Discover Clyde: Cycle Routes and Local History

There are several ways to discover Clyde: along former railway lines, beside Lake Dunstan and on a Greenway that connects with the historic town centre. The routes differ considerably in length and character. You can shape your trip around longer cycling stages, a section of the trail near Clyde, or walks that explore local history.

Cycle routes of varying lengths

The Otago Central Rail Trail takes 3–4 days and follows the former Otago Central Branch Railway for 150 km from Middlemarch to Clyde. It is designed for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. For planning purposes, this means a multi-day route with Clyde as its endpoint. Since the railway closed in 1990, more than 60 bridges along the trail have been fitted with new decking and handrails; gravel has also replaced the ballast of the former railway line.

The Lake Dunstan Trail connects Clyde and Cromwell and runs alongside Lake Dunstan. The challenging cycle route is listed as 55 km, with a difficulty rating of 2–3. The Clyde section is separate: it is a 3.5 km route rated difficulty level 1, from the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club to the Clyde Heritage Precinct. This gives you a choice of a longer ride or a clearly defined section near Clyde.

The Alexandra to Clyde River Track adds a combined walking and cycling route for the whole family. It runs between Alexandra and Clyde along the right bank of the Clutha Mata-au River.

Greenway and local history

The Clyde Greenway runs almost from one end of Clyde Township to the other. It is a walking and cycling route to and from Clyde’s historic centre, and was once part of the Central Otago railway branch line. At the northern end stands the former Clyde Railway Station, built in 1907 and restored in 2014. Here, the former railway line and today’s path meet in the townscape.

St Dunstan's Church (Catholic) is also part of Clyde’s history. Designed by a prominent New Zealand architect, it documents the history of the Catholic Church in Clyde. The church is not open to the public.

A drive to Clyde Lookout offers impressive views over the town and its wider surroundings. The lookout complements the trails with a view of Clyde as a whole.

Wine and trip planning

The Clyde Wine and Food Harvest Festival takes place every year on Easter Sunday on the historic main street. It celebrates wines from the world’s southernmost wine-growing regions. If you plan to attend the festival, check the date for your travel year: it takes place on Easter Sunday.

When choosing a hotel in Clyde, your planned trip length is a useful starting point: the Otago Central Rail Trail is a multi-day route, while the Lake Dunstan section near Clyde is 3.5 km long. The Greenway and local history could also be the focus of your days. Tailor your search to the kind of trip you want to enjoy in Clyde.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Conroys Gully, Kyeburn Diggings, Chatto Creek, Earnscleugh, Naseby, Roxburgh, Waipiata, Kokonga.

For the wider travel overview: Central Otago District.