Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Roxburgh Gorge Trail
5
About
Open all year round, the trail is a well-formed 2.5 metre wide gravel surface with some climbs. It will take up to four or five hours to complete depending on how you choose to experience it. The trail’s proximity to the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail will also ensure that visitors to the area will have the opportunity to experience even more of Central Otago’s unique scenery.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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5.0
219 reviews
Excellent
192
Very good
23
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Steveo
Brisbane, Australia4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I cycled the Clutha Gold Trail from Lake Roxburgh to Lawrence over 2 days by myself with the support of Bike It Now in early April 2023, it was an amazing trip and I loved every minute of it, weather was stunning.
I'm sure it would appeal to those wanting a cycling experience, the trail is mostly wide and smooth with a fair amount of elevation to give the heart a bit of a workout, an e-bike is recommended for most except for those who are bike fit and don't mind hills.
I went in early autumn and the golden hues of the poplar and willow trees added to the already stunning scenery.
On more than one occasion, while I was meandering along the riverside, following the winding track amongst the tall trees, with their light green, red, brown and mostly golden autumn leaves offset against the deep aqua blue of the water, the leaves would be failing lightly like botanical snow, it was not too dissimilar to being transported through a landscape from the Lord of the Rings or somewhere in Narnia, it was a totally ethereal experience...
I'm sure it would appeal to those wanting a cycling experience, the trail is mostly wide and smooth with a fair amount of elevation to give the heart a bit of a workout, an e-bike is recommended for most except for those who are bike fit and don't mind hills.
I went in early autumn and the golden hues of the poplar and willow trees added to the already stunning scenery.
On more than one occasion, while I was meandering along the riverside, following the winding track amongst the tall trees, with their light green, red, brown and mostly golden autumn leaves offset against the deep aqua blue of the water, the leaves would be failing lightly like botanical snow, it was not too dissimilar to being transported through a landscape from the Lord of the Rings or somewhere in Narnia, it was a totally ethereal experience...
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steveo
Brisbane, Australia4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I cycled the Roxburgh Gorge Trail from Clyde to Lake Roxburgh Village by myself with the support of Bike It Now in early April 2023, it was an amazing trip and I loved every minute of it, weather was stunning.
I'm sure it would appeal to any avid cyclists or just day trippers wanting a cycling experience, the trail is wide and smooth with a fair amount of elevation to give the heart a bit of a workout, an e-bike is recommended for most except for those who are bike fit and don't mind hills.
I went in early autumn and the golden hues of the poplar and willow trees added to the already stunning scenery...
I'm sure it would appeal to any avid cyclists or just day trippers wanting a cycling experience, the trail is wide and smooth with a fair amount of elevation to give the heart a bit of a workout, an e-bike is recommended for most except for those who are bike fit and don't mind hills.
I went in early autumn and the golden hues of the poplar and willow trees added to the already stunning scenery...
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynette L
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
As a group of 3 couples, we recently biked the Clyde Gold Bike Trail. Shebikeshebikes worked with us to prepare our itinerary, and we couldn't have been happier with the experience we received. Being an inexperienced biker, the first leg of the journey from Clyde to Roxburgh was pretty tough (for myself) - even on the ebike, however our more experienced riders really enjoyed the challenge it offered. With steep downward slopes and switchbacks, it kept everyone on their toes :) This leg also saw us crossing the Clyde River by Jetboat supplied by Clutha River Cruises, and the information shared about the Gold Mining era was incredibly informative. The next two days of biking (day 2 from Roxburgh Hydro to Beamount, and day 3 Beaumont Lawrence) were a lot easier than day 1, however the scenery on all 3 days was just stunning! Accommodation booked for us by Shebikeshebikes was second to none, and we only wished that we had a week, not just one night at Mata-Au Lodge. A really fun experience with wonderful friends that simply flowed due to the organisation of Shebikeshebikes.
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indy075
Blue Mountains11 contributions
Nov 2022
This was a great ride, organised by Central Cycle Trauls. Plenty to see and a very nice add-on to the Central Otago Rail Trail.
Our 40-min cruise as a transfer during the Roxburgh Gorge ride was a real blast – both exciting and very interesting, as jet-boat driver Lawrence gave us his insights on the lives of the early gold dredging operations in the area. He took us in very close to many of the ruins of the miner’s dwellings. It was definitely a high point of our Central Otago experience. Thank you, Lawrence and CCT, from 4 grateful Aussies!
Our 40-min cruise as a transfer during the Roxburgh Gorge ride was a real blast – both exciting and very interesting, as jet-boat driver Lawrence gave us his insights on the lives of the early gold dredging operations in the area. He took us in very close to many of the ruins of the miner’s dwellings. It was definitely a high point of our Central Otago experience. Thank you, Lawrence and CCT, from 4 grateful Aussies!
