Included: An experienced, local cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5-day Lake Dunstan, Kawarau, and Roxburgh Gores cycling adventure Accommodation for 4 nights at historic hotels, lodges, and motels (double occupancy) 4 café breakfasts, 4 gourmet picnic or café lunches, 3 two-course restaurant dinners Snacks, drinks, and morning and afternoon teas throughout the tour Full vehicle support along the trail, including luggage trailer Rider fees paid to the Trail Trusts Pre-departure information kit to help you plan and prepare Experiences as in the itinerary Scenic jet boat ride on the Clutha River (Roxburgh Gorge) Wine tasting at a boutique Central Otago vineyard Return transport from Queenstown Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room Bike rental (mountain bike or e-bike) Not included: Flights to Queenstown Airport transfers Bike hire (including helmet) — available to add at checkout All beverages other than breakfast drinks Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, shopping, etc.) Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To join this Lake Dunstan cycling tour, good fitness is required . The trails are graded moderate—generally well-formed with a compacted gravel surface, but with exposed sections, narrow switchbacks, and some rougher terrain along the gorges. The most you’ll cycle in a single day is 73 km (45 mi) . Your guides recommend doing 2–3 rides per week of 2–3 hours in the three months leading up to the trip, ideally on compacted gravel trails and including some hills. Completing a multi-day ride beforehand is strongly encouraged to get used to time in the saddle. Since the tour is fully supported, less confident riders can skip more difficult sections and hop in the vehicle. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more New Zealand bike tours here !

What do I need to bring?

The tour is fully supported so you won’t have to carry anything. If hiring one of our bikes, it will have a rear saddle bag with enough space to put an extra layer, your camera, wallet, phone etc. We recommend you pack your luggage in a soft sports bag for easy stowing in the trailer/ vehicle. We urge you to keep your luggage to a minimum. If you have extra luggage you do not require for your holiday, we can arrange to store it until the end of the trip. Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Bike & helmet — bike rental available Comfortable biking clothes Spare clothes for layering Sneakers or sport shoes Breathable outside layer or jacket Waterproof rain jacket Fleece Quality thermal wear Casual clothes and sneakers for when you’re not cycling Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Biking gloves Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Yes — bike rental is available , with several high-quality options to match different riding styles, comfort needs, and experience levels. Mountain bikes (non-e-bike): Avanti Discovery – Hardtail Mountain Bike — A simple, solid, and comfortable hardtail built for mixed terrain. It features front suspension, fast-rolling tyres, a 1×10 drivetrain , and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable control. A rear rack with a rack bag (included) makes it easy to carry layers, lunch, or a camera. Available in multiple frame sizes (exact sizing subject to availability). Avanti Discovery – Low-Step Hardtail Mountain Bike — The same dependable setup as the standard Avanti Discovery, with a low-step frame for easier mounting and a more accessible feel. It offers a relaxed upright riding position, front suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes—ideal for riders prioritising comfort. Available in multiple frame sizes (subject to availability). E-bikes: Sinch e-bike – front suspension (mountain bike style) — Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand, these pedal-assist eBikes smooth out hills and longer days thanks to reliable Shimano motor systems. They feature front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a comfortable upright riding position. Available in sizes L and XL. Sinch e-bikes – step-through options — These models offer the same pedal-assist support and trail-ready setup, with step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture. Available in sizes XS, S, and M , with L and XL step-through options available on request . If you’re unsure which bike is best for you, we’re happy to help match you with the right setup based on height, experience, and riding style.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Lake Dunstan cycling tour , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7 :1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants . Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. Lake Dunstan cycling tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Lake Dunstan cycling tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this Lake Dunstan cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Lake Dunstan cycling tour is Queenstown , New Zealand.. To get there, most people fly into Queenstown Airport (ZQN) . From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Queenstown. You will meet your guides at a central Queenstown meeting point on the morning of Day 1. It’s recommended to fly in the day before the tour starts. At the end of the trip, your guides will drop you back at a central point in Queenstown around 6 pm. If flying home on the final day, ensure your domestic flight departs after 7 pm; international flights are not recommended on the same day the tour finishes.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Check out Early bird options for best sellers here

