Alexandra to Roxburgh Dam
(10km cycle or walk, 13km boat cruise, 11km cycle or walk)
Pass under the Alexandra Bridge and beside historic (1882) bridge piers. Then, at the confluence of the Manuherikia and Clutha Mata-au rivers, enter the Roxburgh Gorge. Be amazed by the abrupt transition from urban to remote landscape against the awe-inspiring backdrop. Gaining height, the trail makes its way towards Butchers Creek, stone-walled water races, and other remnants of gold mining activity.
The trail stops beside the jetty at Doctors Point to meet the jet boat for an exciting and scenic trip down the Lake to Shingle Creek. Re-join the trail and journey on to complete the trail at Lake Roxburgh Hydro Dam.
Boat Transfers - Booking Required
Be sure to book the boat transfer before beginning your trail journey. To make a booking or for more information, including available transfer times and costs, please contact the Roxburgh i-SITE Visitor Information Centre on 03 262 7999.
Roxburgh Hydro Dam to Shingle Creek - return
(22km cycle or walk)
From the Roxburgh Dam lookout, the trail takes travellers into a rugged and isolated landscape with stunning northerly vistas across the Lake Roxburgh. Then, heading away from the water, the trail passes through a small secluded valley with regenerating Ka-nuka (tea tree) scrubland and into sweeping hill country farmland. At Elbow Creek, enjoy a gradual descent to Shingle Creek, the halfway mark. Rest up before returning to the hydro dam.
Changing from one trail to the other
It's as simple as crossing the Roxburgh Hydro Dam. Take your time and watch for vehicles. Please note the two carparks on Dam Observation Point road; the higher carpark is where the Roxburgh Gorge trail starts (or ends). The lower carpark offers a fantastic view of the dam and the Teviot Valley to the south.
Commissioner's Flat to Roxburgh
(9.4km cycle or walk)
This section follows the banks of the mighty Clutha Mata-au River with its distinctive turquoise water, fast flow and ever changing eddies. Look out for signs of the 1880s' goldrush and imagine the conditions hardy settlers faced. Travelling downstream, carpets of orchards on both sides of the valley cut a swathe of colour whatever the season.
Roxburgh to Millers Flat
(19.6km cycle or walk)
Meander along the riverside, keeping an eye out for stunnng hillside rock formations and large stands of regenerating native Ka-nuka (tea tree). Five kilometres beyond Roxburgh, enjoy a break - and a swim - at Pinders Pond.
- Pinders Pond - A popular picnic and safe swimming spot set amongst mature trees and a rugged, sculptured landscape, Pinders Pond is a Teviot Valley must-see.
Millers Flat to Beaumont
(24.7km cycle or ride)
Journey on through pastoral farm land towards the tiny settlement of Millers Flat then through the remote and beautiful Beaumont Gorge, meeting up with the State Highway 8 at the Beaumont Bridge. On the way, visit the historic Horseshoe Bend suspension bridge, and for added intrigue, a short detour from the bridge car park reveals the site of the famed Lonely Graves.
Beaumont to Lawrence
(19.4km cycle or walk)
From Beaumont, the trail begins its climb towards the highest point of the trail and on through Big Hill Tunnel. Beyond the tunnel descend into lush green farmland, crossing the highway several times. Along the way, see reminders of the area’s history: the discovery of gold, the milling of flax fibre for rope making (Evans Flat) and the arrival of Chinese prospectors to the goldfields (approaching Lawrence).
- Big Tunnel Hill - Sheer hard work and determination saw up to 100 men form a tunnel 22 chains or 434 metres in length. Rumour has it that gold was found in the quartz.
- Gabriel's Gully - The discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gully by Gabriel Read in May 1861 was the start of the Central Otago goldrush.