In fact, there were three ways prospectors could get to the Dunstan. Not far from the rowing club is Burton Creek Recreation Area, a pretty campground with million-dollar views of the lake and Clyde Dam. It was time to climb again and climb we did. This New Zealand road or road transport-related article is a stub. 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. On the fourth day, as we entered the Cromwell Gorge, the winds turned northerly and the sun shone. Closed for about four months each winter, the Old Dunstan Road is best traversed with a 4WD vehicle. To understand what to expect and to prepare for your ride click below. Old Dunstan Road Lake Dunstan Walking and Cycling Trail - Cromwell to Clyde The sheep station here is called Rocklands it could hardly be anything elseand rocks are even used as fence posts. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! Back on road again, a brief section of relative pace. It is rutted and corrugated in places, slippery when wet, dusty when dry, and can be closed in winter by snow and ice. 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. When two californian prospectors startled the Dunedin treasury office by bringing in 87 pounds of gold in 1863 the name Dunstan was little more than a scratching on a surveyors map. With the wind at our backs and views like this, it was rather pleasant. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If you go any further than the river, youll be on private land. 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. journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. It looks a wonderful spot to simply explore the many rocks and land around. Along the way you will marvel at the man-made landscapes, rich Maori and early pioneer history, and vineyards as you travel along the Lake Dunstan Trail. The landscapes peculiar forms and unusual lines are clues to the goldmining and hydropower history around here. The drive has steep parts and tops out by Rough Ridge, at 1.040m (3,412ft) above the sea level. Also, writing this Im still most keen to have a go at my original plan. TimeZoneOne An extremely quiet area to escape to, Adele was eyeing it up for future breaks. Do the right thing by our region and check what legal requirements need to be met before you get started. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the Cromwell Gorge in the mid 1990s. After crossing Bannockburn Bridge, 7km from the Heritage Precinct, cycle up to village and the Felton Road vineyards, or continue along the trail up to Carrick Winery and other vineyards dotted in the hills around Bannockburn Inlet. It is a great fun drive in dry weather conditions but can get a bit hairy during rain. 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. Find out what to expect in this short video. Lake Dunstan Trail - Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Bannockburn 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. Recognition on the Rrangi Krero is a way to actively care for Mori heritage by promoting the associated stories and tribal connections of those places. When the Clyde Dam was completed in 1990 the main street of Cromwell disappeared. At the pub we turn right and thats the start (from the western end) of the Dunstan Trail though a road sign to say it was the Old Dunstan Road would've have been nice. The historic town of Clyde marks the southern end of the Lake Dunstan Trail and the western end of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Beyond the settlement of Pisa Moorings the trail crosses the 45th Parallel on its way to Lowburn where there are toilets and a car park. 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. Deep Creek Weir from Old Dunstan Road past Rocklands Ng Manawhenua o Aotearoa me na Krero Tturu | National Historic Landmarks tell the stories of who we are as New Zealanders. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. In winter, multiple layers and gloves are recommended, even if the skies look reassuringly blue. There may have been some hike-a-bike good training for the madness that is Godzone. This was made keeping in mind that the weather was due to pack it in that night, but there were contingencies. Route finding from here on is relatively easy. New Zealand. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. The Cromwell Basin and Bannockburn area are some of the southernmost grape growing regions in the world. It is suited to riders of average fitness; although some riders may wish to push up some of the steeper climbs. The road was created during the Central Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s. We made it! A wagon team of six Clydesdale horses, the Cobb andCo coach, and ten other carts and wagons rode on before us. The rock formations are awesome. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. OLD DUNSTAN ROAD (Paerau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go 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. 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. Cellphone coverage is pretty reliable the whole length of the trail. This is part of the Old Dunstan trail from the Styx Basin. The odd vehicle kicking up a fair cloud, but they were few and far behind. The 55km Lake Dunstan Trail takes you from Smith's Way, just out of Cromwell to Clyde along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the stunning Cromwell Gorge. Lake Dunstan Trail - Bike it Now! Just past the historic Halfway Hut viewpoint is a series of switchbackswith tight corners and a decent climb/descent. 