Lake Dunstan E Bike Trail from Clyde: Ride back to town

The trail crosses New Zealand's third-largest hydroelectric dam mid-ride.

Ride the Lake Dunstan Trail on an e-bike from Old Cromwell back to Clyde, a three- to six-hour journey through Central Otago's schist landscape. You'll start at the historic Cromwell precinct, cycle past Bannockburn Inlet and Carrick Winery, and finish at the Clyde Dam. The e-bikes are fully equipped, and you get a personal itinerary on the CCT app.

Step-by-step itinerary

E-bike ride from Cromwell to Clyde

• Meet at Clyde Depot
• Brief on e-bike use
• Transport to Old Cromwell
• Explore Cromwell Historic Precinct
• Cycle around Bannockburn Inlet
• Visit Carrick Winery for tasting
• Ride to Clyde and view Clyde Dam

The experience

Old Cromwell's historic precinct is where you begin, in the beautifully preserved gold rush-era buildings that sit on the edge of Lake Dunstan. After your briefing at the Clyde Depot, you'll be transported here to start the ride. The trail itself takes you across one of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes: you'll cling to the edge of cliffs, pass engineering marvels carved into the schist, and see the stories the landscape tells about Central Otago's mining past.

The route follows the calm waters of Bannockburn Inlet, where vineyard rows and historic gold tailings frame the lake views. Carrick Winery sits perched above the water, and many riders stop here for a wine tasting or a long lunch. The trail is built to let you set your own pace. As you ride into Clyde, the Clyde Dam comes into view: New Zealand's third-largest hydroelectric power station, framed by rugged hills and the blue water below. It marks the end of the trail and the start of your return to the depot.

Your e-bike comes with a gel seat, panniers for carrying things, a helmet, and a puncture repair kit. Children from age nine can ride, and specialized infant seats are available if you're bringing a younger child. The CCT app gives you a personal itinerary so you know what's coming and can plan your stops.

What’s included

• World-class e-bike with gel seat and panniers.
• helmet.
• puncture repair kit.
• trail donation.
• personal itinerary on the CCT app.
• specialized infant seats available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (9 to 14 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Central Cycle Trail Co.

Is this one for you?Small groups and solo riders both work here, and the three- to six-hour window means you can start early and still have the afternoon free, or take your time with stops and a long lunch at Carrick Winery without rushing back to Clyde.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (9 to 14 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

Can I stop for lunch or a wine tasting on the Lake Dunstan Trail?

Yes. Carrick Winery sits on the route above Bannockburn Inlet and is known for organic wines and a seasonal kitchen. Many riders stop here for a tasting or a long lunch, and the trail is designed to let you set your own pace.

What is the Clyde Dam and where does it fit into the ride?

The Clyde Dam is New Zealand's third-largest hydroelectric power station, located at the end of the trail as you approach Clyde. It's a striking piece of engineering framed by schist hills and Lake Dunstan, and marks the finish of your ride back to the depot.

What happens if I get a puncture on the trail?

Your e-bike comes with a puncture repair kit, so you can fix a flat yourself. The trail is well-established and you're never far from support if you need it.

How fit do I need to be to ride the Lake Dunstan Trail?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The trail is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but the e-bike assist makes it manageable for most riders who are reasonably active.

What's included with my e-bike rental?

Your world-class e-bike comes with a gel seat, helmet, panniers for carrying things, and a puncture repair kit. You also get a trail donation included and access to your personal itinerary on the CCT app.