LAKE DUNSTAN CYCLE TRAIL INCLUDING SHUTTLE
BOOK YOUR LAKE DUNSTAN CYCLE RIDE TODAY!
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAKE DUNSTAN CYCLE TRAIL
We offer shuttle services for you and your bikes between Wanaka and Cromwell, as well as between Clyde and Cromwell. The trail between these towns offers amazing views of Lake Dunstan and the Pisa Range, and we recommend using one of our e-bikes for this ride. If you have your own bikes and only need transportation, please give us a call, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you if we have a group booking.
The full Lake Dunstan cycleway from Clyde to Smiths Way is 57km, but the more popular route between Cromwell and Clyde is approximately 42km. This stunning ride features views of the mountains, Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River, and the Cromwell Gorge. The trail is now graded 1-3 (easiest, easy, and intermediate) due to some steep, narrow sections and drop-offs. If you’re not a regular cyclist or haven’t ridden in a while, we recommend starting with an easier trail like the Lake Hawea River Trail. The Cromwell Gorge section is not suitable for young children in trailers or tag-alongs due to narrow paths. Children on 24″ bikes or larger should be fine, but they need appropriate gearing, fitness, and bike handling skills.
If you’re bringing your own bike, please ensure it’s recently serviced and that you have a puncture repair kit, pump, chain breaker, and missing links. While this is not a beginner’s ride, it is manageable with common sense and caution. There are two large climbs with high-speed descents, sharp corners, and limited road access for support. However, the ride is also an engineering marvel with sections bolted onto cliff faces, climbs up to 150m high, and an 85m swing bridge. The trail is currently bi-directional, so please be cautious on blind corners.
We recommend stopping at the top of the climbs to enjoy the stunning lake views. There is also a unique floating coffee and burger cart and the Carrick Vineyard (if riding from Clyde to Cromwell) that are worth visiting.
For those who prefer to self-drive from Wanaka or Queenstown, we meet you at a designated location in Cromwell to provide bikes or shuttle services. A minimum of four passengers is required for shuttles; single bookings will be waitlisted.
For groups of 8 or more, please email us at hello@wanakabiketours.co.nz to reserve a date and inquire about our group rates.
Please book in advance, as last-minute bookings may be unavailable.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Shuttle from Wanaka to Cromwell or Clyde
- Shuttle from Cromwell to Clyde or Clyde to Cromwell
- Bike Hire (includes Helmets) – standard and e-bikes
- Private Bike shuttle
- Thorough trail briefing with detailed map of the ride
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Stunning views
- Ride across the Hugo Suspension bridge!
- Ride the Clip ons
- Climb to the summit(s)
- Vineyards
- Floating “Afloat” Coffee and burger Cafe (halfway point)
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
- Day bag with sunscreen!
- Bottled plastic water (750ml fits inside bike bottle cage)
- Suitable activewear/ Shorts, T-shirt
- Sturdy footwear (closed-toe)
- Windbreaker jacket
- Sunglasses
- Phone with Camera
YOU NEED TO KNOW
Take your time and enjoy the ride along the side of beautiful Lake Dunstan, and visit the shops, and cafes either end at Cromwell or Clyde.
If you are not a confident rider this cycle trail is not recommended for you. There are several climbs, with switchbacks along with blind corners, drop-offs, and the trail is also bi-directional.
Please note: Between Cornish Point and Clyde there are large sections of the trail with no or limited cell phone coverage and also no alternate road access for support and once you start the ride there is no going back!
The Lake Dunstan cycleway is largely gentle and flat, but there are two hill climbs up to 150m that will get the heart racing.
The popular section of the Lake Dunstan Cycleway is between Clyde and Cromwell. This section is 44km and is very popular for good reason. It is an interesting and scenic ride with some incredible engineering and thought gone into making the trail possible.
Lake Dunstan cycleway Shuttle services and schedule:
| Pick up from (min number criteria applies) | Time | Drop off |
| Wanaka (outside the iSite) | 9am | Cromwell |
| Cromwell – The Junction Lookout (cnr Alpha and Inniscourt St) | 10:15am | Dunstan Rowing Club, Clyde |
| Clyde – Dunstan Rowing Club | 2.15pm | Cromwell – Historic Precinct |
| Clyde – Township | 2:30 pm | Cromwell – Historic Precinct |
| Clyde – Township | 2:30 pm | Bannockburn |
Frequently asked questions about this ride:
Q: What is the best way to ride Clyde to Cromwell or Cromwell to Clyde?
A: The most common question, in short, the ride is awesome either way. But the benefits of one way vs the other are below. The direction we recommend on the day is normally driven by wind direction so when a northerly is blowing we start from Cromwell.
-Starting from Clyde. We drop riders next to the Dunstan Rowing Club, which is the start of the cycleway. Riders starting from here have the benefit of gentler ascents into the two big hill climbs, and the bonus of getting the hills done before (hopefully) you are two tired. Once the hills are done then there is time to enjoy the floating cafe and you have the benefit of Carrick vineyard towards the end if you fancy wine and a cheese platter, or perhaps shooting off up the hill to the Bannockburn pub (yes we can arrange pickups from there also). the final leg of the journey into Cromwell is also very scenic.
–Starting from Cromwell. We drop bikes at the Junction lookout which is also close to the historic precinct and a great way to start the day with coffee to get you moving. The clip-ons appear after you wind along the lakeside after Carrick vineyard and provide a spectacular photoshoot or two. The Climbs up the hills from this direction are slightly more technical and you will need to be comfortable riding switchbacks. The Downhill in this direction is really good fun. Coming into Clyde in the afternoon also means you have time to relax and enjoy the town’s many shops and cafes before your 2.45 last pick up with Wanaka Bike tours.
Q: Is the ride suitable for beginners?
A: No. If you are not comfortable riding bikes and feel you are unsure of your ability to ride loose gravel and to be able to steer out of trouble or stop quickly perhaps you are better riding one of our easier rides like the Lake Hawea River track. The Lake Dunstan cycleway was initially graded 1-2 which is now changed to 1-3 due to the sections that have drop-offs and the danger these can cause. Having said that, if you exercise caution and ride in control you will have a fantastic day riding, the tracks are extremely well made and maintained.
Q: What time do I have to have the bikes back?
A: If you have hired bikes from us then 3:30 pm is the pickup deadline.
Q: Do I need to take food and water?
A: We suggest you take water and snacks, there is a fun floating cafe on the way but that gets really busy, so to avoid the queues have something ready. There are shops at either end that you can rehydrate at, plus you are riding beside a massive lake the entire way…
Q: Do I need an e-bike for this ride?
A: NO, but it sure is fun with one… you decide. E-bikes come with additional cost and are slightly harder to ride in some respects as you come into corners quicker, but they take the pain out of hills if you aren’t a fit or regular rider.