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21 km (ride) + 13km boat ride | Grade 2-3 | 1 Day

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail, part of the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand network, is another world. It offers a wilderness experience through the remote and stunning Roxburgh Gorge.

The beauty of this magnificent trail is that you can choose what you want to experience, start to finish or just part of it.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is one of New Zealand’s most visually spectacular day rides. Stretching between Alexandra and Lake Roxburgh Hydro Dam the trail follows the Clutha Mata-au River past eroded bluffs and old gold workings set amidst willows, native shrubs and fragrant thyme.

Cycle or walk from Alexandra to Doctors Point and then back again, or start from Lake Roxburgh Dam and head upstream to Shingle Creek and return. Experiencing the whole trail, you will enjoy a boat transfer between Doctors Point and Shingle Creek.

The colour palette is amazing! In late spring, the hillsides are covered in purple with flowering wild thyme, in summer the blue green of the Clutha River is in graphic contrast to the grey schist rock outcrops and in autumn the willow trees on the waters edge turn brilliant gold.

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.

Learn more, and plan your ride below, or visit www.roxburghgorge.co.nz

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Sections

Boat Transfers and Map

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail can be cycled or walked from either direction. Download the Map and Learn about the two sections of the trail and how they can be enjoyed as a full day journey with a boat transfer in the middle, or as half day trips from either end. 

The 13 km / 45 minute boat tour is highly memorable - there is a choice of providers and prior booking is essential. 

Support the Roxburgh Gorge Trail

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is managed by a charitable trust and donations are vital for trail maintenance. 

If you would like to support the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, then you can purchase a trail pass which contributes to maintenance, or you can make a donation by clicking the button below.

The Trust is always striving to improve the trail experience, so if you’ve ridden the trail, please provide your thoughts and feedback by completing a trail survey. Thank you.

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