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 Cairnmuir slide is an unique feature on the slopes above the Clutha River. XVIII. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. 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Old Dunstan Road. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the Cromwell Gorge in the mid 1990s. By which I mean about ten or twenty cars basically rush hour. Subscribe to our free newsletter for news and prizes. 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 . Soon after crossing Silver Stream, turn right onto Milners Road. It's 46 km long. 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. Protect and celebrate our rich heritage in landscapes, architecture, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. We were going to get to the kitchen before it closed! The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. 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. It looks a wonderful spot to simply explore the many rocks and land around. The existing road diverts from the trail twice. But plans on trips like these are fluid at best and I was happy to scale this one back as I had company! Parts of the trail are in remote terrain with some challenging grade 3 sections. A good leg-stretch is the 10km ride (20km return) to Jackson Creek and Jackson Buttresses, or a little further to Hydes Spur (23km return) which is at the top of the climb with terrific views back down to the Clyde Dam. I had no fear of losing my hat to the wind. The other engineering landmark here are 13 drainage tunnels drilled in the into the hillsides to prevent landslips. This area experiences extremes of weather any time of year, so go well prepared. As you go, look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. There are impressive views across to the Bannockburn vineyards, through which the trail will soon head once it crosses to the other side. The Clarks Junction pub still had the same proprietor as when I visited three years before (I think if Id visited twenty years earlier that would have still held), and it was still for sale. Cross over farm land for a period of time only down and up one gully, Morning tea in gully, sheltered from a breeze. 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. All up around two hundred kilometres with perhaps four thousand metres of climbing on mostly gravel and some more rugged, steep off-road sections. There were few smiles on the faces of the 1991 cavalcaders as we cocked our akubra hats to the southerly blast and picked our way up the Rock and Pillar on our first day on the trail. Influx of European pioneers associated with the gold rush of the 1960s. New Zealand, PO Box 11-310 The map will show you where the best spots to stop, and help you get the most out of your ride. with. You climb from Dam level up 120m twice on this 42km trail. 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. 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. From here it turns toward the valley of the Manuherikia River, finishing at Moa Creek. Its a lovely place to base yourself for Great Ride adventures with a wide range of quality accommodation, and great shops, cafes and restaurants. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. I restarted my playlist of favourites in the hope it would reduce the suffering, or just distract us from it. Wellington 6142 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. It is suited to riders of average fitness; although some riders may wish to push up some of the steeper climbs. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. A good warm-up for the day, taking about ninety minutes, during which I could look back over the hills Id climbed and traveled over the previous days. E-bikes are also permitted and available through most bike-hire companies. Watching the clock tick over far faster than the odometer, I began to reassess the goals for the day. 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. Also, writing this Im still most keen to have a go at my original plan. 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. Please understand that most places on the List are private property and not accessible to the public. An extremely quiet area to escape to, Adele was eyeing it up for future breaks. Only averaging ten kilometres an hour by now, Middlemarch went out the window and the aim was to get to Clarks Junction before the pub closed. A wagon team of six Clydesdale horses, the Cobb andCo coach, and ten other carts and wagons rode on before us. 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. This video showcases the Lake Dunstan Trail from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct is now open. Photographed by Peter Meecham. There may have been more walking as we climbed at ten percent for an hour or so before it leveled off. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. As I loaded my little borrowed mare into the horsefloat I took a last look back towards the mountains and wondered when another opportunity to experience history so vividlywould present itself. Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. What could go wrong? Welcome to the official page for Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail, linking Clyde and Cromwell. 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. 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. Not far from the rowing club is Burton Creek Recreation Area, a pretty campground with million-dollar views of the lake and Clyde Dam. 11.3km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. New Zealands newest lake 40km length, covering 26.4km sq of former river-bed and terraces. Clyde to Jackson Creek/Hydes Spur(return), 2023km or more,Grade 2/easyintermediate, 23 hours or more. Fear not: the expertly designed switchbacks ensure the a reasonably gentle but steady climb. It is rutted in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. Summer heat maddened as frosty valleys became furnaces. From Cornish Point, the landscape changes dramatically to rocky bluffs as the trail heads into the Cromwell Gorge. The rock and pillars of the Rock and Pillar. Central Otago is a popular holiday destination and well set up for visitors. going in a west / north direction towards the gorge. Its a hard 71-km day from Paerau to Alexandra with a lot of uphill and heaps of downhill. Do you have more information about a place on the List? There are toilets in Cromwell and Clyde and at various points along the trail including Bannockburn Inlet, Cairnmuir Ladder (near Coffee Afloat), Halfway Hut, and Dunstan Arm Rowing Club. (Bigger groups are advised to ring Coffee Afloat before they set off, as this helps with their logistics.) Started construction 1977. Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to the track. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. Cellphone coverage is pretty reliable the whole length of the trail. The Old Dunstan Road turns off to the left here, and you head into an isolated and barren Central Otago landscape. Cromwell Heritage PrecinctBannockburn wineries (return), 16km or more, Grade 2/easyintermediate, 1.53 hours or more. Wellington 6011 Old Dunstan Road starts from Clarks junction, around an hour from Dunedin on the way to Middlemarch. 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. Just past the historic Halfway Hut viewpoint is a series of switchbackswith tight corners and a decent climb/descent. Started construction 1977. We saw signs posted that further resurrection was prohibited. Night fell and Cromwell buzzed with laughter as exhausted cavalcaders square-danced the locals off their feet to the tunes of John Grenell and the PognScroggin Bush Band. A Guide to Cycle Safety on the Lake Dunstan Trail | Central Otago Good Cycle Etiquette and Safety on the Lake Dunstan Trail Preparing to ride the Lake Dunstan Trail - cycle safety and trail etiquette. Copyright: Heritage New Zealand. Please Vilnius. $1 trial for two weeks, thereafter $8.50 every two months, cancel any time. Reflective of the development of sports and recreation amenities in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Grandstand is closely connected to the history of club rugby. To understand what to expect, to help you choose the right section of trail for your ability, and how to prepare for your ride, click here. Along the way there are sections where the land has been reshaped in the search for gold and then again when the lake was formed. Happy riding and keep posting! Smaller local shuttle operators service smaller destinations and tailor trips to visitors needs; many also offer transfers to and from Queenstown. There's also a 16km section of trail that traces the pretty Lake Dunstan shore from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. The odd vehicle kicking up a fair cloud, but they were few and far behind. The jail here has a fireplace that may be useful if its raining or snowing. Cromwell is only a 40 minute drive from Queenstown, so is also an easy day trip on your South Island adventure. Riders should be capable of riding the full distance, and be confident biking off-road on grade 3 (intermediate) trails. Grade 1. The trail then climbs out of the inlet to Carrick Winery which welcomes cyclists for wine-tasting and dining. TimeZoneOne Rich in history both Maori and early pioneers. This was the most direct route back then, but only passable in fair weather. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dunstan_Trail&oldid=903812693, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 June 2019, at 04:06. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. Turn left off the Old Dunstan Trail and proceed on farm track for 2 kms. 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. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! The trails highest point is marked by the trig point, 324m above sea level and 130m above the lake. To gold-hungry prospectors time was precious, and most preferred to take their chances with the unpredictable weather and desolate, unstable countryside offered by the Mountain Track. In time, the route became known as the Dunstan Road. The drive has steep parts and tops out by Rough Ridge, at 1.040m (3,412ft) above the sea level. Be sure to book tours, accommodation and other services well in advance for the busy summer season, DecemberApril. 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. Lots of inspiration! Finally, I got to try out the bivy bag Id been carrying for this trip it rained all night. It wends its way alongside Lake Dunstan from Smiths Way via Pisa Moorings to Cromwell. 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. Seek to be open and honest in all our interactions. The List is a professionally researched and documented record of Aotearoa New Zealands historical and cultural place-based heritage. Winter cold drove some to suicide.. For when work is necessary due to a state of emergency. There is plenty of accommodation in Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra, all of which make great bases for Central Otago cycling adventures. 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. 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. Other nearby towns with cycling trails on tap include Alexandra, Wnaka and Queenstown. 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. With the wind at our backs and views like this, it was rather pleasant. 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. In this parched, waterless landscape a gimlet and straw were said to be part of a wagoners essential equipment. There are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. Some network coverage is patchy in places, but text messages will usually get through. A second, the Pigroot, took a traveller north from Dunedin to Waikouaiti by boat, then turned inland via the Shag Valley. 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. Copyright Ng Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails 2023. While this isn't officially part of the Great Ride, it does make an excellent short ride. Id finally biked the Old Dunstan Trail and it was fantastic. But further thought could wait until the day developed a bit; for now, there was a big downhill to enjoy! The road is sealed at the start and turns to gravel after 9.2km. