Lake Dunstan Cycleway: E-bike ride Cromwell to Clyde with shuttle

Ride the Hugo Suspension Bridge and clip-on rockface sections while e-bikes handle the effort

Cycle one of New Zealand's Great Ride Routes from Cromwell to Clyde on a brand-new e-bike, covering 42km on a high-quality trail that runs alongside Lake Dunstan. The ride is self-guided at your own pace. An executive shuttle returns you to Cromwell. Minimum age is 15. Moderate fitness and bike confidence are required. Single riders are waitlisted and contacted to confirm availability.

The experience

The trail itself is the engineering feat here. Sections clip directly onto the rockface, the Hugo Suspension Bridge spans a dramatic section, and the surface stays smooth throughout, which is why e-bikes make the 42km feel like half the distance. You control the assistance level on your bike, so nobody has to strain to keep up or hold back the group. The route runs on the opposite side of Lake Dunstan from the road between Cromwell and Clyde, which means you're riding away from traffic the whole way.

You set your own speed and stops. Information boards along the trail explain the area's history, from the gold rush through to the construction of New Zealand's largest dam. Carrick Winery and Burger & Coffee Afloat are both on or near the route if you want to break the ride. The trail ends in historic Clyde, where you can grab a celebratory drink before the executive shuttle picks you up and drives you back to Cromwell. The whole outing takes about five hours from start to finish.

Each e-bike comes with a helmet, lock, puncture repair kit, and an 8-litre rear trunk bag so you don't need to carry a rucksack. You'll get a safety briefing before you leave. Riders should be at least 15 years old, fit enough for a moderate ride, and confident on a bike. The oldest rider so far has been nearly 70.

What’s included

• Return executive shuttle from Clyde to Cromwell.
• Sinch e-bike hire designed for New Zealand trails.
• helmet with MIPs protection.
• bike lock.
• 8-litre rear trunk bag.
• puncture repair kit.
• safety briefing before departure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 to 80 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 11

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by David

Is this one for you?This suits groups and families who want to ride together without anyone getting left behind or worn out. The e-bike assistance means different fitness levels can share the same pace. If you're a single rider, you'll be waitlisted and contacted to confirm your booking once other riders are available.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How hard is the Lake Dunstan ride on an e-bike?

The 42km trail feels shorter on an e-bike because you can dial up the motor assistance as much as you need. You control the level yourself, so if one rider wants more help and another wants to pedal harder, the e-bike adjusts for each person. Moderate fitness and bike confidence are required, but the e-bikes are designed to let groups stay together without anyone struggling or waiting around.

What's included with the bike rental?

The rental includes a Sinch e-bike (brand recommended for New Zealand trails), helmet with MIPs protection, bike lock, 8-litre rear trunk bag, puncture repair kit, and a safety briefing before you start. The executive shuttle back to Cromwell is also included in the price.

Can I stop along the way or do I have to keep moving?

This is a self-guided ride, so you move at your own pace and stop whenever you want. Carrick Winery and Burger & Coffee Afloat are both accessible from the trail, and the ride ends in Clyde where you can spend time before the shuttle picks you up.

What's the Hugo Suspension Bridge like?

The Hugo Suspension Bridge is one of the standout features of the trail. It's a dramatic crossing built into the route. The trail also has sections that clip directly onto the rockface in places, which is part of the engineering that makes this one of New Zealand's Great Ride Routes.

How long does the whole activity take?

The full outing takes about five hours from when you leave Cromwell to when the shuttle returns you. That includes the 42km ride itself, any stops you make along the way, and the drive back.

Is this suitable for families?

Yes, the photos show families and friends riding together. Riders need to be at least 15 years old and confident on a bike, but the e-bike assistance means younger or less experienced riders in the group can keep pace without exhaustion. The oldest rider so far has been nearly 70, so the age range is wide.