This long-anticipated opening of the Lake Dunstan Trail commenced with a ribbon-cutting in Clyde on Saturday, 8 May 2021. Followed by community celebrations in Cromwell on the Sunday.

Otago Community Trust, chief executive Barbara Bridger was delighted to be one of the first riders to enjoy this spectacular new addition to Nga Haerenga - New Zealand Cycle Trails. 

Around 200 cyclists lined up for the official opening of the Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail. Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust Chair, Stephen Jeffery and Central Lakes Trust CEO Susan Finlay jointly did the honours cutting the red ribbon.

The Lake Dunstan Trail extends and complements the well-established Great Rides in Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, and provides a key link with the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, both of which are part of Nga Haerenga - New Zealand Cycle Trails.

The trail offers cyclists and walkers an easy 42km ride (Grade 1-2) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as it journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au.

The $26million New Zealand Cycle Trail Project, funded by Government, Central Lakes Trust and Otago Community Trust creates a network of 536km of trails in the region.

Initially scheduled to open by the end of March 2021, the additional engineering work, including blasting, to make sure the 30m section of rock face at Double Duck Bluff caused delay. 

Project manager Tim Dennis outlines that the nature of the Cromwell Gorge has made for a cycle trail project with unique challenges.

"The combination of trails and bridges that are bolted onto the rock face set the ride apart from others around the country and contractors have undertaken more work than any of the other cycle trails in terms of rock stabilisation work or removal of unstable rock."

Otago Community Trust staff had the privilege of walking a small section of the Lake Dunstan Trail in December 2020 and can attest that the engineering that has been undertaken is quite impressive. The images taken from our Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Mel capture just some of the breath-taking views you will experience.