SOUTH ISLAND | NEW ZEALAND

Cycle the Kawarau, Dunstan & Roxburgh Gorges: 5-Day Tour in South Island, NZ

5 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $2,133 ()

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New Zealand’s South Island has a way of making cyclists feel like they’ve stumbled onto something secret. With this five-day bike tour, we lean right into that! Starting and finishing in Queenstown, we’ll ride through dramatic gorges, past glacial lakes and vineyard-covered hillsides, along turquoise rivers and into orchard valleys that seem frozen somewhere in the 1800s. The gold rush ghost towns are real, the scenery is relentless, and with everything taken care of—guides, meals, luggage, a jet boat ride, a winery tasting—all you have to think about is the ride ahead.

Heather

Adventure Highlights

Lake Dunstan's engineered marvels: Platforms and bridges cantilevered above the lake through sheer rock faces—this trail is as impressive to ride as it is to look at
Gold rush history meets great food and wine: Charming historic towns, a boutique winery tasting, and a jet boat ride through a rugged gorge round out the experience
Shifting scenery, day after day: Glacial lakes, vineyard-dotted gorges, turquoise rivers, orchard valleys, and rugged gold mining country

Duration

5 days

Season

April–May, September–November

Group size

Up to 14 people

The adventure, day by day

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Cycle through five days of pure Central Otago magic in New Zealand! We’ll pedal through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge, over the Arrow River Bridges, and along Lake Dunstan, the Clutha Gold, and Roxburgh Gorge trails. Each night we’ll relax in charming historic hotels and lodges. We handle all logistics, including most meals and snacks, so you only have to focus on the fun. Hybrid or e-bike hire is available. Join us for an unforgettable journey.

Day 1: Queenstown to Wanaka via the Arrow River and Kawarau Gorge trails

After an early morning briefing in Queenstown, we head straight to Arrowtown—a delightful old gold mining town—to start on the picturesque Arrow River Bridges Trail, which crosses five bridges over the willow-lined river on its way to Gibbston Valley, Central Otago’s premier wine-growing region. From there we join the Kawarau Gorge Trail, one of New Zealand’s newest Great Rides, winding through previously inaccessible stretches of the stunning gorge. Bluff bridges over rapids, two impressive suspension bridges, and a rich backstory of gold mining, power generation, and ancient Māori routes make this an extraordinary day in the saddle. We finish in Bannockburn before transferring to the lakeside town of Wanaka for our first group dinner.

Meals: Dinner
Cycling: 53 km (33 mi)
Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel or Oakridge Resort, Wanaka

Day 2: Wanaka to Cromwell via the Outlet, Hawea River & Lake Dunstan trails

We set out from Wanaka on the Outlet Trail, tracing the crystal-clear waters of the Clutha River/Mata-Au from Lake Wanaka to Albert Town—a stretch world-renowned for trout fishing, with easy riding and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in. Next comes the Hawea River Track, a beautifully scenic 10 km (6.2 mi) trail following the Hawea River from Albert Town to Lake Hawea. After lunch we transfer to Smith’s Way on the shore of Lake Dunstan and begin the first section of the Lake Dunstan cycling tour, riding along the lake’s edge to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct—a charming cluster of boutique galleries, cafes, and restaurants right on the waterfront. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Cycling: 41 km (25 mi)
Accommodation: Carrick Lodge Motel, Cromwell

Day 3: Cromwell to Clyde via the Lake Dunstan & Alexandra River trails

Today we rejoin the Lake Dunstan Trail as it loops around the Bannockburn Inlet and continues toward Cornish Point, passing vineyards and olive groves before entering the stunning Cromwell Gorge—where the trail clings to sheer rockfaces and crosses lake inlets on impressively engineered platforms and bridges rising above the water. Lake Dunstan was formed by the damming of the Clutha Mata-au River, New Zealand’s second-longest river, and the trail passes the historically significant Clyde Dam before reaching the Red Bridge at Clyde. We finish the riding day on the Clyde to Alexandra River Trail, a flat and scenic 10 km (6.2 mi) along the Clutha, then drive back to Clyde for a wander through this small historic town and a wine tasting at a boutique Central Otago winery.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling: 53 km (33 mi) / +591 m (+1,939 ft)
Accommodation: Dunstan House, Clyde

