Best Mountain Bike Trails in Balclutha
Balclutha sits in the heart of the Clutha District, offering diverse mountain biking experiences from the flat Blair Athol Walkway alongside the Clutha River to more challenging terrain. The region is known for the iconic Clutha Gold Trail, a 73km Great Ride linking Lake Roxburgh to Lawrence, plus excellent tracks like Government Track through beech and mānuka forests and the scenic Lake Tuakitoto Loop. This area provides trails for all abilities year-round with stunning riverside and forest scenery.
Trails
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 trails
Easy
42.7m
388m
-504m
https://www.cluthagold.co.nz/plan-your-trip/trail-mapshttps://centralotagonz.com/tracks-and-trails/clutha-gold-trail/Lawrence to Waitahuna - 14kmThe discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gully by Gabriel Read in May 1861 led to the Otago Goldrush and saw the town of Lawrence boom. A detour from the trail here of 4km (20mins cycle one way) to visit Gabriel’s Gully is highly recommended.Departing Lawrence, the trail climbs gently before the easy grade 2 trail brings you to the small settlement of Waitahuna, where you’ll find a coffee cart and refreshments (closed in winter - check opening times) at the historic Waitahuna Railway Station and goods shed.Waitahuna to Milton - 31kmThe trail between Waitahuna and Milton is gently undulating and partially follows the old railway line through rolling green countrywide and woodlands. There are two tunnels and a viaduct to explore along the way so remember a torch for the tunnels and ring your bell to let people in the dark know you’re approaching Mount Stuart Reserve, about halfway along this section, is an idyllic spot for a picnic with plenty of shade in the summer.There are no services between Milton and Waitahuna so remember to fuel up with coffee and snacks in either Milton or Waitahuna before you depart. Cell phone coverage is also limited in places.Caution: the trail crosses the main road (SH several times and there are some short sections where the trail shares public gravel roads, so be aware of traffic and normal road rules apply.
Easy
15.6m
59m
-80m
https://centralotagonz.com/tracks-and-trails/clutha-gold-trail/https://www.cluthagold.co.nz/plan-your-trip/trail-mapsMilton to Waihola - 17kmAs Milton was close to an easy route to Central Otago, it grew quickly during the goldrush years of the 1860s and became a major staging post for prospectors heading for the goldfields. Likewise, today, Milton is an important service centre for cyclists and walkers on the Clutha Gold Trail heading to or from Lawrence.From Milton, the trail follows a wide, flat floodplain and includes an impressive section of boardwalks around the wetlands and shore of Lake Waihola. Take your time to enjoy the landscape and nature around Lake Waihola and appreciate the extensive habitat restoration along the trail.