With the wind at our backs and views like this, it was rather pleasant. Thank you. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the hillsides of the gorge in the mid 1990s. Dunstan's cavalcade | New Zealand Geographic From Cornish Point, the landscape changes dramatically to rocky bluffs as the trail heads into the Cromwell Gorge. The historic town of Clyde marks the southern end of the Lake Dunstan Trail and the western end of the Otago Central Rail Trail. 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. Lake Dunstan Trail - Bike it Now! These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. fascinating pioneer & gold mining history, the 86m-long, 29m-high Hugo suspension bridge, Clyde Dam New Zealand's largest concrete hydro-dam, two charming heritage towns Cromwell and Clyde, floating cafe and burger bar on the trail. Bike hire, shuttles and tours are also available here. There are toilets here. 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. Old Dunstan Road starts from Clarks junction, around an hour from Dunedin on the way to Middlemarch. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. Google Maps Old Dunstan road is a great fun drive in dry weather conditions but can get a bit hairy during rain. Make decisions with the community in mind and in harmony with the natural environment so we can help create the kind of place we can be proud of. An extremely quiet area to escape to, Adele was eyeing it up for future breaks. The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. Started construction 1977. On the fourth day, as we entered the Cromwell Gorge, the winds turned northerly and the sun shone. Central Otago is a popular holiday destination and well set up for visitors. Started construction 1977. Grade 3+ Time 24 days Distance 170 km, Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track. When the Clyde Dam was completed in 1990 the main street of Cromwell disappeared. This Otago geography article is a stub. This area experiences extremes of weather any time of year, so go well prepared. The other engineering landmark here are 13 drainage tunnels drilled in the into the hillsides to prevent landslips. The Old Dunstan Road turns off to the left here, and you head into an isolated and barren Central Otago landscape. 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. After 3 km, this track meets up with the Old Dunstan Road. Toilets are at either end of this section at Cairnmuir Gully & Halfway Hut. 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. Taken By: Owen Graham. With the help of the trees we hid behind, I was dry albeit very warm. Plenty of breaks provided ample rewards with the view across Central getting better with every metre claimed from gravity. The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unridable because of sticky mud. 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. Closed for about four months each winter, the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4WD vehicle. This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. 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). 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. If its wide open spaces free from man-made structures that youre after, get in quick. The interactive map will show you some of the best parts of the track and let you see where to take on next. Dropping to Deep Stream, there was but one more ten percent climb left this time on the seal. This section of the Lake Dunstan Trail is a popular day ride or walk to / from Cromwell. These sections are only suitable for confident, experienced cyclists and are not recommended for most children. The Dunstan Trail, also known as the Old Dunstan Road, is a historic route in Otago, New Zealand. This track was officially opened on the 8th of May 2021. It was designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clyde Dam, a short distance downstream. Lake Dunstan Trail - Cycling and Walking Trail | Central Otago While this isn't officially part of the Great Ride, it does make an excellent short ride. I must spend more time in Central Otago, the bikepacking opportunities are immense my family may also be close by. Find out more about trail safety, riding skills and equipment in the Need to Know section. Hartley and Reilly had lost their gold pan, and used bare hands and a broken shovel. The trail diverged from the road near the bottom of the downhill, we found the correct gate and put ourselves on farm track trying to follow the path of those miners long ago. Old Dunstan Road is the name of a 4x4 track/Adventure riding track located in Otago South Island of New Zealand. Historic buildings -dating back to the gold rush of the 1860s were saved or lovingly rebuilt on this higher ground. The Lake Dunstan Track is a 55km (34mi) cycle trail that runs between Cromwell and Clyde in Central Otago. The official start of the route is a hill named Stalo kalnas in the centre of Vilnius, but you can start the route from any point or cover it in separate sections. 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. 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. Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail | Bike Hire, Shuttles and Packages 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. Otago Central Rail Trail - NZ's Original Great Ride | Central Otago Once the private chapel for St Joseph's Convent, the Mercy Room continues as a place of devotion for the Catholic community. Maps To follow the Dunstan Trail proper, it is essential to take NZTopo250 26 Alexandra and NZTopo50 CD15 Paerau. As trail transport does not run to a scheduled timetable, any shuttles should be arranged in advance direct through operators or local i-SITE visitor centres. 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. From Poolburn, its 50 km mostly downhill to Alexandra. New Central Otago cycle trail opens, and more cash promised Oh, and maybe a gel-seat. Some careless child of the giants left their Tonka toy just sitting there. 