The Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire And Boat Experience
Overview
Available languages
6 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 450m of 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 - from the information boards along the way.
The Dunstan Explorer Boat return is a brilliant way to return back up the lake and explore areas of the trail that you would not have seen from your bike.
Our company actively works with the Dunstan Explorer to deliver outstanding experiences for our guests.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Our company is a Qualmark Gold accredited Operator. Cycle one of NZ's Great Ride Routes from Cromwell to Clyde on one of our brand new fleet of bikes. After the ride you then return to where you left your car on the Dunstan Explorer Boat. Luxury shuttles required are included. A 42km ride on an excellent trail - with a very good surface. We strongly recommend selecting the e-bike option. Regular bike riders should be a fit cyclist (regularly riding) and easily able to complete the Trail. This is a self guided bike ride. You will move along the trail at the speed of your own group. Riders should be 15 years and older (our oldest rider so far has been nearly 80), fit and confident on a bike. This is a great trip for family and friends. The e-bikes allow you to choose your own 'assistance' levels (including 'off') ensuring the group stays together along the trail. With great places to stop along the way including Carrick Winery, Burger Afloat and a quick celebratory drink in historic Clyde before your shuttle and boat 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.
What‘s Included
Dunstan Explorer Boat Experience
Safety Briefing
Executive Shuttles - To Start and To Boat
8L Topeak Rear Trunk Bag (replaces need for a rucksack)
Bike Lock, Puncture Repair Kit and Pump
Helmet - Specialized Camber with MIPs Protection
Hire of bike
Rider Insurance
No Food And Drink IS Provided
Options
Regular Bike and Boat Return
Regular bike riders should be very active, frequent and confident cyclists able to keep up with their group on e-bikes.
E-bike Hire and Boat Return
E-bike Hire and Boat Return : nzbiketrails recommends an e-bike on this trail for all riders - there is no road access for 25km and 580m of climbing.
Reviews
103 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect day on the Dunstan trail
davidsL4732GZ,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time on the bike tour! Our guide Ian and his wife were super helpful and friendly. Our equipment including our bikes worked well. After our bike tour we boarded a boat for a trip back to our car. The guide on the boat gave us interesting information about the area and was very friendly as well. The day was one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip.
One of the best one-day cycle trails - especially on an e-bike!
KaetrinS,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lake Dunstan cycle trail (42m) was a wonderful day ride. The two climbs were straightforward on an e-bike! Luke from NZ bike trails provided an excellent briefing, top tips for the trail which made for a fun experience.
Must do day out!
Chchfamily2014,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An awesome day out. Having made an initial enquiry, Andrew the owner rang and talked through all available options and advised what he thought were the best one’s which we then proceeded to book (for 2x people in their early 50s with a moderate level of fitness) Ian picked us up exactly at the expected time and got us underway making sure we were comfortable on the bikes and knew how to use them. We found the ride (Cromwell -> Clyde) relatively easy and that was made possible by the e-bikes. The track itself was very well maintained with no loose gravel/rutting. Carrick is a must stop for morning tea and to admire the views. Float was open but we were forewarned that isn’t always the case so be prepared. Despite several stops for rests/photos we arrived in Clyde an hour early where Ian was waiting for us so went and had a leisurely lunch. We still had plenty of power left in the bikes so don’t be afraid to use it. Ian then dropped us at the rendezvous point to get the boat back. The boat trip was very smooth, we got a great history lesson and the chance to see the same sights from a new angle. Couldn’t rate the trip/company high enough.
Fantastic
Passport30179195539,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a fantastic ride between the mountains. With a great view on the lake. The path is good, sometimes small, with two climbs in it. After biking back wih the boat is also great.
Nice challenging trail.
O8140JIgabrielk,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the ride and the boat after, both great. Luke was very bright and friendly. The bikes are top, stable, very fine. The boat back with Andrew was a party, nice to hear stories from the prospectors and see where we were cycling that morning. Had a wonderful day, highly recommended!
Awesome
kathrynpA4836NW,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fantastic day. The bikes were set up, the tour operator takes time to set you up and give instructions on best places to stop along the route. Definitely choose e-bikes for everyone it equalizes, slower riders can boost a bit more and keep up and manage some curly switch backs on the trail - no need to get off and push. The scenery is fabulous of course. The boat trip back also fab the driver telling you such interesting information about the area. Honestly one of the best things I've ever done
Stunning ride and views
Mobile15625430169,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00In one word a fantastic experience! The team makes you truly feel appreciated guests. Friendly and helpful. Then the bike ride and boat return are stunning. Highly recommend if you like to bike in an amazing place!
World class Crew
Jadmm,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome crew - super responsive, David and James really care about the customer experience- comms, briefings, bikes, shuttle all superb - best crew on the South Island
A great New Zealand day out
B4027ZDlukew,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience, our group was well looked after! The boat experience was the perfect way to finish the ride, thankyou nzbiketrails
The Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire and Boat Experience – Highly Recommended!
I3234IPmarieb,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Ultimate Lake Boat Experience was great - recommend the baot transfer back. What an incredible adventure! The ride along Lake Dunstan was absolutely stunning—challenging in parts, but so worth it for the views and the sense of achievement. Everything was super well-organised from start to finish, and the team made sure nothing was a problem. The boat transfer back was a highlight—relaxing, scenic, and the perfect way to end the day. This experience created unforgettable memories. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and active way to explore the area! Many thanks from the dream team: • Heather – Velvet Vibes & Victory • Baz – Sass in the Saddle • Batty – Wheelie Wild • Marie – Queen of Quads • Felicity – Elegance in Elevation • Carlos – Mojo on the Move What a ride, what a crew, what a memory!
From NZ$299.00
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