Bike The

Lake Dunstan Trail

Panoramic Views

Mountains and Pristine Lakes

Exciting Terrain

Bike through the Cromwell Gorge

Historic Towns

Visit Cromwell & Clyde

Bike the Lake Dunstan Trail

Full day package with Bike Hire and Shuttle Transport

Queenstown to Cromwell / Clyde Return

with FREE pick-up from your accommodation *

Welcome to the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail, one of Central Otago’s most scenic rides.

Set alongside the calm waters of Lake Dunstan, this trail weaves through a mix of rocky bluffs, vineyards, and open countryside, with expansive views across to the Southern Alps.

The trail is well formed and suits a range of riders, with a few climbs balanced by long, flowing sections that make the ride feel rewarding rather than demanding. 

Whether you’re out for a relaxed pedal or a full day on the bike, it’s an easy place to settle into the rhythm of the landscape.

Along the way, you’ll pass through areas rich in history, from old gold mining routes to working orchards and cellar doors, giving a real sense of the region’s character.

It’s the kind of ride that’s as much about taking it all in as it is about the biking – so take your time, stop often, and enjoy the journey.

* FREE pick-up from accommodation in Central Queenstown. Additional fees may apply from outside this area.

All packages include

Bike Hire

Shuttle

Helmet

Small pannier

Bottle Holder

Bike Toolkit

Trail Map

Your Itinerary

8am

Shuttle pick up and bike hire

Start the day with a relaxed drive, leaving Queenstown through scenic highways to the start of the Lake Dunstan Trail. Our shuttle leaves from Gorge Road, or we can pick you up from your accommodation, with bikes ready for you to enjoy your day on the trail.

Approx 9.15am

Smiths Way to Cromwell Heritage Precinct – 16km

This section of the trail weaves its way along Lake Dunstan, with places to stop and relax or take a swim. Explore the galleries, cafés and stores at Cromwell’s Heritage Precinct.

  • Step back in time at the historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct
  • Browse art galleries and boutiques
  • Sunday morning Farmers Market held through Spring and Summer

Approx 10am

Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Cornish Point – 13.3km

Enjoy views over vineyards and the striking blue waters from the Bannockburn Bridge. Here you have the option to cool off with a splash at the designated swimming spot or stop at the Carrick Winery.

  • Stop at Carrick Winery along the trail
  • Swimming spot at Bannockburn Inlet
  • Stop for a picnic and enjoy the views

Approx 12pm

Cornish Point to Clyde – 29km

From here you head into the stunning Cromwell Gorge with its unique natural and historic manmade features. As you head into Clyde you pass NZ’s third largest hydro dam.

  • Pass the unusual terraced landscape of the Cairnmuir slide
  • Marvel at the power of water at the Clyde Dam

3pm

Return Shuttle

Our shuttle will pick you up and take you back to your Queenstown accommodation so you can rest your legs and enjoy the scenery on your journey.

Your Itinerary

8am

Shuttle pick up and bike hire

Start the day with a relaxed drive, leaving Queenstown through scenic highways to the start of the Lake Dunstan Trail. Our shuttle leaves from Gorge Road, or we can pick you up from your accommodation, with bikes ready for you to enjoy your day on the trail.

Approx 9.15am

Smiths Way to Cromwell Heritage Precinct – 16km

This section of the trail weaves its way along Lake Dunstan, with places to stop and relax or take a swim. Explore the galleries, cafés and stores at Cromwell’s Heritage Precinct.

  • Step back in time at the historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct
  • Browse art galleries and boutiques
  • Sunday morning Farmers Market held through Spring and Summer

Approx 10am

Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Cornish Point – 13.3km

Enjoy views over vineyards and the striking blue waters from the Bannockburn Bridge. Here you have the option to cool off with a splash at the designated swimming spot or stop at the Carrick Winery.

  • Stop at Carrick Winery along the trail
  • Swimming spot at Bannockburn Inlet
  • Stop for a picnic and enjoy the views

Approx 12pm

Cornish Point to Clyde – 29km

From here you head into the stunning Cromwell Gorge with its unique natural and historic manmade features. As you head into Clyde you pass NZ’s third largest hydro dam.

  • Pass the unusual terraced landscape of the Cairnmuir slide
  • Marvel at the power of water at the Clyde Dam

3pm

Return Shuttle​

Our shuttle will pick you up and take you back to your Queenstown accommodations o you can rest your legs and enjoy the scenery on your journey.

Trail Maps

We’ve created a set of maps to help you along your journey, free to use.

Easy pricing

We like to keep it simple! Our bike packages include everything you’ll need for a great day on the trail – a selection of bikes to hire for the day, a return shuttle to and from Queenstown, and a few extras at no additional cost!

BIKES Bike Hire & Shuttle
eBike
$320
Comfort eBike
$320
Mountain Bike
$320
Kids eBike*
$290
Kids Mountain Bike*
$290
EXTRAS Price per day
Baby Buggy
$40
Baby Seat
FREE
Gel seats
FREE
Large Panniers
FREE
Helmet
FREE
Bag Toolkit
FREE

Price includes a $5 donation to the Queenstown Trails Trust for trail maintenance

*Kids aged 12 and under. 

FAQs

This well-maintained trail caters to riders of varying skill levels, however we don’t recommended it for complete beginners as there are some challenging ascents and exhilarating descents, which beginners may find overwhelming.

We recommend eBikes for people who don’t ride regularly.

Older kids will love this trail!  We recommend it for anyone between 12 – 80+ years old. With our full range of  mountain bikes and ebikes we can kit you out with the gear you need to enjoy a day out on the trails.

All our packages

Cycle Queenstown’s most popular trail, along the banks of the scenic Arrow, Shotover and Kawarau rivers through peaceful backcountry pastures.
Experience the fantastic new Lake Dunstan Trail on our 1 day self guided tour, with return shuttle from Queenstown.
Discover the Roxburgh Gorge Trail – quiet, wild, and packed with stunning views. Our packages combine cycling and jetboating for a truly unique Central Otago adventure.