Roxburgh Gorge Trail – The Experience

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail, one of the ‘Great Rides’ of the Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail,

is set to take walkers and cyclists to “another world”.

The Trail offers a real wilderness experience through the remote and stunning Roxburgh Gorge and a chance for people to escape from their everyday lives.

Open all year round, the beauty of this magnificent trail is that you can choose how you want to experience it, start to finish (34km) or you can use just part of it.

The well-formed gravel track is 2.5 metre wide and designed with some cutbacks so users easily gain elevation. To add to the experience there is a relaxing boat ride in the middle section to give people time to soak in this beautiful, powerful part of Central Otago.

Trustees said they wanted all those who walk it or ride it “to experience a sense of privilege to be able to access this largely unseen and untouched world and to tell others to experience it for themselves”.

The physical attributes, values and essence of the Roxburgh Gorge combine to create the trail’s Trait’s distinctive identity. Attributes that include: the powerful and constant presence of the Clutha Mata-au River; the stark barren mountain ranges and narrow gorge; slices of the sky trail users will see framed by the rugged hands of the Gorge and the pungent fragrance of thyme that gives the Gorge a soft purple carpet each spring, permeating the air.

First-time visitors will be surprised by the sudden transition from urban to remote, from streetscape to rocky isolation, isolation that has been the de facto guardian of views of history frozen in time.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail provides the perfect link to connect the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail. But more than that, it delivers its own quality experience, with a unique story to tell set within a largely untouched stunning rocky gorge.

This new Trail provides an opportunity for people to discover a different world they have never seen before and will not forget. Another world, powerfully different.

Clutha Gold Trail – The Experience

The Clutha Gold Trail, one of the ‘Great Rides’ of the Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail is a cycling and walking trail suitable for all ages.

Open year-round, this 1-2 day, 73km easy gradient and smooth, well-formed track will take the user on a journey of discovery from Lake Roxburgh Village to Lawrence.

No matter which end they start, this Trail offers a unique rural experience combined with a wealth of heritage sites from the moa hunting to the gold mining eras and their stories of the bravery and ingenuity of the some of the hardy early settlers of this area. Much remains today to evoke the spirit of those mining days.

The trail user is immersed in a tapestry of diverse landscapes from Central Otago’s seductively rugged semi-arid dry lands through to the contoured lush green farmlands of the Clutha District. It takes them alongside a powerful river like no other, through a beautiful secluded gorge and valley network.

The distinct seasons and contrasting colours mean that users will never tire of the delights and surprises each season brings.

Views of the most iconic and mightiest river in New Zealand, the Clutha Mata-au River in its stunning turquoise colours will remain etched in the minds of users.

And then most of all there are the genuinely friendly communities who will make the time to talk and share a yarn.

Nowhere else is there a Trail that captures such stunning vistas of the mighty Clutha Mata-au River or a sense that there have been many adventurous souls who have travelled this path before – Māori, the pioneering run holders, the early miners, and the Chinese.

This will be the Trail of choice for those who seek quality, diversity and accessibility, and a genuinely rural heartland experience.

Clutha Gold Trail – The Brand

The Inspiration for the Brand Mark

The Clutha Gold Trail brand mark (pictured above) draws on the constant flow of the Clutha Matau-au River. Travelling into a valley and capturing the contours of the land from the gentle folds to the rugged schist rock. Its colours reflect the unique character of the Trail – an earthy gold balanced with a strong blue sky. They are colours of substance that reflect the rich experience the Trail has to offer.

The Clutha Gold Trail’s point of difference

The essence of the Brand is all in the name of the Trail itself – Clutha Gold.

Users of the Trail will experience the powerful Clutha Mata-au River first-hand, sense the riches from our gold mining past, the wealth of pastoral and horticultural stories, the intense golden colours of autumn and the down-to-earth farming communities. They will receive an all-round experience to treasure.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail – The Brand

The Inspiration for the Brand Mark

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail brand mark (pictured above) is based on a stylised version of the Roxburgh Gorge with the Clutha Mata-au River carving its way through the landscape to form the letter “R”.

