Lake Dunstan Trail bike rental in Cromwell: Electric or standard

Ride the Lake Dunstan Trail on your own pace, with shuttle transport back

Rent a mountain bike in Cromwell for a self-guided ride along the 42km Lake Dunstan Trail to Clyde, with return shuttle included. Choose between LLEVANT electric mountain bikes or Trek Roscoe 7 standard bikes, both fitted with helmets and pannier bags. One rider per group carries an emergency kit with spare tube, multi-tool and first aid supplies. A pre-trip briefing prepares you for the route's mix of easy and moderate grades, including narrow sections and switchback climbs through the Cromwell Gorge.

The experience

You start from the Cromwell Heritage Precinct and ride at your own speed along a trail that hugs Lake Dunstan, passing vineyards and rugged mountains before entering the dramatic Cromwell Gorge. The route splits into two sections: an easier 14km grade 1-2 stretch to Cornish Point, then a more technical 28km grade 2-3 section with steep switchbacks and narrow passages carved into sheer rock faces. The engineering that makes this possible is visible as you ride: cantilever platforms bolted directly onto the cliff face where the terrain is too steep to carve a pathway. Coffee and burger boats stationed along the trail offer a chance to refuel without leaving the route.

The bike choice shapes how you experience the day. LLEVANT electric mountain bikes have a Shimano E8000 system with 11-speed gears, 120mm front suspension and dropper seat posts that let you lower the saddle on descents for better control and comfort. Trek Roscoe 7 standard bikes use 27+ wheels and 2.8-inch tyres for a smoother, more forgiving ride on the trail's varied terrain. Both come with helmets, rear pannier bags for carrying water and snacks, and the shuttle vehicle that meets you in Clyde to return you to Cromwell. One person in your group receives the emergency kit (spare tube, multi-tool, tyre levers, quick link chain tool, new chain and first aid supplies), so you're equipped for minor mechanical issues or scrapes.

The pre-trip briefing covers the route's demands and the bike's features before you leave. The trail takes 4 to 5 hours to complete, though that depends on your pace, fitness and how long you spend at the viewpoints and refreshment stops. Riders should have at least moderate fitness and be comfortable on technical terrain. The operator recommends experience on mountain bikes for safety, especially on the Cromwell Gorge section.

What’s included

• Mountain bike rental (LLEVANT electric or Trek Roscoe 7 standard).
• helmet.
• rear pannier bag.
• emergency kit with spare tube, multi-tool, tyre levers, quick link chain tool, new chain and first aid supplies (one per group).
• pre-trip briefing.
• return shuttle transport from Clyde to Cromwell.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 to 75 years) · Youth (14 to 15 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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 due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cromwell Heritage Precinct Bike Rentals

Is this one for you?The trail's two distinct sections suit different riders: the first 14km to Cornish Point is easier and good for building confidence, while the Cromwell Gorge section demands mountain bike experience and moderate fitness because of its switchback climbs and narrow rock-face passages. Choose the LLEVANT electric bike if you want motor assistance on steep climbs, or the Trek Roscoe 7 if you prefer a lighter, more responsive ride and have the fitness to handle the technical terrain.

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

283 verified traveler reviews

5 ★281

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

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

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride the Lake Dunstan Trail if I've never done a mountain bike ride before?

The first 14km from Cromwell to Cornish Point is graded 1-2 and easier to manage, but the remaining 28km through the Cromwell Gorge includes grade 2-3 sections with switchback climbs and narrow passages. The operator recommends that you have experience on mountain bikes for safety reasons, and you should have at least moderate physical fitness.

What's the difference between the LLEVANT electric bikes and the Trek Roscoe 7 standard bikes?

LLEVANT electric mountain bikes have motor assistance via a Shimano E8000 system, 11-speed gears, 120mm front suspension and dropper seat posts for easier climbing and better control on descents. Trek Roscoe 7 standard bikes rely on your own pedalling power but use 27+ wheels and 2.8-inch tyres that roll more smoothly over rough terrain and require less technical skill to ride.

How long does the ride actually take from Cromwell to Clyde?

The full 42km trail takes 4 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace, fitness level and how long you spend at viewpoints or the refreshment boats along the way.

What happens when I reach Clyde? How do I get back to Cromwell?

Shuttle transport is included in your rental. The vehicle meets you in Clyde and returns you to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct where you started, so you don't need to arrange a separate ride back.

What's included in the emergency kit, and will I actually need it?

One person in each group receives a kit with a spare tube, multi-tool, tyre levers, quick link chain tool, new chain and first aid supplies. The kit covers minor mechanical issues like punctures and chain problems, plus basic first aid for scrapes. It's there if you need it, but most riders complete the trail without incident.

Are there places to stop for food and water along the Lake Dunstan Trail?

Coffee and burger boats are stationed at points along the trail, so you can buy refreshments without leaving the route. It's worth bringing your own water bottle as well, since you'll be riding for several hours.