Alexandra-Clyde-Cromwell One-way or Loop
100km
+1400m
5h30
spring/summer
3/5*
Physical & technical
Ride on the amazing Dunstan Lake gravel trail on the south island
If you are in the south island, near Queenstown or Wanaka, I would highly recommend to do this gravel ride! You can do it in multiple ways.
Either a one-way trip, a loop, or back and forth on the same trails, you can tailor it to your desire. Normally starting from Clyde and ending in Cromwell, I decided to start from Alexandra, where I was staying. I chose to do the back and forth option, from Alexandra to Cromwell and back. It is a 100km ride with about 1400 meters of elevation, but rather than being one big climb, it is spread over the route with two longer climbing sections.
The route
You will ride on forest trails that sometimes shrink into single trails, you will cross some suspended bridges, ride on bridges attached to the rocks, and ride along the lake, literally. It can be sometimes monotone, especially from Clyde to Cromwell but it is still breathtaking and nice to ride.
There are no water point or places to get food on the beginning of the trail, however, there is the coffee afloat, a little boat that is parked attached to the trail and that serves some coffee and sells some food. Nevertheless, it was indicated to be only open from 11:00am to 2:00pm when I passed by it, make sure to not rely on this for water/coffee or food. For an actual stop to fill up you water and grab something to eat, there is Carrick Winery, kilometer 44.
If you want to choose the option of doing a loop from Alexandra, I was recommended to do this route below. You will ride the Dunstan Lake trail at the start of the route and then come back by the Hawksburn road. You will have a little bit more of elevation gain, +1670m, but you’ll be taken through a new landscape for the second part of the route.
Definitely a must do if you are in the area with your gravel bike or even mtb! And don’t forget to finish by a dip in the lake after a nice day on the bike.
Notes:
- There are NO water point during 50km, I highly recommend taking enough water with you, especially that it can be very hot on summer days.
- Watch out for the wind. You will see signs that tell you when to be more attentive, make sure to take them into consideration as there are some narrow trails.
Map & GPX
tested
Dunstan Lake Loop - via Hawksburn road
Alexandra - Cromwell and back
Best Addresses
(*tested)
DISCOVER
Ride on the breathtaking Dunstan Lake gravel trail, as a loop or a one-way trip, this is a must do in the south island!