Day 4: Clyde to Roxburgh via the Clutha Gold Trail

We drive to Beaumont to join the Clutha Gold Trail, home to a striking wrought iron single-lane bridge built in 1887—the only one of its kind in New Zealand—spanning the swirling turquoise waters of the Clutha. From there, 20 scenic kilometres through the Beaumont Gorge bring us to Millers Flat, a small farming settlement named after Walter Miller, Otago’s first European settler, who arrived in 1849. The trail continues past Pinders Pond and meanders along the riverside, with impressive hillside rock formations and stands of regenerating native kānuka alongside. We finish deep in the orchard-lands of the Teviot Valley, below the Roxburgh Dam, with a short climb up and over to our lodge for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling: 55 km (34 mi)
Accommodation: Roxburgh Lodge

Day 5: Roxburgh to Queenstown via the Roxburgh Gorge Trail

The Roxburgh Dam marks both the end of the Clutha Gold Trail and the beginning of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail—and it’s a fitting send-off. With sweeping views across Lake Roxburgh, the trail drops into the gorge, then heads through a secluded valley of kānuka scrubland and into open hill country farmland. At Elbow Creek, a gradual descent leads to Shingle Creek—the halfway mark—where we board a scenic jet boat for the next 10 km (6.2 mi) to Doctor’s Point. The second half of the trail is equally remote and stirring, with stone-walled water races and remnants of gold mining activity scattered along the gorge walls. We ride through to Alexandra, marking the end of our adventure, before the drive back to Queenstown.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Cycling: 23 km (14 mi)

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Lodging & food

Historic hotels, lodges & motels

Accommodation on this tour has been chosen for character as much as comfort. We spend our nights at the Edgewater Hotel or Oakridge Resort on the shores of Lake Wanaka, the Carrick Lodge Motel in Cromwell, the historic Dunstan House in Clyde, and Roxburgh Lodge near the dam. Expect comfortable, well-located rooms that reflect the personality of each town—from lakeside resort vibes to heritage character.

The price for this Lake Dunstan cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Food

Fueling up is a big part of the adventure, and we make sure you’re well-fed from start to finish. Most of your meals are included, featuring a mix of tasty cafe breakfasts, gourmet picnic or cafe lunches, and two-course restaurant dinners. We focus on fresh, local flavors that give you the energy needed for the trail while showcasing the best of the region’s culinary scene.

We take pride in making sure everyone is looked after, so all dietary requirements are expertly catered for throughout the trip (just notify us at checkout). Whether you’re enjoying a mid-ride picnic in a scenic spot or winding down with a restaurant meal at the end of the day, you can expect high-quality food that’s as memorable as the riding itself.

Adventure, packed to go

Cycle the Kawarau, Dunstan & Roxburgh Gorges: 5-Day Tour in South Island, NZ

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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What others say about this adventure

5.00 (4 reviews)

Juan F

The Adventures team is exceptionally well organized and clearly committed to delivering the best possible experience, even down to the food they provide. Our guide, Tereza, was always available, supportive, and truly outstanding throughout the journey. I had a wonderful time riding through different places with the group and sharing life experiences along the way. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of looking out for one another and always putting safety first. Weather conditions, terrain, and every detail were carefully considered, and the accommodations were, in my view, very well selected. I’m already looking forward to choosing another package in the future, and I hope my guide will be Tereza again.

Heather F

Excellent trip once again. High quality bikes, professional guides, stunning scenery, excellent accommodation and food. A thoroughly enjoyable experience which we highly recommend.

Sandra W

Best trip I’ve ever done. Great scenery, great company and excellent organisation. You won’t regret it.

Show all reviews

Juan F

Heather F

Excellent trip once again. High quality bikes, professional guides, stunning scenery, excellent accommodation and food. A thoroughly enjoyable experience which we highly recommend.

Sandra W

Best trip I’ve ever done. Great scenery, great company and excellent organisation. You won’t regret it.

