The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is currently under construction.  It will be completed and open to ride in September 2013.

Once completed, the Roxburgh Gorge Trail will provide a spectacular one-day ride between Alexandra and the Roxburgh Dam, following the Clutha Mata-au River.  

Starting from Alexandra, within a short distance riders will enter the Roxburgh Gorge, with bluffs rising almost 350 metres on either side of the river at its most dramatic point. 

The gorge has been described as New Zealand’s own “Grand Canyon”.  With no road into the gorge, the construction of the trail will provide cycling (and walking) access to a truly iconic natural environment.

The trail also opens up access to areas of historic significance, with old schist huts built into the rock by Chinese miners and remains of two small mining settlements.  The opportunity to explore these well preserved mining relics set within an imposing and inspiring landscape will appeal to a wide range of people looking for a great one day ride.

The middle section of this trail is not currently accessible by bike, so 10km from Alexandra, riders will enjoy a 12km ferry ride down the river before continuing on their bikes over the last 12 km to the Roxburgh Dam.

Closer to Roxburgh Dam the trail becomes less steep and the swirling currents of the river are replaced by the still waters of Lake Roxburgh.  The Roxburgh Dam, constructed in the mid-1950s, is the earliest of New Zealand's large hydro-electric projects and at the time, was considered an engineering masterpiece. 

The Roxburgh Dam marks the end of the trail.  From here you can continue riding on the Clutha Gold Trail, another Great Ride of Nga Haerenga, all the way to Lawrence.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail also connects with the Otago Central Rail Trail at Alexandra.  These three trails together provide almost 250 km of non-stop Great Riding!

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is a joint initiative of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust and The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.