Combine a calm Lake Dunstan cruise with an assisted eBike along the Lake Dunstan Trail and a wine tasting at Carrick Winery. Expect 20–25 km of mixed trail, dramatic schist scenery and a cellar-door lunch overlooking Bannockburn Inlet.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slides across Lake Dunstan and the water thinks about moving—then catches itself, glassy and slow. You board a low-profile cruiser in Cromwell, the skipper's commentary sketching the lake's edges: old river channels drowned by the Clyde Dam, cliffs of mica schist, and the pale faces of old gold diggings. The boat eases you toward Clyde and the trailhead, the lake itself almost a character, nudging the day forward.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for riders with moderate fitness who can handle 20–25 km of mixed terrain with short climbs; basic cycling stamina required.
Wildlife
History
Central Otago was shaped by 1860s gold rush sluicing and later by the Clyde Dam project which created Lake Dunstan; vineyards repurposed old gold terraces into vines.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails and cellar-door facilities—vineyard runoff and trail erosion are local concerns, and operators encourage waste-free visits and respecting wildlife.
Reserve your spot on the Lake Dunstan and Carrick Winery Boat and eBike Adventure today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early to avoid heat
Summer sun in Central Otago can be intense—begin in the morning to ride cooler temperatures and get better light for photos.
Carry 1.5–2L water
The trail has long exposed sections with limited shade; drink regularly and refill where possible at cellar doors or cafes.
Use the provided helmet and lights
Helmets are supplied but bring your own if preferred; lights help in tunnels or late finishes.
Expect mixed surfaces
Trail alternates between compacted gravel and smoother cycle-path; closed-toe shoes and a steady balance help on short gravel stretches.
Hydration bottle (1.5–2L)
Ample water is essential for exposed stretches of trail and Central Otago's dry climate.
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, cap)
Strong sun and reflective water increase UV exposure during the ride and at the cellar door.
summer
Light windproof layer
Temperature swings and lake breezes make a compact windbreaker useful year-round.
spring
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Provide grip and protection on gravel sections and when mounting/dismounting eBikes.