Balclutha: Bridge over the Clutha River

The Clutha River runs through the centre of Balclutha, and Balclutha Bridge spans the river. The town offers several activity options: a walk across the bridge, fishing, golf and Cooee Bike Park. Balclutha is also a starting point for exploring the Catlins. This means you can decide whether your stay will focus mainly on the town and its structures, or whether you plan to use Balclutha as a base for a wider-ranging trip.

Balclutha Bridge and the Traffic Bridge

The present-day Balclutha Bridge has stood since 1935 and is one of New Zealand’s outstanding examples of a tied concrete arch bridge. It spans the Clutha River within the town of Balclutha in South Otago. The six-span bridge is 8.7 metres wide and 244 metres long; the curved approaches at either end are not included in this length. It weighs approximately 10,660 tonnes.

Visitors can walk across Balclutha Bridge and enjoy views of the Clutha River and the surrounding landscape. The Balclutha Traffic Bridge is a separate structure: it connects the northern and southern parts of Balclutha on State Highway 1. Together, the two structures give the town a distinctive bridge theme—one spans the river and can be explored on foot, while the other connects the two parts of town on State Highway 1.

River, fishing and golf

The Clutha River runs through the centre of Balclutha. Fishing for salmon and trout in the river is permitted year-round. Check local regulations before fishing. This makes the river a different focus from a walk across the bridge: here, the emphasis is on an activity by the water.

Those who want to include golf in their trip will find Balclutha Golf Club in Balclutha, an 18-hole golf course in the town’s hills. The course adds another clearly defined activity to the river and bridge experiences.

Active days and choosing a base

The main entrance to Cooee Bike Park is at the upper end of Golfers Drive. Signage and access information may change; check before your visit. Alongside a walk across Balclutha Bridge and activities by the river, the bike park gives you a distinct activity option to include in your plans.

Balclutha is a starting point for exploring the Catlins.

The wider Clutha District

In the wider destination of Clutha District, the Clutha Gold Trail offers a longer, multi-day option. The trail is 135 kilometres long, rated easy and graded 1–2, with a stated duration of two to four days. Check the route details before your trip.

A 62-kilometre extension between Lawrence and Waihola opened on 25 August 2023. It connects the existing trail network in Central Otago and Clutha and continues as a cycle trail towards the east coast. These are offerings in the wider Clutha District; the Clutha Gold Trail is therefore a distinct regional travel option alongside the experiences in Balclutha.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kaka Point, Lawrence, Clinton, Tapanui, Larnachs Castle, Chaslands, Tarara, Owaka

For the wider trip overview: Clutha District.