Kawarau Gorge Trail
A groundbreaking route charting one of the most untamed stretches of water in Central Otago. The Kawarau Gorge Trail sweeps from the sun-drenched vineyards of Bannockburn directly into a dramatic river canyon previously hidden from view, emerging seamlessly into the world-class wine country of Gibbston Valley.
42 km
Cromwell to Gibbston Valley
Grade 2–3
Easy to Intermediate
1 Day
One-Way, Wine to Wine
2 Regions
Premier Wine Varieties, Start to Finish
Pristine Terrain, Historic Canyons, Uncrowded Paths
The trail marks the newest frontier for riding in the region, carving a path between Cromwell and Gibbston Valley along the emerald Kawarau River. Beginning in historic Bannockburn, the route threads past heritage gold claims before entering a canyon once thought impassable. Suspension systems and rock-pinned bridges cling directly to towering schist faces where no natural path existed.
As a fresh addition to the region, the Kawarau Gorge cycle trail rewards riders with uncrowded paths and quiet isolation. Completing this one-way journey requires a solid plan, including shuttle transfers for your bike or gear. Located 40 minutes from the Cromwell trailhead, our lodge lets you tackle this epic day trip without packing up your base.
Moments That Define the Journey
The Roxburgh Gorge is different from a conventional cycle trail. For part of the journey, you are riding beside the Clutha.
Deep into the gorge itself, river on one side and towering rock walls on the other.
Suspension and clip-on bridges bolted straight into the cliff, high above the river.
Bannockburn’s vineyards and cellar doors at the start, old gold workings not far behind them.
A stop at Panners Bar and Kitchen, set inside the old Goldfields Mining Centre.
The Nevis Rapids, where the Kawarau River shows exactly how much force it’s carrying.
Rock cut trail sections through parts of the gorge that had no path before this one.
Views back over Bannockburn and the wider Cromwell basin from higher points on the trail.
A finish in Gibbston Valley, with The Church Cellar Door waiting at the end of the ride.
Two of Central Otago’s best known wine regions joined by a single day’s ride between them.
One Epic Day, Three Distinct Terrains
From estate vines to roaring white water, and back to the vines. Here is how your ride unfolds:
Stage One: Cromwell to Bannockburn
Approx. 10 km
Wine Country Warm-Up
Depart Cromwell on gentle terrain, weaving through the neat rows of Bannockburn’s premier vineyards for an effortless start before the canyon walls begin to close in.
Stage Two: Bannockburn to Nevis Rapids
Approx. 20 km The Isolated Heartland
Face the deep wilderness. Cross engineering feats of suspension bridges, navigate clip-on walkways pinned to sheer stone, and listen to the thunder of the Nevis Rapids below. This is the definitive stretch riders come back for.
Stage Three: Nevis Rapids to Gibbston Valley
Approx. 12 km The Vineyard Finale
Watch the canyon walls fall away as the trail empties back out into sprawling vineyard flats, concluding your journey right at the doorstep of The Church Cellar Door.
Ride the Canyon, Retreat to Comfort
Skip the busy Cromwell stay. Our Clyde base offers undercover bike storage, gear laundry, a spa and sauna, and ideal Kawarau Gorge accommodation to relax after an epic day trip.