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. Check back soon to see our map of the Lakes Dunstan Trail. Find out more about trail safety, riding skills and equipment in the Need to Know section. 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. 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. Today, the trail is a public road, ranging in quality from chip-sealed road to gravel track. A more unknown part of New Zealand, but this trail is putting Cromwell on the map. 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. Please use the above parking locations and park considerately; do not block access to any driveway, boat ramp or trail access point. The first power was generated in 1992. 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. New Zealands third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. It was clamped to my head with the wet, perhaps frozen there. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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 road loosely follows the trail that was used by gold miners traipsing from Dunedin to Dunstan (now Clyde) in the 1860s. For current trail status and any alerts such as temporary track closures and detours check the trail website. Level 3, 4 Bond St Be sure to admire the painstakingly stacked rock-walls around here. with. For a time we rode through a small gorge, the red tussock grasses were abundant. In wet conditions, parts of the trail are unrideable because of sticky mud. A mountain bike is recommended. 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. Lake Dunstan Trail Map Lake Dunstan Trail Sections Smith's Way to Cromwell Heritage Precinct: 16.4km Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Bannockburn Bridge - 6km Bannockburn Bridge to Cornish Point - 7.3km Cornish Point to Clyde - 25km (now open) Trip reviews Videos Essential information Videos So vital were the wagoners supplies to the isolated canvas-town communities of prospectors that prices could be pushed sky-high. Cromwell at the confluence of the Clutha River (incorporating Lake Dunstan) and the Kawarau Rivers. The Lake Dunstan Trail includes some remote terrain and challenging grade 3 riding. 8.4km, Grade 23/easyintermediate, 11.5 hours. 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. (45degrees south). Theyre marked on the map as a 4WD track and lead to a derelict house on Linnburn Runs Road, 7 km away. The water was there due to a dam being built in the 1930s to provide irrigation water for the valley below. The Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail can be accessed from Cromwell or Clyde. The road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, ranges from a sealed road to a graveled track. The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. Poolburn Dam Brown Trout Fishing - 300 Hectare Lake in Ida Valley Otago Oh, and maybe a gel-seat. 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). Ask your librarian to subscribe to this service next year. Subscribe to our free newsletter for news and prizes. Theres no shame in that, and youll increase your chances of spotting the pick-axe stuck in the rock wall. For when work is necessary due to a state of emergency. Can be ridden in both directions. In this parched, waterless landscape a gimlet and straw were said to be part of a wagoners essential equipment. The area is earmarked for large-scale windfarm development. Its numerous Baroque churches jostle for space amid glitzy restaurants and dilapidated old buildings that line its cobbled streets, while the student . Long stretches without food and water mean that riders should be self-sufficient and carry more than enough for the journey,noting that in the summer months the heat makes ample water supplies essential. Watching the clock tick over far faster than the odometer, I began to reassess the goals for the day. Vilnius 100km - Takas aplink Vilni This trail is very well served by numerous local companies offering everything from bike hire to fully packaged guided tours. 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. After an exhilarating downhill, the trails reaches the impressive Hugo suspension bridge, 85.5m long and 28.6m high. 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. A map showing the planned 500km continuous trail network from Queenstown to Dunedin, estimated in 2018 to cost . These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. Welcome to the official page for Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail, linking Clyde and Cromwell. Old Dunstan Road, also known as The Dunstan Trail, is a 4WD track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. The 4WD track turn-off passed by without mention as we pushed on, trying to ascertain just when the road would turn away from Loganburn Reservoir. Please check weather forecast before using the trail. There are a few fords to cross, thus better use a 4WD. Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb / descent. Google Maps 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. Lots of inspiration! Old Dunstan Road is a 4x4 track located in the Otago Region in the South Island of New Zealand. Fear not: the expertly designed switchbacks ensure the a reasonably gentle but steady climb. As you go, look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. Nationwide Intercity buses service Cromwell and Clyde. 