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 2,202 m blue climb. This would be the last time that such a trek could use the historic Fruitgrowers Road on the west side of the Clutha River, opposite the new highway. After Cromwell, known as Clutha River. With trout released its a popular fishing spot although one would go slow in a boat as there are so many rocks around. Don't forget to grab a wine map too. Wed cross that smaller, greener ridge before then climbing the hills behind that. New bridge Deadmans Point. The Hugo suspension bridge is in the middle of this section with a walkable steep land option for those uncomfortable on the bridge. This puts you on the side away from the dropoffs. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. Lake Dunstan Trail is a 35 km popular green machine groomed family friendly scenic trail located near Cromwell. Alternatively, a fun way to start is to catch the train to Middlemarch or Pukerangi (see Otago Rail Trail). 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. The Lake Dunstan Track is a 55km (34mi) cycle trail that runs between Cromwell and Clyde in Central Otago. Grade 3+ Time 2-4 days Distance 170 km Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track 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. Closed for about four months each winter, the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4WD vehicle. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. Its 46 km long. When the Clyde Dam was completed in 1990 the main street of Cromwell disappeared. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. More fenceposts provided handy bike stands at the top of that hour-long climb. Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles,[1] and the road as a whole is closed in winter months. 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. Below you will find the full trail map, information about trail markings and sections and you will be able to download the trail map adapted to various running apps. Some great climbing and wide open views, with very interesting geology and flora to boot. The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. 10.7km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. A fence heads off to the left 150metres after a hay shed. 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. But by dry condition the track is fine to ride, there are few passages which need extra care since flat gravel is very loose on the driveway the bike could slip on those medium size flat rocks, especially if you travel downhill. [1], The road begins at Clarks Junction in the Strath-Taieri, where it meets SH 87, and extends to the northwest, crossing between the Lammermoor and Rock and Pillar Range before turning north. 8.4km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. There may have been some hike-a-bike good training for the madness that is Godzone. 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. So vital were the wagoners supplies to the isolated canvas-town communities of prospectors that prices could be pushed sky-high. There are toilets here. 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 Clutha (known then as the Molyneux, after Robert Mollineux, sailing master of the Endeavour) had been unusually low that year, revealing shingle flats that could be panned and sieved for their gleaming booty. The third,and most direct, route was known as the Mountain Track. This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. This Otago geography article is a stub. Bike hire, shuttles and tours are also available here. Casual bike hire is available in Cromwell and Clyde. 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. It then varies between gravel, clay, and bare rock. For current trail status and any alerts such as temporary track closures and detours check the trail website. The water was there due to a dam being built in the 1930s to provide irrigation water for the valley below. We really enjoyed reading your blog. 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. The original road now traverses private farmland towards an area called Blackball. 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. Your email address will not be published. Getting to Central Otago is easy with flights into Queenstown and Dunedin. As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. View of road winding down Lammermoor Ranges towards Rocklands Station. The first power was generated in 1992. Be sure to admire the painstakingly stacked rock-walls around here. A pit stop and a strongly lacedrum truffle restored morale, and the afternoon ride to the Styx Creek was a dream compared with what we had just endured. A map showing the planned 500km continuous trail network from Queenstown to Dunedin, estimated in 2018 to cost . 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. (Lake Dunstan has now buried this orchard road forever.). With only one turn to go and armed with Adeles dinner order, I waited no longer and got to the pub and placed our orders as the gloom settled. Ng Manawhenua o Aotearoa me na Krero Tturu | National Historic Landmarks tell the stories of who we are as New Zealanders. As we eased our aches in imagined hot baths, the stories grew tall, but even the most experienced musterers from the area agreed that our storm had been one of the roughest and riskiest they had encountered. imtmeio pabaigoje. For now to see a full see the link below. How does the Overseas Investment Act link with the List? During a northwesterly wind, its easier to do this trip in reverse, from Alexandra to Dunedin. Date: 1/06/2008. It's a fantastic, well-signposted cycling trail suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. TimeZoneOne This is barren territory, strewn with rocks in any shade ofbrown, with clumps of sparse yellow grass and golden tussock. This section also passes under the amazing Cairnmuir Slide, a terraced stone face engineered to protect the river from a major landslide that could overwhelm the Clyde Dam downstream.