Lake Dunstan Cycleway Bike Rental With Return Luxury Shuttle
Overview
5 hours
Mobile ticket
This trail travels alongside Lake Dunstan on the opposite side of the lake to the road that travels between Cromwell and Clyde.
The engineering involved to create this trail is stunning with clip-ons attached to the rockface in places, the Hugo Suspension Bridge plus a very good trail surface throughout the ride.
The views and scenery on this ride are fantastic and you can fully understand the history of the area - from the goldrush to the building of NZ's largest dam - by reading the information boards along the way.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Cycle one of NZ's Great Ride Routes from Cromwell to Clyde on one of our brand new fleet of bikes. After the ride we then return you to the start point (where you left your car) by our luxury transport. A 42km ride on an excellent Grade 1-3 trail. The surface is very good compacted gravel. Our recommendation is that riders choose our e-bike option. There is 25km of the trail without any road access. This is a self guided bike ride so you are free to move along the trail at the speed of your own group. Riders should be 10 years and older (our oldest rider so far has been nearly 80), fit and confident on a bike. You will see from the photos that this is a great trip for family and friends. The e-bikes allow you to choose your own 'assistance' levels (including 'off') which ensures that no-one has to put in too much effort or is left behind trying to catch up! With great places to stop along the way including Carrick Winery, Burger & Coffee Afloat and finishing by buying a quick celebratory drink in historic Clyde before your shuttle back to Cromwell. Single Riders will be waitlisted. If you are a single rider we will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking.
Options
Specialist Gravel Bike Option
This is for experienced Gravel Bike riders only. nzbiketrails recommends the e-bike option on this trail for other riders.
Standard Bike & Return Shuttle
Specialized Rockhopper MTB: This option includes a bike that is 100% pedal powered by your own effort. nzbiketrails recommends e-bikes on this trail.
E-Bike & Return Shuttle
Sinch E-bikes - NZ Brand: Sinch is an award winning NZ Brand designed for NZ trails. nzbiketrails recommends this option for this trail.
What‘s Included
Guest Experience Manager/Driver Support (with a direct phone number)
Safety Briefing
Executive Return Shuttle
Hire of Bike - Sinch E-bikes, Standard Bikes are Specialized Rockhopper or iLabb Gravel Bikes
8L Topeak Rear Trunk Bag (replaces need for a rucksack)
Bike Lock, Puncture Repair Kit and Pump
Helmet - Specialized Camber with MIPs Protection
Food and Drink
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
164 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good Times
SilversurferNZ,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James and his team were well organised and helped with an awesome day out. We were a big crew that were well looked after. Vans were comfortable and the chat from the team was informative. The bikes were well suited and labelled for the team. Training was provided in the use of the bikes - which was needed for those who hadn't riden e-bikes before. All round they made for a great day out. We all would recommend NZ bike trails to anyone considering a bike ride round the Queenstown lakes area.
Stunning day and scenery
E9251CJdonp,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great trip and recommended, as is NZ Bike Trails. Great commentary en route, stunning day and rugged scenery. Ensure you are confident on a bike and have a head for heights, or you will walk some sections!
A great ride
711marionf,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fabulous day. James was such a great ‘host’… clear, funny, encouraging and informative on the journey back. The e-bikes were great. This ride was challenging in places with steep hills, tight corners and steep drop offs, but amazing scenery. So glad we did this and highly recommend it.
Ticked off Dunstan
Diner0361,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day out with family, some on e-bikes. Great operator who had good tips at the start and full briefing. The trail is all you could hope for with spectacular scenery and a few challenges. Easy pick up at the end and transport back to start. James was super friendly and very professional, thank you!
A fun, rewarding day.
Christian O,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well time balanced with great support and information from Dave. Highly recommend this scenic ride.
Lake Dunstan Bike Rental to the rescue
helenhR8195OU,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We came from the North Island to do a few of the amazing South Island trails. My husband's bike started to play up a couple of days before the Dunstan ride after cycling 300 odd km thus far. Setting off on the Dunstan his bike completely gave up...a major..and our hearts sank at the thought of not being able to do the ride we were so looking forward to. I rang James, with whom we had booked the shuttle back, to ask if they might have a spare rental. He said he was sure they did but to ring Tristan who was doing the Dunstan run that day. Tristan was still at the Cromwell lookout and we were just below so within 10 minutes we were on our way! We were so thankful that we were able to do the ride on a stunning Central Otago day. A wonderful trail and service.
One of the best
tanyafB3823OJ,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Dunston Trail today and what an amazing bike ride thank you so much David for your service and great support. I was a little nervous but you made me feel at ease and explained in detail about the trail, the e-bike and some tips for along the ride we will definitely be back Ron and Tarn
Great experience.
880lilil,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed our bike ride and the service provided by nzbiketrails Cromwell was brilliant. Highly recommend them.
Great bike ride and good company to do it with
OnAir29443788890,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Terrific bike ride to do. Our driver was very friendly and helpful in getting us set up and meeting us at the end. Great e bikes. We actually had a problem with one of the new e bikes which they acknowledged straight away and it was smoothly resolved - which is a sign of a good company.
An Exiting Day’s Cycle
brian345r,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a well organised event with Ian and Max both extremely efficient in getting the group of 18 participants organised and briefed for the ride. The bikes were in good condition and the panier ideal for carrying spare clothing, food etc. The Lake Dunstan trail itself was well worth it with spectacular views and only a couple of short sections graded as level 3. The pick up and return to Cromwell was efficient and on time. Would definitely recommend using NZBikeTrails.
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