Sam D

What an incredible five days exploring some of the South Island’s best trails. Riding the backcountry tracks around Wanaka and Lake Hawea made me feel like a local. This is a must do trip for anyone wanting an authentic cycling experience, with stunning scenery and brilliant trail variety. Huge thanks to our guides Nicki and Lisa for such a seamless trip. Loved every minute.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5-day Lake Dunstan, Kawarau, and Roxburgh Gores cycling adventure
  - Accommodation for 4 nights at historic hotels, lodges, and motels (double occupancy)
  - 4 café breakfasts, 4 gourmet picnic or café lunches, 3 two-course restaurant dinners
  - Snacks, drinks, and morning and afternoon teas throughout the tour
  - Full vehicle support along the trail, including luggage trailer
  - Rider fees paid to the Trail Trusts
  - Pre-departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  - Experiences as in the itinerary
    
    Scenic jet boat ride on the Clutha River (Roxburgh Gorge)
    
    Wine tasting at a boutique Central Otago vineyard
    
    Return transport from Queenstown
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
  - Bike rental (mountain bike or e-bike)
Not included:
- - Flights to Queenstown
  - Airport transfers
  - Bike hire (including helmet) — available to add at checkout
  - All beverages other than breakfast drinks
  - Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  - Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, shopping, etc.)
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To join this Lake Dunstan cycling tour, good fitness is required. The trails are graded moderate—generally well-formed with a compacted gravel surface, but with exposed sections, narrow switchbacks, and some rougher terrain along the gorges.

The most you’ll cycle in a single day is 73 km (45 mi). Your guides recommend doing 2–3 rides per week of 2–3 hours in the three months leading up to the trip, ideally on compacted gravel trails and including some hills. Completing a multi-day ride beforehand is strongly encouraged to get used to time in the saddle. Since the tour is fully supported, less confident riders can skip more difficult sections and hop in the vehicle.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more New Zealand bike tours here!
The tour is fully supported so you won’t have to carry anything. If hiring one of our bikes, it will have a rear saddle bag with enough space to put an extra layer, your camera, wallet, phone etc. We recommend you pack your luggage in a soft sports bag for easy stowing in the trailer/ vehicle. We urge you to keep your luggage to a minimum. If you have extra luggage you do not require for your holiday, we can arrange to store it until the end of the trip.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Bike & helmet — bike rental available
  - Comfortable biking clothes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Sneakers or sport shoes
  - Breathable outside layer or jacket
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Fleece
  - Quality thermal wear
  - Casual clothes and sneakers for when you’re not cycling
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Biking gloves
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Yes — bike rental is available, with several high-quality options to match different riding styles, comfort needs, and experience levels.

Mountain bikes (non-e-bike):
- - Avanti Discovery – Hardtail Mountain Bike — A simple, solid, and comfortable hardtail built for mixed terrain. It features front suspension, fast-rolling tyres, a 1×10 drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable control. A rear rack with a rack bag (included) makes it easy to carry layers, lunch, or a camera. Available in multiple frame sizes (exact sizing subject to availability).
  - Avanti Discovery – Low-Step Hardtail Mountain Bike — The same dependable setup as the standard Avanti Discovery, with a low-step frame for easier mounting and a more accessible feel. It offers a relaxed upright riding position, front suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes—ideal for riders prioritising comfort. Available in multiple frame sizes (subject to availability).
E-bikes:
- - Sinch e-bike – front suspension (mountain bike style) — Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand, these pedal-assist eBikes smooth out hills and longer days thanks to reliable Shimano motor systems. They feature front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a comfortable upright riding position. Available in sizes L and XL.
  - Sinch e-bikes – step-through options — These models offer the same pedal-assist support and trail-ready setup, with step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture. Available in sizes XS, S, and M, with L and XL step-through options available on request.
If you’re unsure which bike is best for you, we’re happy to help match you with the right setup based on height, experience, and riding style.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Lake Dunstan cycling tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants.
  - Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
Lake Dunstan cycling tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Lake Dunstan cycling tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Lake Dunstan cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of your Lake Dunstan cycling tour is Queenstown, New Zealand.. To get there, most people fly into Queenstown Airport (ZQN). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Queenstown.

You will meet your guides at a central Queenstown meeting point on the morning of Day 1.

It’s recommended to fly in the day before the tour starts. At the end of the trip, your guides will drop you back at a central point in Queenstown around 6 pm. If flying home on the final day, ensure your domestic flight departs after 7 pm; international flights are not recommended on the same day the tour finishes.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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