Lake Dunstan Trail and 3 Gorges

What an amazing experience, helped immensely by our luck with beautiful sunny cool weather but mostly facilitated by our knowledgeable and experienced guides Rob and Catherine. So patient, flexible and well organised. So beautiful with surprises at every turn was the Clutha Gold trail, great for all the family and so pretty following the river. My favourite by far though was the Roxburgh Gorge. After going up one zigzaging trail there was another around the bend, clinging to the mountain edge, winding through the wild thyme, cutting white through fragrant purple. What a thrill for every sense. Views high over the river valley with a 40km/hr wind blowing, trying to watch the paradise ducks below while negotiating a hair pin bend in the gravel. Maybe some think this an unappealing picture and wouldn’t appreciate the experience but I haven’t felt so alive for such a long time. The 10 and 14 yo children had an experience of their lives with Rob and Catherine there every step of the way. GET OUT THERE!

We all had an amazing time on our cycling tour. The south island of New Zealand is such a spectacular place to ride, and it was a perfect balance doing the combined trails, with the mostly flat trail among green farmlands of the Central Otago, with all the historic bridges and tunnels, to riding up and down, following the blue wild waters of the river and cool forested areas of the Clutha Gold trail. Ending in spectacular fashion along the steep slopes high above Roxburgh Gorge. It was never boring. We were so well looked after by our tour leaders, Rob and Katheryn, and the quality of the meals and accommodation far outweighed our expectations. We are already planning our next trip.

Great trip, bikes, support vehicle and crew fantastic. The rail trails were fun, scenery and extra trips on train and jet boat were brilliant. Food and accommodation perfect. Many highlights but Roxburgh trail was very exciting. Consider [the tour operator] for your cycle tours in NZ, you will not be disappointed, highly professional with timely communication at all stages of your holiday.