At the top of the river/letter there is a white wedge shape representing the Roxburgh Dam as well as the descending back of the letter “R”

The representation of the gorge image is completed with the contoured rolling landscape, contour shapes at the top of the logo and the colours echoing the visual feeling of the area.

The distinctive purple – the mauve colour of thyme in flower – is balanced with the colours of the barren mountain ranges.

The overall logo gives a feeling of strength, a pathway/river to follow to the end, a positive image that draws you towards itself and a journey of discovery.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail’s point of difference

The expression chosen by the Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust to sum up the Trail and the Trail Experience is “Another World”.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is clearly different. It’s remote, it’s mysterious and it’s other worldly. It will be memorable.

The Trust has a quality product, and a unique story to tell set within a largely untouched stunning rocky gorge. Cyclists and walkers alike are invited to experience a different world, a hidden treasure.

Trustees see the Roxburgh Gorge Trail as being the trail of choice for those who seek quality, a sense of remoteness and the privilege of seeing a slice of history frozen in time.

Official Opening Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge Trails

Cycling is a large part of the visitor experience for Central Otago. Roxburgh Gorge Charitable Trust and Clutha Gold Charitable Trust over the past eight years have been working towards the opening of these exciting new community assets. On Thursday 24th October 2013 the trails will officially open. Please come and join us for the day or participate in an activity that suits your timeframe.

8.00 a.m. - Breakfast at Monteiths Brewery Bar to celebrate the opening of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. Join the Mayor of Central Otago District for breakfast. Cost is $40 which includes breakfast and your annual maintenance contribution. The Trails have been developed by volunteers and will be maintained into the future by volunteers, therefore each user will be asked to contribute to ensure the longevity of these wonderful community assets. If you would like to attend please RSVP by Friday 18th to the Alexandra i-SITE (03) 448 9515 or call in to purchase your ticket. Numbers are limited.

9.00 a.m. - We will walk to the start of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail where our Mayor will cut the ribbon and those wishing to cycle the trail will depart. To participate in the first trail ride which includes 22km of cycling and a 10km boat trip, you will need to book your boat at the Alexandra i-SITE (03) 448 9515. The cost of the boat ride is $35 per person. To participate in the celebrations at the end of the trail, you need to reach Commissioner Flat at Roxburgh East, south of the dam by midday. Numbers are limited. Booking’s essential.

12.00 p.m. - The Official Opening of Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge Trails at Commissioner Flat.

12.35 p.m. - The departure of the 1st Official ride on the Clutha Gold Trail to Lawrence. Please register your intention to ride and pay your maintenance contribution at the Alexandra i-SITE (03) 448 9515.

4.30 p.m. - The departure of the 5km Evans Flat to Lawrence ride. Please register your intention to ride and pay your maintenance contribution at the Lawrence Information Centre (03) 485 9222.

5.10 p.m. - A brief ribbon cutting ceremony with Bill English will be held at the start of the Clutha Gold Trail in Lawrence.

5.30 p.m. – Enjoy a BBQ at Simpson Park to celebrate the Trails together with the Lawrence community.

If you require return transport after your ride, please contact the Alexandra i-SITE, who can make your bookings. Retail product associated to both Trails will be available for cash sales on opening day.

We hope that you will join us for all or part of the day.

Stephen Jeffery Rod Peirce

Chair, Roxburgh Gorge Charitable Trust Chair, Clutha Gold Charitable Trust

Maintaining Trails into the Future

Cycling and walking are a large part of the visitor experience and the recreation and health experience of Central Otago residents.

Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails have been eight years in the making. They have been created by the generous support of landowners and volunteers. Volunteers will be managing these trails into the future, hence the need for riders and walkers to contribute to the on-going maintenance. It is expected that all users will contribute.

The fee is $25 per person per annum and $50 per family per annum.

You will receive a tag which can be either attached to your bike or your bag for walking. It is an annual contribution from 1 October to 30 September. Tags are individually numbered and are a different colour per year.

Contributions can be paid at the following locations:

- Alexandra i-Site - 21 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra. Phone: (03) 448 9515.

Email: alexinfo@codc.govt.nz

- Roxburgh i-Site – 120 Scotland Street, Roxburgh. Phone: (03) 446 8920.

