Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail, Queenstown (NZ)

Connect with New Zealand's nature on this cycling excursion around Lake Dunstan. Ride alongside cliff faces, cross the suspension Hugo Bridge, and stop at a floating coffee cart on the lake on this 35-mile (57 km) trail. Ideal for regular, confident, or more experienced bikers, this intermediate-level ride gives you the chance to explore Lake Dunstan at your own pace over the course of a half day.

For this excursion, you'll spend several hours biking the intermediate-level trail around Lake Dunstan. If you ride from Smiths Way to Clyde, it's 35 miles (57 km), or there's a shorter option of Cromwell to Clyde, which is 25 miles (42 km). Expect the ride to take three to four hours regardless, as you may want to leave time to stop for photos and climb up to viewpoints. You can bring your own bike or rent a standard mountain bike or an e-bike. If you bring your own, you may have the option of getting your bike transferred at the beginning or end of the trip. Depending on your starting location, shuttle transfers may be available from Wānaka to Cromwell or Clyde, and they may also be available from Cromwell to Clyde or vice versa.

In the morning, you'll go to your desired starting point of Cromwell or Clyde via self-drive or possibly a free shuttle transfer. If you're renting a bike, you'll get your equipment, and once you're ready to go, you can head off onto one of the most beautiful bike trails in the world. You'll experience Central Otago's natural beauty as you cruise above Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River, and the Clutha River on this trail that includes portions of tracks bolted directly onto cliff faces. Feel like you're floating as you bike alongside these teal waters and be sure to stop at viewpoints for photos.

Halfway through the trip when you're in the Cromwell Gorge, you'll find a floating coffee cart bobbing in the waters, so you can rest while enjoying a cup of coffee in a fantastic location. The ride includes a crossing of the Hugo Bridge, a 279-foot (85 m) swing bridge suspended across two cliffs. If you're using a shuttle transfer, you'll meet the driver at the designated meeting point in the afternoon and be brought back to your pickup location. 

This excursion is best suited for regular, experienced, or confident riders, as the bi-directional trail includes several climbs and switchbacks with blind corners. It's not suitable for very young children who need a trailer, as parts are quite narrow. Older children who can ride at least 24" bikes may be able to do it, depending on their skill level with gear-changing and braking.