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. The map will show you where the best spots to stop, and help you get the most out of your ride. Cellphone coverage is pretty reliable the whole length of the trail. It wends its way alongside Lake Dunstan from Smiths Way via Pisa Moorings to Cromwell. Influx of European pioneers associated with the gold rush of the 1960s. With trout released its a popular fishing spot although one would go slow in a boat as there are so many rocks around. Central Otago is a fantastic year-round cycling destination, with the colour palette changing dramatically through the seasons. Don't forget to grab a wine map too. At Cromwell Heritage Precinct be sure to park up and explore the boutique galleries, retail stores, restaurants and cafe's. The List is a professionally researched and documented record of Aotearoa New Zealands historical and cultural place-based heritage. Nine of our number were bundled into support vehicles suffering from hypothermia, but for the rest of us the blizzard blew and whipped for an eternity. Its 46 km long. Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail - Backyard Travel Family This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. It is rutted and corrugated in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry, and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. A map showing the planned 500km continuous trail network from Queenstown to Dunedin, estimated in 2018 to cost . Approximately 16km.The entire Lake Dunstan Trail i. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by It's free, works offline and has heaps of useful information, including trail descriptions and photos, trail services, food and accommodation. 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. In the winter months which is still a great time to ride some businesses run on limited hours. The new Dunstan Trail is the first stage of a 122km project linking Queenstown, . Not far from the rowing club is Burton Creek Recreation Area, a pretty campground with million-dollar views of the lake and Clyde Dam. The trail follows the road uphill past the dam and turns left off the road to descend down to the Clutha Matau-Au Riverside track and Clyde Bridge. Grade 3+ Time 2-4 days Distance 170 km Track conditions 35% sealed road, 45% gravel road, 20% 4WD track Old Dunstan Road is the name of a 4x4 track/Adventure riding track located in Otago South Island of New Zealand. Please use the above parking locations and park considerately; do not block access to any driveway, boat ramp or trail access point. This is section contains the highest point of the trail, rewarded with magnificent views which also means exposure to the weather. 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. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the hillsides of the gorge in the mid 1990s. The first power was generated in 1992. What happens after I submit a consent application for a property included on the List? Central Otago Long Way Home - Day Four - Biking Pheasant Seek to be open and honest in all our interactions. 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. Other highways, such as the Southern Scenic Route, offer further exploration of the deep south. Cromwell Heritage PrecinctBannockburn Bridge. Lots of inspiration! After crossing the Bannockburn bridge loop around to Bannockburn Inlet where there is a toilet, and parking available. Happy riding and keep posting! Supplies were slow following. This scenic ride will take you along the Lake Dunstan shores, through undulating hills, flat areas . Route finding from here on is relatively easy. Lake Dunstan Trail Mountain Biking Trail - | Trailforks The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn area are some of the southernmost grape growing regions in the world. This section of the Lake Dunstan Trail is a popular day ride or walk to / from Cromwell. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. 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. The map can be downloaded here. A journey by horse along the old Dunstan Trail. Later horticulture and pastoral farming became features of the landscape. 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. This trail is generally smooth and mostly wide, however, there are some narrow sections with steep drop-offs that require extra care. Looking over the valley below and at the clouds encroaching, they were looking a bit too far away to be that evenings goal. Grade 1. Always ask ourselves is there a better way one that achieves a premium status, quality experience or interaction. You can then rent a vehicle, catch a bus, or book a tour and be guided through the area. 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. Reflection of Lammermoor Range in Still Water of Logan Burn Reservoir ( Great Moss Swamp ), Old Dunstan Trail, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand . Reconciling the maps with the view above left us with the pill to swallow that we were going up that hill. On average it takes 2 hours55 minutes to complete this trail. Photographed by Peter Meecham. Clyde to Jackson Creek/Hydes Spur(return), 2023km or more,Grade 2/easyintermediate, 23 hours or more. One route, from Tuapeka, followed the Molyneux River all the way. Much of the route is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles,[1] and the road as a whole is closed in winter months. Its a hard 71-km day from Paerau to Alexandra with a lot of uphill and heaps of downhill. Vilnius Altstadt 1775-1799 1923. (Lake Dunstan has now buried this orchard road forever.). As it continues toward Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves - with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. Faces quickly became mudpacks aswind-borne dust whistled down the gorge and coated the cavalcade. The New Zealand Heritage List/Rrangi Krero (the List) is Aotearoa New Zealands national record of our rich and diverse place-based heritage. In late spring the hillsides are covered in the purple of flowering wild thyme, and in late summer and autumn the celebrated Central Otago green and gold colours contrast with the brilliant blue sky, dry hillsides and schist outcrops. We hid behind the trees for a bit of refueling (a lot more soft brie) before making our assault on the steepest section of the Old Dunstan Road. 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. Some sections can be exposed to high winds so check weather alerts. Old Dunstan Road. Started construction 1977. 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. For current trail status and any alerts such as temporary track closures and detours check the trail website. 