Email: Roxburgh@codc.govt.nz

- Cromwell i-Site – 47 The Mall, Cromwell. Phone: 03) 445 0212.

Email: Cromwell.isite@codc.govt.nz

- Ranfurly i-site – 3 Charlemont Street, Ranfurly. Phone: (03) 444 1005.

Email: Ranfurlyi-site@codc.govt.nz

- Lawrence Information Centre, 17 Ross Place, Lawrence. Phone (03) 485 9222.

Email: lawrence.infocentre@xtra.co.nz

- Or online at www.cluthagold.com or www.roxburghgorge.com

You will have the option to receive newsletter updates or become a Friend of the Trail. The Friends programme is yet to be developed. If you have skills you would like to contribute, please advise when purchasing your annual tag.

Your support will enable these trails to be maintained into the future for all to enjoy.

Stephen Jeffery Rod Peirce

Chair, Roxburgh Gorge Charitable Trust Chair, Clutha Gold Charitable Trust

History of the Clutha Gold Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trails

The Clutha Gold Trail Charitable Trust (CGTCT) was established to oversee the construction and on-going development of the Clutha Gold Trail. It had its origins as long ago as 2006 when the original Roxburgh and Teviot Valley Community Plan highlighted the potential for a cycle / walking trail connecting the communities of the Teviot Valley with Lawrence. Planning work was already well underway when the Government initiative to develop a national cycleway was (along with funding) announced in 2009. The planned Trail received major funding in July 2010 and construction began in late 2011.

The CGTCT was founded in October 2008. It is a non-profit organisation. Its sole purpose is to manage the construction of the full Trail, and then to see it maintained as a self-sustaining facility that will be the major draw card for Central Otago.

The idea of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail was promoted by recommendations made in both the Roxburgh and Alexandra Community Plans. The pre-feasibility study was completed in

December 2008. A working group made of members of the Vincent and Roxburgh Community Boards applied to the New Zealand Cycleway Project with its proposal and was accepted.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust was established to progress the project.

In October 2013 the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge Trails, two of the Great Rides of New Zealand, will be open to riders and walkers from throughout New Zealand and further afield. We anticipate that over the next five years we will see up to 18,000 people come to walk and bike the full distance of the two Trails, between Alexandra to Lawrence.

Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trail

Frequently Asked Questions

ROXBURGH GORGE CYCLE AND WALKING TRAIL:

Q. Where does the Roxburgh Gorge Trail run from and to?

A. The 33km trail runs from Alexandra to Lake Roxburgh Dam, in 3 stages.

• Alexandra town-ship to Doctors Point - 10kms

• Boat transfer Doctors point to Shingle Creek -25mins

• Shingle Creek to Lake Roxburgh Dam – 12 kms

Q. Are boat bookings essential and how will I book the boat?

A. Yes bookings are essential and can be done through the Alexandra i-SITE (03) 448 9515 or the Roxburgh Visitor Information Centre (03) 446 8920

Q. Will there be anywhere shady to sit and wait for the boat?

A. There is a flat area with minimal shade at the boat docking site at Doctors Point and adequate shading is available at Shingle Creek.

Q. Will Roxburgh Gorge Trail be open all year?

A. The trail will be open all year but the boat transfer will operate seasonally.

Q. How long will it take to travel the trail?

A. Cyclists will take between 3 and 6 hours to complete the trail depending on fitness levels and boat transfer connection times. Fit walkers would be expected to complete the trail in 8-10hours including the boat transfer. People can walk on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail as a shorter return trip from either end of the trail.

Q. Which side of the river does the track follow?

A. The Roxburgh Gorge Trail runs down the true right or western side of the river and most of the route it is located close to the river. However there is one section at the southern (Lake Roxburgh Dam) end where it climbs slowly away from the water to avoid a side stream (Elbow Creek).

Q. Who will be able to use the Trail?

A. People with a reasonable fitness level and cyclists should have some biking experience. The trail is built to a similar standard as the Otago Central Rail Trail and categorised as level 2-3 trail, with the greatest elevation on the Shingle Creek to Lake Roxburgh Dam section.

