Discover another World
The Roxburgh Gorge trail is another world. It offers a wilderness experience through the remote and stunning Roxburgh Gorge.
The beauty of this magnificent trail is that you can choose what you want to experience, start to finish or just part of it.
Cycle or walk from Alexandra to Doctors Point and then back again, or start from Lake Roxburgh Dam and head upriver to Shingle Creek and return. Experiencing the whole trail, you will enjoy a leisurely boat transfer between Doctors Point and Shingle Creek. Sit back and become immersed in the splendid isolation that is Roxburgh Gorge - another world.
Open all year round, the trail is a well formed 2.5 metre wide gravel surface with some climbs. It will take up to four or five hours to cycle or all day depending on how you choose to experience it.
Alexandra to Doctors Point - return (20km cycle/walk)
This part of the trail begins in Alexandra, passing under the Alexandra Bridge and beside the historic bridge piers. The Manuherikia River joins the Clutha and you enter into the Gorge within 1km of the track start. Be amazed by the quick transition from urban to remote and the awe-inspiring gorge setting. The trail gains height as it makes its way towards Butchers Creek (4.1km) where you will see stone walled water races and signs of the gold mining days.
Doctors Point is the half way mark, stop for a rest and take in this impressive site. Then head back the way you came and see the gorge from a new perspective.
Alexandra to Roxburgh Dam - the full trail (10km cycle / walk, 13km boat cruise, 11km cycle / walk)
Beginning in Alexandra. ride or walk alongside the Clutha Mata-au River as it transitions to Lake Roxburgh. The trail stops beside the boat jetty at Doctors Point, and this is where you will meet the boat at a prearranged time for a relaxing transfer down the Lake to Shingle Creek. At Shingle Creek you will re-join the trail finishing at Lake Roxburgh Dam.
Book your boat transfer
Be sure to book your boat transfer in advance before you begin the trail. For more information, incuding making a booking, transfer times and costs, please contact Alexandra i-Site on +64 3 448 9515.
Roxburgh to Shingle Creek - return (22km cycle/walk)
From the Roxburgh Dam lookout the trail almost instantly takes you away from urban life and into the rugged, isolated landsacpe, allowing you to take in the stunning vistas up the Lake.
The trail then heads away from the Lake and passes through a small secluded valley and regenerating Kanuka Tree (Tea Tree) scrubland. Then you will travel into a rural farm setting. Once you reach Elbow Creek you can enjoy a gradual descent to Shingle Creek.
Shingle Creek is your half way mark, stop for a rest at this peaceful spot and then head back the way you came to see the stunning landscape from a new perspective.