Clutha Gold Trail

Clutha Gold Trail Sections

• Commissioners Flat to Roxburgh Town - 9.4km

  This section of the trail takes you alongside the mighty Clutha Mata-au River - its distinctive turquoise colour, constant flow and ever changing moods become interwoven with your experience. Look out for signs of the original search for gold and imagine what the hardy settlers faced in the early days. 

  As you travel downstream you cannot miss the orchards on both sides of the valleys creating a splash of colour at every season.

  Be sure to cross the bridge into Roxburgh township - whether its just to rest and relax, take on refreshments or seek out the towns creative arts and sculptures. 

• Roxburgh to Millers Flat - 19.6km

  Meander along the riverside and enjoy a break in your journey at Pinders Pond, 5km beyond Roxburgh. Pinders Pond is a favourite safe swimming spot in the summer for the locals, as although it might look tempting on a hot day - swimming is not recommended in the swift currents of the Clutha Mata-au river. 

  There are many things to look out for along this part of the trail, including stunning rock formations both on the hillsides and in the river, orchards, and the largest stand of regenerating native Kanuka (tea tree). 

• Millers Flat to Beaumont - 24.7km

  This section of the trail takes you from the pastoral farmland and orchards around Millers Flat through the remoteness of Beaumont Gorge where the trail is a mix of quiet roads and trail on the old railway line, before re-emerging beside the main highway at the Beaumont Bridge.

  Visit the Historic Horseshoe Bend Bridge, and for an added story take a short detour from the Horseshoe Bend Bridge car park up the road to the site of the Lonely Graves. 

• Beaumont to Lawrence - 19.4km

  From Beaumont you start the climb towards the highest point of the trail and through the Big Hill Tunnel (a torch is recommended for the tunnel). After the tunnel you descend into lush green farmland connecting with and crossing the highway several times, before arriving in Lawrence - Otago's first gold rush town. 

  There are many reminders of the area's history along the route, including discovery of gold, milling flax fibre for rope making around Evans Flat and the arrival of the Chinese prospectors to the goldfields. 

   

• Lawrence to Waitahuna - 14km

  The discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gully by Gabriel Read in May 1861 led to the Otago Goldrush and saw the town of Lawrence boom. A detour from the trail here of 4km (20mins cycle one way) to visit Gabriel’s Gully is highly recommended.

  Departing Lawrence, the trail climbs gently before the easy grade 2 trail brings you to the small settlement of Waitahuna, where you’ll find a coffee cart and refreshments (closed in winter - check opening times) at the historic Waitahuna Railway Station and goods shed.

• Waitahuna to Milton - 31km

  The trail between Waitahuna and Milton is gently undulating and partially follows the old railway line through rolling green countrywide and woodlands. There are two tunnels and a viaduct to explore along the way so remember a torch for the tunnels and ring your bell to let people in the dark know you’re approaching! Mount Stuart Reserve, about halfway along this section, is an idyllic spot for a picnic with plenty of shade in the summer.

  There are no services between Milton and Waitahuna so remember to fuel up with coffee and snacks in either Milton or Waitahuna before you depart. Cell phone coverage is also limited in places.

  Caution: the trail crosses the main road (SH8) several times and there are some short sections where the trail shares public gravel roads, so be aware of traffic and normal road rules apply.

• Milton to Waihola - 17km

  As Milton was close to an easy route to Central Otago, it grew quickly during the goldrush years of the 1860s and became a major staging post for prospectors heading for the goldfields. Likewise, today, Milton is an important service centre for cyclists and walkers on the Clutha Gold Trail heading to or from Lawrence.

  From Milton, the trail follows a wide, flat floodplain and includes an impressive section of boardwalks around the wetlands and shore of Lake Waihola. Take your time to enjoy the landscape and nature around Lake Waihola and appreciate the extensive habitat restoration along the trail.