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. (Bigger groups are advised to ring Coffee Afloat before they set off, as this helps with their logistics.) There are options for a vineyard lunch and stocking up on a few bottles; local shuttles can provide rescue if youve overindulged. For when work is necessary due to a state of emergency. 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. However, it is recommended that you make all bookings for hire, transport and tours in advance, particularly during peak season (DecemberApril). Dunstan Trail - Wikipedia This trail is two way (dual direction). This section requires the most attention and skills as there are narrow sections and more gradient. Those who followed were scarcely better prepared; some perished in the harsh landscape, many returned to Dunedin emptyhanded and disillusioned, a few became wealthy overnight. There's also a 16km section of trail that traces the pretty Lake Dunstan shore from Smiths Way to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. Started construction 1977. Lake Dunstan Trail Map There are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. 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. 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. The jail here has a fireplace that may be useful if its raining or snowing. Although the trail is well signposted, carrying the official map will enhance the experience by pinpointing landmarks and assist with timings for boat and shuttle pick-ups. All smiles after the lovely valley floor riding the Ida Valley behind. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. 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. A satisfying ride can be had from the Clyde. 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 first power was generated in 1992. There may have been some hike-a-bike good training for the madness that is Godzone. Cycling the Rail Trail offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the history and romance of the railway and the Otago gold rush. Casual bike hire is available in Cromwell and Clyde. Other nearby towns with cycling trails on tap include Alexandra, Wnaka and Queenstown. Leaving the valley floor, things very quickly got dry, brown and dusty. Wellington 6142 Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. a smile on the face of the wagoner. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. Weaving our way through countless scattered, jagged rocks kept the interest level up as plenty of holiday traffic passed us on the road. This was one of the Think Big projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. 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. How does the Overseas Investment Act link with the List? Because of the fragile environment, vehicles and mountain bikes must keep to track. You climb from Dam level up 120m twice on this 42km trail. The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. This is part of the Old Dunstan trail from the Styx Basin. There is no shelter from the weather, which can change quickly, and it is bitterly cold in a southerly. 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. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. But plans on trips like these are fluid at best and I was happy to scale this one back as I had company! 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. Cromwell is only a 40 minute drive from Queenstown, so is also an easy day trip on your South Island adventure. The Palmerston North Plunket Rooms (Former) opened their doors to care for parents and their infants in 1929. 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. Several national bike tour companies offer customised tours of popular South Island cycle trails, with Christchurch and Queenstown popular departure points for international visitors. Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. 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. 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. 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. Getting out the gully requires the trails biggest climb 130 vertical metres up the aptly named Cairnmuir Ladder. The views over the Lake Dunstan and surrounding mountains is simply stunning. Designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clutha Dam, a short distance downriver. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail isNew Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. E-bikes are also permitted and available through most bike-hire companies. Known at the time as "The Mountain Track", it was a dangerous route which claimed numerous lives. Subscribe to our free newsletter for news and prizes. Or please provide your feedback by completing a trail survey so that improvements can continuously be made to the trail experience. Please 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. Head south, through Patearoa and take the Linnburn Runs Rd turnoff (40km). 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. Speaking of fair clouds, the clouds were kind to us that day providing light cover and no rain. Cromwell Heritage PrecinctBannockburn wineries (return), 16km or more, Grade 2/easyintermediate, 1.53 hours or more. 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. As you go, look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. Be at the cutting edge, setting directions and accepting challenges. There are plenty of picnic spots to stop at and enjoy the lakeside. 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. The road ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. Downhill across open farmland is never as fast as one hopes as one deals with all the bumps and divots on a loaded bike; this was no exception, but it was nice not to be pedaling for a bit. Historic place (Category 1): places of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance, Historic place (Category 2): places of historic or cultural significance, Historic area: an area with multiple, related historic places, Whi tpuna: places of ancestral significance for Mori, Whi tapu: places sacred to Mori in the traditional, spiritual, ritual or mythological sense, Whi tapu area: places that contain one or more whi tapu, February 2023 | Category 1 historic place.

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