52km | Grade 1-3 | 1-2 Days

The Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail might be New Zealand’s newest cycle trail but that doesn’t mean you won’t get the same historic views. The 54km trail takes you on a journey from Pisa Moorings along the shores of Lake Dunstan to Old Cromwell Town.

Thereof Where does the Dunstan trail start? The Lake Dunstan Trail flaunts the best of Central Otago’s natural beauty and begins from the quaint township of Clyde (or Cromwell).

How long does it take to do the Dunstan trail? This is the most spectacular section as it takes you through the dramatic Cromwell Gorge. What is this? This section of the track takes most people on regular bikes 3.5 u2013 4.5 hours. On an e-bike it took us 3 hours 20 minutes including 30 minutes of breaks.

Similarly, Is the Dunstan trail one way?

The Lake Dunstan Trail is part of a master plan by the Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust to eventually create a 536-kilometre network of trails connecting Queenstown and Wu0101naka to the existing Great Rides. Can I ride Clyde to Cromwell instead? Yes, it’s a two-way trail, but Cromwell to Clyde is the easiest.

How hard is the Dunstan Cycle trail?

The Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. The trail offers cyclists and walkers a challenging 55km ride (Grade 2-3) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as it journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au.

Where does the Lake Dunstan bike trail start from? Lake Dunstan Trail. 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.

Can you walk the Lake Dunstan trail?

The Lake Dunstan Walking and Cycling Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. The trail offers cyclists and walkers an a 52km ride (Grade 1-2) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as it journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au.

Is the Dunstan trail open? The Lake Dunstan Trail will be officially opened to the public on Saturday, 8 May 2021.

Where is Lake Dunstan New Zealand?

Lake Dunstan is a man-made lake and reservoir in the South Island of New Zealand. The lake was formed on the Clutha River as a result of the construction of the Clyde Dam, filling in four controlled stages beginning in April 1992 and completed the next year.

How far is Clyde from Cromwell trail? Lake Dunstan Walking and Cycling Trail – Cromwell to Clyde is a 25.5 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Cromwell, Otago, New Zealand that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, mountain biking, and backpacking.

Where does the Otago Rail trail end? The Otago Central Rail Trail ends 400 metres short of Middlemarch Station. The railway line first reached Middlemarch in 1891.

Is Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail open? The Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail spans from Smiths Way, just north of Pisa Morning’s through to the Township of Clyde and will be a Grade 1-2 in the NZ Cycle Trails system. … The final section of the trail through to Clyde is currently under construction and is due to open in March 2021, just in time for the Autumn Colours!

Can you swim in Lake Dunstan?

A short walk from the camp ground and Cromwell Golf Club, it’s worth heading down here in the summer months for a swim. Water quality is generally safe for recreational activities.

Is there fish in Lake Dunstan?

Lake Dunstan, with its three arms and good population of trout and salmon provides excellent fishing along the extensive aquatic weed beds. Trout can be spotted along the waters edge as they cruise by. It is also a good lake for trolling or harling. Brown trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon and perch.

How long did Lake Dunstan take to fill? Dust Settles as Lake Dunstan is Born

Work progressed and the staged lake fill began in the early 1990s. It inched up and up for over a year, stopping and starting in response to instability in the gorge at the Cairnmuir slip.

Is the Otago Rail Trail Flat? Young children through to elderly adults have successfully ridden the trail, which is undulating but with no really steep hills. The steepest is the 1 in 50 gradient Tiger Hill between Chatto Creek and Omakau. By pacing yourself, you will have a very enjoyable experience.

How hilly is the Otago Rail Trail?

The Trail is described as Grade 1 – suited to Novice cyclists, families and others seeking an easy cycling experience. As the Trail was originally a train track, there are no steep hills, but some of the long gentle climbs will require some energy but there are no sudden dips that need quick gear changes.

Can you walk the Otago Rail Trail? Most walkers allow at least 6 – 7 days to cover the whole 152 km Trail, which would involve walking for 4 -5 hours and covering between 21 and 25 km every day. You may just want to select one or a few popular parts of the Trail to walk.

What is the water temperature at Lake Dunstan?

Lifeguards are on duty, and everyone must wear a life jacket, which is supplied. So, how about Lake Dunstan’s water temperature? At this time of year, it sits around 19 degrees, which is the perfect place for a quick refresh after falling short on the obstacle course. You can book in two hour slots to play in the park.

Can you swim in Clutha River? The Clutha River flows through Alexandra and there are plenty of fantastic swimming holes. The river is slow flowing and an excellent location for kayaking and boating.

Can you swim in Lake Hayes?

Lake Hayes is a popular summer swimming spot, as its shallow depth means it warms up more than other alpine lakes in the region. A grassy beach at Mill Creek Shallows is a good spot to enter the lake.

How wide is Lake Dunstan? It’s height is 100 metres, width at base is 70 metres, width at crest 10 metres and length at crest 490 metres. Controversy surrounded the building of the Clyde Dam, which saw a number of orchards and houses removed from the Cromwell Gorge to allow the flooding of the river valley.

Where can I fish in Lake Dunstan?

The entire eastern shoreline of the Dunstan and Clutha Arms is easily accessed from SH8. The Clutha Arm is the most productive part of the Lake Dunstan fishery and can also be accessed directly off SH6 (Wanaka – Queenstown), and through Pisa Moorings, Smiths Way and Amisfield.

What is Harling fishing? Harling is a term used to describe shallow trolling with flies. This method is very effective when the fish are chasing smelt near the surface and is the choice of kayak and dinghy anglers. Deep trolling uses lead or wire lines, or a device known as a downrigger.

Is Lake Dunstan manmade?

Lake Dunstan is a man-made lake and reservoir in the Queenstown-Lakes Region of Otago. The lake was formed on the Clutha River as a result of the construction of the Clyde Dam. Between the town of Cromwell and the Clyde Dam the lake passes through what is called the Cromwell Gorge.

How long will the Clyde Dam last? The Clyde dam was built to last 80 years. Regardless of how long it survives, decommissioning will be an expensive exercise involving the removal of the dam, and the restoration of the Cromwell Gorge.

Was Clyde flooded? A 60-metre-high dam further down the Clutha River raised the water level around the town, flooding the main street of old Cromwell township, and fruit orchards along the gorge. The decision to build the dam was controversial, prompting vehement opposition, a court case, and an act of Parliament.

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