The trail hugs the edge of Lake Roxburgh from Alexandra to the Roxburgh dam. This hydro lake winds its way through a fairly steep sided gorge surrounded by the stark, arid and rocky landscape of Central Otago. There is some historic interest along the way as the area was mined for gold in the 1860's and there are some remnants.
Currently there is a gap in the trail part way through so a 12km boat ride adds to the adventure.
The trail was recently constructed specifically for mountain biking. It is firmly in the "family-scenic" category of rides and is wide and easy with a firm smooth surface. It was constructed and is maintained by a non-profit trust which charges a $25 fee per rider or $50 per family.
At the Alexandra end the trail connects to the Central Otago Rail Trail and at the Roxburgh end it connects to the Clutha Gold Trail. These three trails offer a continuous 240km (150 miles) of wonderfully scenic easy riding through unique landscapes.
You'll find more information at: http://www.nzcycletrail.com/roxburgh-gorge-trail. There you'll see that the Roxburgh Gorge Trail is one in a series of rides all over New Zealand oddly called "The New Zealand Cycle Trail". You can check them out at: http://www.nzcycletrail.com.
 | Roxburgh Gorge North |   | 13 mi |
| Roxburgh Gorge South | | 15 mi |
 | Sphinx Rock Track | | 3.7 mi |
I've ridden the trail from both ends but I haven't done the boat ride in the middle. It includes some interesting sightseeing and visits to historic sites.
| ThankThe Roxburgh Gorge trails are an absolute must-do for casual riders who like their trails mellow, scenic, historic and interesting. There are good operators who will provide bikes, shuttles, advice, accommodation and reassurance for this trail, the Otago Central Rail Trail which precedes it and the Clutha Gold Trail which follows on from it. These three combine to form the best multi-day, easy, scenic biking holiday in the South Island of New Zealand.
| ThankIt's a rugged gorge - arid, steep and rocky. The trail is well benched as it sidles along the south side of the gorge. It's a great afternoon ride, best enjoyed on a sunny summer day with friends or family or both!
The Roxburgh Gorge trails are an absolute must-do for casual riders who like their trails mellow, scenic, historic and interesting. There are good operators who will provide bikes, shuttles, advice, accommodation and reassurance for this trail, the Otago Central Rail Trail which precedes it and the Clutha Gold Trail which follows on from it. These three combine to form the best multi-day, easy, scenic biking holiday in the South Island of New Zealand.
| ThankThis is a really neat day ride for the whole family with a jet boat ride part way through.
| Thank