The route of the Trail is through a rugged and relatively isolated landscape, so you ride and walk this trail at your own risk.

Walkers and bikers both able to use the trail, there is good visibility.

Dogs will not be permitted on the trail because it passes through a rural environment.

Q. What is there to see in Roxburgh Gorge?

A. The section of the river the Roxburgh Gorge Trail passes through is truly one of New Zealand’s hidden gems. This stretch contains some of the best preserved relics from Central Otago’s gold mining past. You will see many European, Chinese and Maori archaeological sites on the trail that are protected under the Historic Places Act and must be respected.

From Alexandra, the trail makes its way quickly into the gorge. Within a kilometre all sign of Alexandra has disappeared and the sense of being in a remote wilderness area is complete. The gorge is encased within a valley that soars almost cliff-like over 350m on either side.

Wildlife is abundant; the magnificent NZ falcon the Karearea can often be seen soaring through the gorge. The trail is a sensory experience – the sense of solitude, the smell of thyme, the heat from the sun-baked rocks and the murmur of New Zealand’s largest river only metres away.

Q. What facilities are available on the trail? How far apart are the toilets?

A. No food and water is available on the trail, all supplies must be carried with you and all rubbish must be taken off the trail.

There are toilets at Alexandra, Doctors Point, Shingle Creek and Lake Roxburgh Village.

CLUTHA GOLD CYCLING AND WALKING TRAIL:

Q. Where does the Clutha Gold Trail run from and to?

A. The Clutha Gold Trail runs between Lake Roxburgh Dam in Central Otago and Lawrence in South Otago. At the northern end it links with the Roxburgh Gorge Trail which in turn joins the Otago Central Rail Trail, creating over 200 km of exceptional riding and walking opportunity.

Q. Which side of the river does the track follow?

A. The Clutha Gold Trail runs down the true left or eastern side of the river. The first stage from Commissioner Flat to Beaumont mainly runs beside the river. The remainder of the trail mainly follows the defunct railway corridor from Beaumont to Lawrence. The Roxburgh Rail Branch from Milton closed in 1968.

Q. Who will be able to use the Trail?

A. People with a reasonable fitness level and cyclists should have some biking experience. The Clutha Gold Trail has been built to a similar standard as the Otago Central Rail Trail and is graded level 1-2.

The Millers Flat to Beaumont section runs through a rugged and relatively isolated landscape but the rest of the trail is close to people and towns. The slightly steeper gradients are on the Beaumont to Evans Flat section of the trail.

Walkers and bikers both able to use the trail, there is good visibility. Dogs and horses will not be permitted on the trail because it passes through private rural land and across DOC marginal strip.

Q. What is so special about this area?

A. The Clutha Gold Trail presents a combination of rural heartland New Zealand and some rarely seen but stunning scenery as it travels from the dry continental climate of inland Otago to the temperate and productive farmland of the Otago lowlands.

It also provides a strong historic perspective, linking Lawrence, the site of the original gold discoveries in 1861 at Gabriel’s Gully with the later and larger gold fields of Central Otago. Evidence of mining activity is common and provides a real sense of linking to a time long past.

One potential translation of the Mäori name Mata-au means “murmuring waters”. Maori were the first to use this route for travel from the coast. Between Roxburgh and Beaumont the visitor has the opportunity to see at close hand New Zealand’s largest river in its original state. This is a wild river whose fast flow, major whirlpools and strong currents as it moves between rocky outcrops make it truly special.

On the section between Beaumont and Lawrence the visitor will have the chance to go through the 434 metre tunnel under the creatively named Big Hill.

Q. How long will it take to do the trail?

A. To do the trail as one cycle trip, 2 days should be allowed. The trail can also be divided into

sections of around 20-25 kilometres. Accommodation is available in Lake Roxburgh

Village, Roxburgh township, Millers Flat, Beaumont and Lawrence.

People looking to walk the Clutha Gold Trail should plan for a 2-4-day trip depending on fitness

levels.

Q. What facilities are available on the trail?

A. Food and water available at Roxburgh town-ship, Millers Flat, Beaumont and Lawrence. All rubbish must be taken off the trail.

