Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Hire & Boat Ride
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Embark on the Ultimate Lake Dunstan Experience with NZ Bike Trails for an unforgettable 4 hour cycling adventure with a return boat trip in the heart of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes. This 5 hour journey includes either pick up and drop off from select locations, regular bike or e-bike hire, a 42 kilometre (Grade 1-3) self-guided bike ride along the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail and a boat trip from Clyde back to Cromwell aboard the Dunstan Explorer. It's the ultimate way to experience the now famous Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail!
After a morning pick up from select locations, your journey kicks off in the charming Heritage township of Cromwell, where you'll mount a top-of-the-line regular bike or e-bike and set forth on the stunning Lake Dunstan Trail. This 42 kilometre trail weaves through the historic heart of Central Otago, offering insights into the region's gold rush era and showcasing the natural splendour of Lake Dunstan, alongside the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers.
Designed for the fit and confident cyclist, this trail does have its challenges with a mix of gravel, boardwalks and dirt tracks, ensuring a rewarding experience with no road access for the final 25 kilometres. As you navigate through this scenic Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail route, take advantage of the four recommended stops: the early-settler site at Cromwell, the delightful Carrick Winery for a brief refreshment, the unique Coffee Afloat/Burger Afloat for a more substantial break, and finally the historic town of Clyde, where heritage cafes beckon.
Your adventure concludes with a relaxing return trip from Clyde to Cromwell aboard the Dunstan Explorer boat, offering a different perspective of the landscape you've just cycled through.
Overall, this self-guided tour allows you to explore the dramatic Central Otago scenery at your own pace. Lake Dunstan bike hire is seamlessly integrated, providing you with state-of-the-art, well-maintained e-bikes from New Zealand's premium Sinch brand, or Specialized Rockhopper Elite Mountain Bikes.
Location
What you need to know
- Return shuttle transfers from select locations between Wanaka & Cromwell
- Regular mountain bike or e-bike hire with helmet
- 42 kilometre (approx 4 hours) self-guided bike ride from Cromwell to Clyde
- Return boat trip from Clyde back to Cromwell
- Allow 5 hours from Cromwell (up to 7 hours with Wanaka transfers)
- Pick ups start from 8:30am
- Pick ups available from Wanaka Lakefront Carpark, Luggate Hotel, Marsden Resort at Pisa Moorings
- If self-driving, meet at the Cromwell McNulty Inlet carpark (next to the public toilets)
- Operates daily all year
- Please bring a water bottle (to fit in a normal bike holder), spending money, sunscreen, extra warm layers, lunch or snacks and camera
- Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather conditions - you will have a holder on the back of your bike for spare layers. We recommend bringing gloves and a wind-proof layer in winter months (May-September)
- This tour is not recommended for children under 15 years
- Minimum height is 140cm
- Suitable for confident riders with a good level of fitness
- Please provide the full name and height of each rider upon booking
- There is no road access to the trail for the last 25km so you will need to be properly prepared for this ride
- A team member will meet you in Clyde after your bike ride to drop you off at the Dunstan Explorer boat
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
