A Journey of Discovery
The Clutha gold Trail will take you on a journey of discovery, offering a unique heritage experience set within diverse and stunning landscapes. Ride or walk alongside the powerful Clutha Mata-au River, through a secluded valley and gorge network and into lush green farmland. Open all year round, the 73km trail will take between two to four days to complete. It is an easy grade trail that is full of variety, from undulating to flat to meandering.
At your own pace
You can begin your own journey at any point along the trail and do as much or as little as you like. The four main villages along the way are at Roxburgh, Millers Flat, Beaumont and Lawrence.
There is no need to rush to get the most out of this trail; stop to read the information panels along the way with stories that showcase the rich heritage and the adventurous souls who have travelled this path before.
Commissioner Flat to Roxburgh (9.4km)
This part of the trail takes you alongside the mighty Clutha Mata-au River - its distinctive turquise colour, constant flow and ever changing moods become interwoven with your experience. Look out for signs of the original search for gold and imagine what the hardy settlers faced in the early days.
As you travel downstream you cannot miss the orchards on both sides of the valleys creating a splash of colour at every season.
Roxburgh to Millers Flat (19.6km)
Meander along the riverside and enjoy a break in your journey at Pinders Pond, 5km beyond Roxburgh. There are many things to look out for along this part of the trail, including stunning rock formations both on the hillsides and in the river, and the largest stand of regenerating native Kanuka (tea tree).
Millers Flat to Beaumont (24.7km)
This section of the trail takes you from the pastoral farm land and orchards around MIllers Flat through the remoteness of Beumont Gorge before re-emerging beside the main highway at the Beaumont Bridge. Visit the Historic Horseshoe Bend Bridge, and for an added story take a short detour from the Horseshoe Bend Bridge car park up the road to the site of the Lonely Graves.
Beaumont to Lawrence (19.4km)
From Beaumont you start the climb towards the highest point of the trail and through the Big Hill Tunnel. After the tunnel you descend into lush green farmland connecting with and crossing the highway several times. There are many reminders of the area's history along the route, including discovery of gold, milling flax fibre for rope making around Evans Flat and the arrival of the Chinese prospectors to the goldfields.