Q. How far apart are the toilets?

A. There are toilets at Lake Roxburgh Village opposite Commissioner Flat, Roxburgh town-ship, Pinders Pond, Millers Flat, Beaumont and Lawrence.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

Q. Where can I buy Trail Maintenance Contribution Tags?

A. The fee is $25 per person per annum and $50 per family per annum. It is an annual

contribution from 1 October to 30 September. Tags are individually numbered and are a

different colour per year.

Contributions can be paid at the following locations:

- Alexandra i-Site - 21 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra. Phone: (03) 448 9515.

Email: alexinfo@codc.govt.nz

- Roxburgh i-Site – 120 Scotland Street, Roxburgh. Phone: (03) 446 8920.

Email: Roxburgh@codc.govt.nz

- Cromwell i-Site – 47 The Mall, Cromwell. Phone: 03) 445 0212.

Email: Cromwell.isite@codc.govt.nz

- Ranfurly i-site – 3 Charlemont Street, Ranfurly. Phone: (03) 444 1005.

Email: Ranfurlyi-site@codc.govt.nz

- Lawrence Information Centre, 17 Ross Place, Lawrence. Phone (03) 485 9222.

Email: lawrence.infocentre@xtra.co.nz

Q. Where can I buy a Passport?

A. Passports cost $25 and can be purchased at Alexandra i-SITE, Roxburgh i-SITE, Cromwell i-SITE, Ranfurly i-SITE and Lawrence Information Centre

Q. Can I roam off the trail?

A. No! It is important to respect the environment, our heritage and the landowners and stay on the trail. This is necessary as many of the working farms have provided easements through their land.

Q. Are there any local hazards I should be aware of?

A. You may encounter stock (sheep, cattle) from time to time, please respect that you are moving through operating farms and take extra care during lambing time (Aug-Nov). If gates are across the trail please leave them as you find them.

You may hear shotguns during the hunting season for ducks and upland game, from start of May to the end of August. Hunting does occur year round for rabbits and goats.

Q. Can I ride my motorbike along the trail?

A. No motorised transport is allowed anywhere on the trail.

Q. Can I get a map of the route?

A. A brochure will be available from 24th October 2013 with maps of both the Clutha Gold Trail and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone on the trail?

There is limited and intermittent cell phone coverage on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail.

Q. Can I swim in the river/lake?

A. Swimming in the Clutha Mata-au River and Lake Roxburgh is very dangerous. It is a treacherous cold, deep and deceptively swift river.

Q. What will the weather be like?

A. Long hot summer days with low rainfall are common, it is important to take plenty of

drinking water and extra clothing as the nights can be very cool and the weather can

change quickly. In winter the temperatures can be extremely cold and thermal clothing is a

necessity.

Q. Can I do anything to help?

A. The support of the community is a key factor in the long term success of the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails.

A contribution of $25.00 will provide you with a single annual Trail Maintenance Tag. A family can contribute for $50 per annum. These tags are available from a Central Otago Visitor Centre or online at www.roxburghgorge.com. Or www.cluthagold.com

We hope to establish a “Friends of the Trail” group soon. If you are interested in this or have any further questions please contact a Central Otago Visitor Centre.

Q. What are the cycling distances between trail sections?

A. Alexandra to Doctor’s Point – 10km

Doctor’s Point to Shingle Creek (boat section) – 13km

Shingle Creek to Lake Roxburgh Dam – 12km

Commissioner Flat to Roxburgh Township – 9.4km

Roxburgh Township to Pinders Pond – 5km

Pinders Pond to Millers Flat – 14.6km

Millers Flat to Beaumont – 24.7km

Beaumont to Evans Flat – 14.4km

Evans Flat to Lawrence – 5km

Clutha Gold T-SHIRT NZ made hand printed tee shirt in pure cotton. Featuring on the front 'CLUTHA GOLD CYCLING & WALKING TRAIL'. On the back 'A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY'. A percentage of any Clutha Gold Cycling & Walking Trail tee shirt purchased goes back to the Clutha Gold Trust towards the maintenance of the trail. Colours BLUE and EARTH.

Price $35.00

ends

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