Written 8 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnottyBeau
30 contributions
Dec 2022
A great day out with the family. Caught a shuttle from Roxburgh to Alexandra then rode 10kms to Doctors Point. Jumped on the Beaumont Jet with Dave the captain. He was awesome. Very informative and the kids loved the jet boat ride. The bike riding is amazing. Loved the switchbacks and the steep cliffs. Must do it on an Ebike to enjoy the surroundings. Well worth the cost and the visit…!!!
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bronwyny52
Blenheim, New Zealand106 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
A group of five did the roxburgh track. They loved it and half way through was a cafè boat that did THE BEST venison burgers along with others including gluten free also coffees. The two support ladies got a jetboat ride up to meet them and then the guy gave us an amazing history lesson on the way back. Would really recommend it.
Written 25 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SueB
Feilding, New Zealand20 contributions
Sep 2022
Great ride over two days - mostly easy riding and wide trail. Had to dodge lots of cow poop which was a little annoying but still had fun.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SueB
Feilding, New Zealand20 contributions
Sep 2022
Loved this ride through the gorge - fantastic scenery and a good surface to ride on. The boat trip in the middle was informative and the guide friendly. Our parties age range was 50 - 80yrs of age and was good fun for all.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frances S
1 contribution
Apr 2022
Great trip. Beautiful scenery. Very helpful staff. No problem with having to rearrange our trip from October to March do to Covid lockdown in Hamilton.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John L
Cambridge, New Zealand236 contributions
Mar 2022
My wife and i did this trail as part of a two week cycling holiday all organised by Central Cycle trails Ltd. They are brilliant!!
We did the trail over two days, Lake Roxburgh to Millers Flat the first day and then Millers Flat to Lawrence the second.
The first day was absolutely lovely, vert easy with plenty of time to enjoy the journey. the weather turned a bit chilly but we had lovely warm overnight accommodation so were well prepared for day 2. This section was 44kms long and the first part to Beaumont was great. It was the ride from Beaumont to Lawrence that was perhaps a little disappointing as much of the ride was longside the main highway with nowhere to stop and eat our lunch away from the traffic.
However, that shouldn't distract from what was an overall enjoyable couple of days
What was noticeable was the very few riders we met on the trail which might indicate that this trail is underutilised.
We did the trail over two days, Lake Roxburgh to Millers Flat the first day and then Millers Flat to Lawrence the second.
The first day was absolutely lovely, vert easy with plenty of time to enjoy the journey. the weather turned a bit chilly but we had lovely warm overnight accommodation so were well prepared for day 2. This section was 44kms long and the first part to Beaumont was great. It was the ride from Beaumont to Lawrence that was perhaps a little disappointing as much of the ride was longside the main highway with nowhere to stop and eat our lunch away from the traffic.
However, that shouldn't distract from what was an overall enjoyable couple of days
What was noticeable was the very few riders we met on the trail which might indicate that this trail is underutilised.
Written 10 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg B
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia27 contributions
Gidday churpike. My wife is concerned about the jet boat ride up the gorge as she has a sensitive back. Is it rough? Do you get thrown around in the boat, are you stapped in etc. I assured her it won't be too rough but would certainly appreciate your honest assessment. Many thanks, Greg. Sydney. AUS.
Xavier R
Otago Region, New Zealand398 contributions
Hello, I have not done the jetboat ride myself, but this is a still hydro lake, NO rapids. Would only be rough if the driver made it so or because of weather. Thanks, Xavier xx
Greg B
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia27 contributions
Only one question for sxmitch26. My wife (63 old) is concerned about being thrown about whilst in the jet boat. She and some others in our group (12 in total) have slightly dodgy backs and are worried the bouncing about in the 'jet boat' might be a risk. Please advise your experience. I'm sure the driver can tone it done to suit a wide and varied mix of passengers??? Cheers, Greg.
Julie J
Sydney, Australia48 contributions
Our experience was also calm with great commentary. It is not a thrill seeking ride. The boat driver also helps getting your bike off and on and securing it to the boat. I think you should be fine, but if in doubt it would not hurt to mention your concerns. Enjoy!
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Claim your listingROXBURGH GORGE TRAIL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Roxburgh Gorge Trail
- Hotels near Roxburgh Gorge Trail:
- (0.32 km) Villa Rose Backpacker and Studios
- (0.58 km) Roxburgh Motel
- (0.11 km) Goldfields Hotel
- (1.27 km) Clutha Gold Cottages
- (1.00 km) Awatere B & B
- Restaurants near Roxburgh Gorge Trail:
- (0.03 km) The Manhattan
- (0.03 km) Nic's Kitchen
- (0.12 km) 103 The Lounge
- (0.14 km) Trundles On Teviot
- (0.13 km) Teviot Tearooms