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. Reflection of Lammermoor Range in Still Water of Logan Burn Reservoir ( Great Moss Swamp ), Old Dunstan Trail, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand . Head south, through Patearoa and take the Linnburn Runs Rd turnoff (40km). It was into that pitiless landscape that 220 horses, a Clydesdale team, acoach 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. a smile on the face of the wagoner. . With trout released its a popular fishing spot although one would go slow in a boat as there are so many rocks around. We were going to get to the kitchen before it closed! Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail - Backyard Travel Family . Seek to be open and honest in all our interactions. going in a west / north direction towards the gorge. We really enjoyed reading your blog. Riders carrying on to Alexandra can stay on the true right of the Clutha Mata-au River and follow it downstream via the pretty, family-friendly Millennium Track (12km). 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. Along the way you will marvel at the man-made landscapes, rich Maori and early pioneer history, and vineyards as you travel along the Lake Dunstan Trail. Copyright Ng Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails 2023. It is a diverse and evolving resource available to all New Zealanders. Or please provide your feedback by completing a trail survey so that improvements can continuously be made to the trail experience. Why is this heritage place not on the List? On average it takes 2 hours55 minutes to complete this trail. Taken By: M Kelly. 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. Date: 1/06/2008. Leaving the valley floor, things very quickly got dry, brown and dusty. 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. The Dunstan, like Gabriels Gully 18 months earlier, was to become an irresistible magnet to thousands of fortune seekers. You climb from Dam level up 120m twice on this 42km trail. Inthe morning all that was leftwas to award prizes for Sorest Bum, Greenest Trailrider, Most Difficult Horse to Catch, plus others, and to take our leave of our fellow riders. 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). Old maps of Vilniaus Don't forget to grab a wine map too. These sections are only suitable for confident, experienced cyclists and are not recommended for most children. Vilnius | Lithuania Travel Guide | Rough Guides Its 46 km long. Please login to proceed or create a free account. Dunstan's cavalcade | New Zealand Geographic 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. This Great Ride's official start point is at Cromwell Heritage Precinct (as indicated by the 0km marker), giving a ride distance of 41km, with local shuttles transferring riders and bikes to the start or finish. After 3 km, this track meets up with the Old Dunstan Road. before continuing towards Cornish Point, passing more vineyards and olive groves along the way. We saw signs posted that further resurrection was prohibited. (Lake Dunstan has now buried this orchard road forever.). Its a lovely outing on bike or foot, with stupendous lake and mountain views, pretty picnic areas and swimming spots. Be at the cutting edge, setting directions and accepting challenges. The original road now traverses private farmland towards an area called Blackball. A satisfying ride can be had from the Clyde. with. The trail loops around the Bannockburn Inlet which is a popular picnic area with a designated swimming area. 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. The road passes through a spectacular landscape with ever changing views some of which made it into the second part of the LOTR trilogy. Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail | Bike Hire, Shuttles and Packages Cromwell and Clyde are the obvious bases for a Lake Dunstan ride. 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. Coffee Afloat is parked up on the lake most days from mid-morning to mid afternoon serving coffee, scones and burgers. This section follows the sealed road in places, and shares the Clyde road bridge before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. Cycle trail maps have key distances, elevations and trail highlights. It is possible to return to Cromwell on a trail alongside Bannockburn Road - making for a wonderful short and family friendly day ride. The first power was generated in 1992. A little unfinished business there. It's 46 km long. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in Central Otago, Website crafted by Summer heat maddened as frosty valleys became furnaces. Lake Dunstan Trail is a 35 km popular green machine groomed family friendly scenic trail located near Cromwell. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the hillsides of the gorge in the mid 1990s. Park cars at the trees. We would shortly climb to Poolburn Reservoir, or Rohan Village as some may know it. Your email address will not be published. Weaving our way through countless scattered, jagged rocks kept the interest level up as plenty of holiday traffic passed us on the road. But plans on trips like these are fluid at best and I was happy to scale this one back as I had company! Vilnius. Lake Dunstan Cycle & Walking Trail - Facebook Copyright: Heritage New Zealand. From the house, head north for 300 metres before turning west onto another 4WD track, which is also part of the original Dunstan Trail. Otago Central Rail Trail - NZ's Original Great Ride | Central Otago Hands and faces froze, and as rain turned to horizontal hail, bodies and steedsmoved closer together in the futile hope of finding shelter. Please understand that most places on the List are private property and not accessible to the public. The climate is extreme, like that of Continental Europe, with hot dry summers and freezing winters.
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