QUEENSTOWN GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
One-Day, 55km Lake Dunstan Shuttle — Ride the Cromwell Gorge from Queenstown
A self-guided, single-day 55km cycle along Lake Dunstan with a seamless shuttle between Queenstown and the trailhead — this guide lays out the logistics, route, and highlights.
One-Day, 55km Lake Dunstan Shuttle — Ride the Cromwell Gorge from Queenstown.
Embark on a breathtaking 55km cycle along the Lake Dunstan Trail, beginning about an hour from Queenstown. The route traverses the crystalline expanse of Lake Dunstan, follows the Kawarau River through the sculpted Cromwell Gorge and finishes in the historic gold‑rush town of Clyde; a shuttle service handles transfers to and from Queenstown to keep the day simple and memorable.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lake Dunstan and the Cromwell Gorge
The trail runs along Lake Dunstan and through the Cromwell Gorge, offering expansive water views and the carved river corridor of the Kawarau River — the defining landscape scenes of the ride.
A one‑day, point‑to‑point 55km ride
The 55km Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail takes riders from the trailhead past Cromwell and onward to Clyde, making for a substantial but achievable single‑day route when paired with the shuttle service.
Clyde: gold‑rush history and afternoon options
Clyde, settled in 1862, is the trail’s day‑end town — a popular historic centre where riders can grab food or a drink and soak up the gold‑rush character before boarding the return shuttle.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You’ll board a shuttle in Queenstown for roughly an hour’s drive to the trail start at Smith’s Way, then pedal a 55km course along lakeshore and river corridor landscapes before arriving in Clyde; the operator returns riders to Queenstown by shuttle later the same day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day ride suits — and who should rethink it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a one‑day self‑guided tour: departure from Queenstown is scheduled at 9:30 AM with a return shuttle departing Clyde at 4:30 PM.
Departures are from the operator depot (Unit 1/134 Gorge Rd, Queenstown) or from accommodation in central Queenstown; free central pick‑ups are offered, with a possible additional charge for locations outside the central area.
The Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail covered on this trip is 55km, running from the Smith’s Way trailhead through Cromwell to Clyde.
The tour is operated by Queenstown Bike Hire, which runs the shuttle and day logistics.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time does the shuttle leave Queenstown?
The shuttle departs Queenstown at 9:30 AM.
Where is the meeting point?
You can meet at the depot: Unit 1/134 Gorge Rd, Queenstown, or arrange a pick‑up from your accommodation in central Queenstown.
How long is the ride?
The Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail covered on this trip is 55km.
Where does the trail start and finish?
Riders are dropped at Smith’s Way to begin the trail; the route passes through Cromwell and finishes in Clyde.
When does the return shuttle leave Clyde?
The return shuttle leaves Clyde at 4:30 PM.
Is pick‑up from my accommodation included?
Free pick‑ups are offered from accommodation anywhere in the central Queenstown area; there may be an additional charge if your accommodation is outside the central town area.