the Old Dunstan Road, the modern access. For when work is necessary due to a state of emergency. Its numerous Baroque churches jostle for space amid glitzy restaurants and dilapidated old buildings that line its cobbled streets, while the student . From Cromwell its an easy ride to Bannockburns world-class cellar doors and winery restaurants. The interactive map will show you some of the best parts of the track and let you see where to take on next. Getting out the gully requires the trails biggest climb 130 vertical metres up the aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder. With Adele arriving late after work Friday night and her bike still needing to be loaded that night, I was happy with a six-thirty start on a lightly overcast day. Lake Dunstan Trail is a 35 km popular green machine groomed family friendly scenic trail located near Cromwell. The jail here has a fireplace that may be useful if its raining or snowing. Pick up a wine map from around town to plot your route. Getting to Central Otago is easy with flights into Queenstown and Dunedin. After an exhilarating downhill, the trails reaches the impressive Hugo suspension bridge, 85.5m long and 28.6m high. An extremely quiet area to escape to, Adele was eyeing it up for future breaks. 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). You can also download the awesome Great Rides App to see where you are on the trail. As you go, look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. It's not just traditional accommodation, all these historic banks, halls and stables have been repurposed, redesigned, and refurbished to suit the needs of today yep, they even have wifi. Grade 3+ Time 2-4 days Distance 170 km Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track Grade 3+ Time 24 days Distance 170 km, Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track. For a time we rode through a small gorge, the red tussock grasses were abundant. From the house, head north for 300 metres before turning west onto another 4WD track, which is also part of the original Dunstan Trail. Alternatively, a fun way to start is to catch the train to Middlemarch or Pukerangi (see Otago Rail Trail). New Zealand. It was designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clyde Dam, a short distance downstream. It's free, works offline and has heaps of useful information, including trail descriptions and photos, trail services, food and accommodation. There are impressive views across to the Bannockburn vineyards, through which the trail will soon head once it crosses to the other side. Horses are not permitted on the Lake Dunstan Trail. That night, in our own version of the 1860s grog tent, hot food and cold ale loosened joints, and John Grenells songs of the high country and the road set the right rustic mood. The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. Check out this great safety video to see whether this trail is right for you. I must spend more time in Central Otago, the bikepacking opportunities are immense my family may also be close by. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Toward the end, the road passes Lake Poolburn which was another movie site for LOTR. It can be done on a rainy day too but the road will change into a single mud track. Coffee Afloat is parked up on the lake most days from mid-morning to mid afternoon serving coffee, scones and burgers. Happy riding and keep posting! For now to see a full see the link below. There is no shelter from the weather, which can change quickly, and it is bitterly cold in a southerly. journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. 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. Today, the trail is a public road, ranging in quality from chip-sealed road to gravel track. The trail then shares a 4WD track closer to lake level before reaching a section of trail that was the toughest to build and virtually all hand made. 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. The next 800-metre section of the old trail youre looking for has been ploughed up, but if you cycle along the northern side of the fence up towards the hills, youll soon pick up two historic cartwheel ruts in the grass. Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to track. It wends its way alongside Lake Dunstan from Smiths Way via Pisa Moorings to Cromwell. The road loosely follows the trail that was used by gold miners traipsing from Dunedin to Dunstan (now Clyde) in the 1860s. 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. 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.
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