Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail - Incl. shuttle from Wanaka & return transfers to Wanaka - Regular MTB or e-bike Upgrade Option

The Ride

We offer shuttle services for you and your bikes between Wanaka and Cromwell, as well as between Clyde and Cromwell. The trail between these towns offers amazing views of Lake Dunstan and the Pisa Range, and we recommend using one of our e-bikes for this ride. If you have your own bikes and only need transportation, please give us a call, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you if we have an exist group booking.

The full Lake Dunstan cycleway from Clyde to Smiths Way is 57km, but the more popular route between Cromwell and Clyde is approximately 42km. This stunning ride features views of the mountains, Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River, and the Cromwell Gorge. The trail is now graded 1-3 (easiest, easy, and intermediate) due to some steep, narrow sections and drop-offs. If you’re not a regular cyclist or haven’t ridden in a while, we recommend starting with an easier trail like the Lake Hawea River Trail. The Cromwell Gorge section is not suitable for young children in trailers or tag-alongs due to narrow paths. Children on 24″ bikes or larger should be fine, but they need appropriate gearing, fitness, and bike handling skills.

If you’re bringing your own bike, please ensure it has been recently serviced and that you have a puncture repair kit, pump, chain breaker, and missing links. While this is not a beginner’s ride, it is manageable with common sense and caution. There are two large climbs with high-speed descents, sharp corners, and limited road access for support. However, the ride is also an engineering marvel with sections bolted onto cliff faces, climbs up to 150m high, and an 85m swing bridge. The trail is currently bi-directional, so please be cautious on blind corners.

We recommend stopping at the top of the climbs to enjoy the stunning lake views.

Main Highlights:

• Stunning lake and mountain views
• Ride across the Hugo Suspension bridge!
• Ride the Clip-ons
• Climb to the summit(s)
• Vineyards

What We Provide

• Shuttle from Wanaka to Cromwell or Clyde Departures leave at 08:30am from outside the Wānaka iSite
• Shuttle from Cromwell to Clyde or Clyde to Cromwell Departures leave at 09:30am from the Junction lookout
• Bike Hire (includes Helmets) – standard and e-bikes
• Thorough trail briefing with detailed map of the ride
• All bikes have a water bottle cage.
• Comprehensive trail safety briefing with a route guide printed map

What You Should Bring

• Day bag or backpack (for those larger water bottles or extra clothing layers)
• Plastic water bottle (fits bike bottle cage)
• Shorts and T-shirt
• Sturdy closed-toe footwear
• Windbreaker jacket
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Mobile phone (our Support Crew Member will hand you an emergency contact card)

Food & Refreshments

We recommend that you have a small amount of food and water with you. When riding the route from Clyde, the Carrick Vineyard is well worth visiting for a late lunch. Take your time and enjoy the ride along the side of beautiful Lake Dunstan, and visit the shops, and cafes either end at Cromwell or Clyde.

Riding With Small Children

We do not recommend this activity for children under 13-yrs of age.  All participants must be 135cm and above.

Minimum & Maximum Numbers

• Minimum: 4 participants*
• Maximum: 10 participants

*Each shuttle has a maximum of 10 passengers.  We often have single participants joining us for the activity.  If you are a solo participant and you are the first person to book for the particular day and time then you will join our “pending” list for this activity.  We recommend that you choose the “Bank Transfer” payment option, then when the booking moves to “Confirmed” status we will send you a payment link if your preferred payment method is credit card.

Important Information you need to know

RIDE DURATION: Allow 3-4 hours for the ride (on an e-bike allow 3hrs) but there is no need to rush this awesome ride.

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate.

TERRAIN: Gravel tracks all of the way, two challenging climbs, several switchbacks, and blind corners. Recommended for competent and confident riders. It is largely an easy grade 2 ride with sections of grade 3.

FITNESS LEVEL: Intermediate, you need to be used to riding bikes on a regular basis.

You also should be aware of

If you are not a confident rider this cycle trail is not recommended for you. There are several climbs, with switchbacks along with blind corners, drop-offs, and the trail is also bi-directional.

Please note: Between Cornish Point and Clyde there are large sections of the trail with no or limited cell phone coverage and also no alternate road access for support and once you start the ride there is no going back!

Bookings & Enquiries

Pre-bookings are essential.

For more information, please call or email us at hello@wanakabiketours.co.nz

For larger groups, custom tours can be arranged — just get in touch with us to discuss your requirements

For those who prefer to self-drive from Wanaka or Queenstown, we meet you at a designated location in Cromwell to provide bikes or shuttle services. A minimum of four passengers is required for shuttles; single bookings will be waitlisted.

For groups of 8 or more, please email us at hello@wanakabiketours.co.nz to reserve a date and inquire about our group rates.

Please book well in advance, as last-minute bookings may be unavailable.