Lake Dunstan Trail bike hire
SheBikesHeBikes hires bikes and e-bikes for the Lake Dunstan Trail from its Clyde depot at 13 Fraser St. A morning van carries you and your hire bike up the lake to Cromwell, and you ride the 42 km back to the depot with the hard part of the logistics already done.
The Lake Dunstan Trail follows the Cromwell Gorge on the edge of the lake, mostly on a purpose-built track, with sections cantilevered out over the water. Riding from Cromwell back to Clyde means you finish where your hire bike lives, so there is no van to wait for at the end of a long day.
Four ways to ride the lake
Three start from the Clyde depot with your bike already looked after, and one meets you in Cromwell. Tap a ride for its full details and to book.
Cromwell to Clyde, van to the start
The full trail. You meet the morning van at the Clyde depot, ride from the Cromwell Heritage Precinct and finish back at the depot with your bike.
View rideStart in Cromwell
Staying in Cromwell? We deliver your bike to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct in the morning. You ride to Clyde, and the 4:15 pm shuttle brings you back to Cromwell.
View rideHalf the trail, boat cruise back
Ride half of the trail, then cruise back across Lake Dunstan by boat. A good choice if you want the views without the full 42 km.
View rideClyde to Cromwell, boat cruise back
Ride the trail in the Clyde to Cromwell direction and take the boat back across the lake. It makes for a long day, so allow the time.
View ride- Grade 2
- Easy. Some gentle climbs and gravel.
- Grade 3
- Intermediate. Steeper climbs, narrower track, some exposure.
Where the climb and the gorge fall
Riders often assume the Halfway Hut marks the middle of the ride. It doesn't. The hut is about 26 km from Cromwell, which leaves 16 km to Clyde, and the Cairnmuir Ladder comes earlier, between roughly 18 and 20 km. Once you're over the ladder the steepest part is behind you.
Distances below run from the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, the direction our hire riders travel.
- 0 – 5 kmCromwell Heritage Precinct to Bannockburn Bridge
- 5 – 13 kmBannockburn Bridge to Cornish Point
- 13 – 18 kmCornish Point to the foot of the Cairnmuir Ladder
- 18 – 20 kmThe Cairnmuir Ladder, a 1.7 km climb
- 20 – 22 kmCairnmuir high point to Hugo Bridge
- 22 – 26 kmHugo Bridge to Halfway Hut
- 26 – 42 kmHalfway Hut to Clyde, the longest stage at 15.9 km
The Clyde and Cromwell van timetable
The van runs between the two towns every day, and the times decide how you plan the ride. Hire bikes go out on the morning run, and you ride them home.
Left your car in Cromwell? Ride to Clyde, hand your bike back, then take the afternoon van back to your car.
- 9:30 am, Clyde to CromwellPassengers, hire bikes and private bikes. Reaches the Cromwell Heritage Precinct at 10:00 am. Leaves at 10:00 am from May to September
- 10:45 am, Cromwell to ClydePassengers and private bikes. Reaches Clyde about 11:15 am. The departure time is approximate, because of the stops in Cromwell
- 4:15 pm, Clyde to CromwellPassengers and private bikes only. Reaches Cromwell about 4:45 pm
Standard bike or e-bike for this trail?
Most of the trail is easy. The two things that tire people are the distance and the Cairnmuir climb, so we recommend an e-bike for most riders and keep standard bikes for those who ride regularly. Mixed groups often put one or two riders on e-bikes so everyone arrives together.
- ChildrenSuited to children tall enough for a 24-inch bike. Trailers for ages 1–5, tag-alongs for ages 4–7
- Your own bikePrivate bikes can use any of the three vans
- Staying in CromwellOne of our day rides delivers your bike to the Heritage Precinct. You ride to Clyde and the 4:15 pm shuttle brings you back
- Staying near BannockburnOur Bannockburn depot is at Calvert Vineyard, 164 Felton Rd, with the Kawarau Gorge Trail running past the front of the property. Ask us about starting from there
What to carry in the gorge
Phone coverage can drop out in the Cromwell Gorge, so plan as though you'll be on your own for a stretch. A helmet is required. Carry water, a spare tube and tools, and call 111 in an emergency. For a snack stop, Carrick winery is close to the Bannockburn end of the trail.
- AlwaysHelmet, water, spare tube and tools
- EmergencyCall 111
- WinterThe trail can be ridden all year. The depot is by appointment from June to August
From the depot to the lake and back
Choose your ride and bikes
Pick a ride above, or call the depot. Tell us your dates and who's riding so the right bikes and sizes are ready.
Get fitted at Clyde
Arrive about 9:00 am (winter times differ) and we set each bike up for its rider. Then you meet the 9:30 am van, and your hire bike goes with you.
Ride back to Clyde
Ride from Cromwell at your own pace and return the bike at the depot. Trip planning is free.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lake Dunstan Trail and how long does it take?
The trail is 42 km from the Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Clyde. Most riders take 4 to 6 hours including stops, so it fits comfortably into one day.
How hard is the Lake Dunstan Trail?
It is Grade 2 to 3. Most of it is easy riding, but the Cairnmuir Ladder is a 1.7 km climb about 18 km from Cromwell, and parts of the gorge are narrow with a drop to the lake.
Where do I pick up a hire bike?
Hire bikes are fitted at the Clyde depot, 13 Fraser St, and travel to Cromwell on the morning van with you. You ride back to Clyde and return the bike at the depot.
What time does the morning van leave?
The van leaves Clyde at 9:30 am. From May to September it leaves at 10:00 am. It carries passengers, hire bikes and private bikes to Cromwell.
Should I hire an e-bike or a standard bike?
Both are available. We recommend an e-bike for most riders because of the 42 km distance and the Cairnmuir climb. Fit riders who ride regularly are comfortable on a standard bike.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. Private bikes travel on the 9:30 am Clyde to Cromwell van, the 10:45 am Cromwell to Clyde van and the 4:15 pm Clyde to Cromwell van.
Can children ride the Lake Dunstan Trail?
Yes, if they are tall enough for a 24-inch bike. For younger children we hire child trailers for ages 1 to 5 and tag-alongs for ages 4 to 7, depending on height.
Is there phone coverage on the trail?
Coverage can be unreliable in the Cromwell Gorge. Carry water, a spare tube and tools, wear a helmet, and call 111 in an emergency.
Can I ride only part of the trail?
Yes. One of our day trips is a half-trail ride with a Lake Dunstan boat cruise back, which suits riders who do not want the full 42 km.
Ride the Lake Dunstan Trail
Choose a ride above, or call the Clyde depot and we'll help you pick the right one. Trip planning is free.