Roxburgh Gorge Trail bike ride with jet boat transfer

Ride the river gorge, float the section with no trail, ride out again

A self-guided bike ride on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail near Queenstown that combines 33km of pedaling with a jet boat transfer through the gorge itself. The operator provides e-bikes, helmets, a safety briefing and return transport to Clyde, so you show up and ride. The boat section takes 30–40 minutes and covers the 12km stretch where no trail is built yet, letting you see the gold rush history from the water while your bikes travel alongside you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bike ride and boat trip in Roxburgh Gorge

• Briefing with Guest Experience Manager
• Ride 12km from Clyde to Alexandra
• Join Roxburgh Gorge Trail at Alexandra bridge
• Ride 10km from trail start to Doctors Point
• Catch boat at Doctors Point
• Boat ride 12km to Shingle Creek
• Ride 11km trail to Roxburgh Dam
• Meet vehicle for return shuttle to Clyde

The Experience

You start at Clyde after a briefing from your Guest Experience Manager, then ride 12km along the river trail toward Alexandra. The bikes come fitted with rear trunk bags, water bottle holders, pumps and repair kits, so you can carry refreshments for the day. At Alexandra you join the Roxburgh Gorge Trail proper and continue to Doctors Point, where you meet the boat at 12:30pm. The jet boat (a covered boat in winter) carries you and the bikes 12km upriver through the gorge in 30–40 minutes, narrating the gold rush history as you float. This is the section where no trail exists yet.

Once the boat lands at Shingle Creek, you ride the final 11km of trail to Roxburgh Dam, where a vehicle waits to shuttle you back to Clyde. The whole day runs about six hours from start to finish. The e-bikes are Sinch models built for New Zealand trails, with Specialized Camber helmets that have impact protection. You need at least moderate fitness and confidence on a bike — the route grades between 1 and 3, and the boat section is included in the price, so there are no surprises at the dock.

What’s included

• E-bike hire (Sinch e-bikes built for NZ trails).
• Specialized Camber helmet with impact protection.
• rear trunk bag, water bottle holders, pump and repair kit.
• jet boat transfer through the gorge with bikes included (covered boat in winter).
• safety and route briefing.
• return shuttle to Clyde.
• Guest Experience Manager support for the day.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by nzbiketrails

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to combine biking and boating on one trail—the e-bikes climb the gorge sections while the boat covers the untrailed river stretch, letting you experience both without switching between separate outings.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the Roxburgh Gorge Trail like to ride?

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is a 33km self-guided route graded 1 to 3 that follows the Clutha River from Alexandra to Roxburgh Dam. You ride 10km to Doctors Point, then take the boat through the 12km gorge section where no trail is built, then ride the final 11km to the dam. It's one of the official NZ Great Rides and counts as a must-do one-day ride in Otago.

Do I need to bring my own bike or helmet?

Bikes and helmets are included. You get a Sinch e-bike fitted with a rear trunk bag, water bottle holders, pump and repair kit, plus a Specialized Camber helmet with impact protection. You just need to bring refreshments and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet on the boat.

What happens during the boat section?

At Doctors Point you board a jet boat (or covered boat in winter) at 12:30pm that carries you and the bikes 12km through the gorge in 30–40 minutes. The boat operator shares local gold rush history while you float the section where no trail currently exists. The boat cost of $155 is included in the package price.

How long does the whole ride take?

The full day runs about six hours from your briefing at Clyde to the return shuttle at Roxburgh Dam. You ride 12km to Alexandra, then 10km to Doctors Point, take the 30–40 minute boat ride, and ride the final 11km to the dam.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness and ride a bike confidently. The trail grades between 1 and 3, and the e-bikes help with the climbing. Riders must be at least 12 years old, and the ride is not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is food and drink included?

Food and drink are not included. You can carry refreshments in the 8L trunk bag on the rear of your bike and eat at the boat meeting point while you wait for the 12:30pm departure.