Roxburgh Gorge Trailby SheBikesHeBikes Call 03 447 3271
Alexandra to Roxburgh Hydro · Central Otago

Roxburgh Gorge Trail: Bike Hire, Jet Boat and Shuttle

SheBikesHeBikes hires bikes and e-bikes for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail from our Clyde depot, books the jet boat across the part of the trail that isn't built yet, and shuttles you home from Roxburgh Hydro. The ride is Grade 2-3, with schist bluffs up to 350 m above the Clutha Mata-Au River and old gold-mining sluicings on the way.

Choose your ride How the trail works
A happy young cyclist riding a narrow gravel trail cut into the schist cliffs above the turquoise water of the Roxburgh Gorge
21 km riding + 13 km by boatAlexandra to Roxburgh Hydro

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail has a gap. Riders cycle the first 10 km, take a jet boat across 13 km of gorge where the trail isn't built, then cycle the last 11 km. Here is how the day fits together.

Clyde to Alexandra
12 km on the River Track, or 8 km on the Otago Central Rail Trail
Alexandra to Doctors Point
10 km, allow 60 to 90 minutes. Dismount and walk the switchbacks at the Narrows
Jet boat
Doctors Point to Shingle Creek, 13 km, about 30 minutes. Bikes go on the boat
Shingle Creek to Roxburgh Hydro
11 km with a climb and the most switchbacks on the trail
Grade
2-3, easy to intermediate. Narrow in places. Best September to May
Food and water
None between Alexandra and Roxburgh Hydro. Carry at least 2 litres of water and a picnic lunch
Choose your ride

Two ways to ride the Roxburgh Gorge

Each card links to the full details and booking on our main site.

Gorge Yourself: Clyde to Roxburgh Hydro, 1 day

Grade 2-3About 7 hoursMeet in Clyde

Meet at our Clyde depot at 8:30 am and set off at 9:00 am. Ride to Alexandra by the River Track or the Rail Trail, take the pre-booked 12:30 pm jet boat, then ride the last 11 km to Roxburgh Hydro. The 3:30 pm shuttle takes you back to Clyde. A mountain bike is included, with an e-bike upgrade if you'd like one.

View the day trip

Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trail, 3 or 5 days

Grade 1-3107 or 169 km3 or 5 days

Add the Clutha Gold Trail and keep going: 3 days from Clyde to Lawrence, or 5 days to Lake Waihola. We plan the accommodation, bike hire, shuttles and luggage transfers, and the planning is free.

View the multi-day trips
Before you ride

What to know about the gorge

There is no bike shop and no café in the gorge, and mobile reception comes and goes. Fill your bottles in Clyde and Alexandra, bring lunch, and ride within your limits. Free water is available at the historic Clyde Railway Station, and Alexandra has plenty of cafés for a coffee before you go in.

The free Trip Notes app covers this trail, with the toilets, water, food and warnings along the way.

  • Leave on timeThe boat runs to a set time. Don't linger in Alexandra
  • The NarrowsDismount and walk your bike down the switchbacks
  • ToiletsLong-drops at Doctors Point and Shingle Creek. None at Roxburgh Hydro; the nearest is at Commissioners Flat, 2.1 km away
  • The finishStone House Gardens, a seasonal café in a stone packhouse, is near Roxburgh Hydro
How it works

From booking to the shuttle home

  1. Book ahead

    Bookings are essential. Book online or call us. We book the boat and the shuttle with your bikes.

  2. Ride and cross

    Ride from Clyde to Alexandra and into the gorge, then take the jet boat across the gap to Shingle Creek.

  3. Finish and shuttle

    Ride the last 11 km to Roxburgh Hydro. The shuttle brings you back to Clyde.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Roxburgh Gorge Trail?

From Alexandra to Roxburgh Hydro it is 34 km: 10 km of riding to Doctors Point, 13 km by jet boat, then 11 km of riding from Shingle Creek. That is 21 km on the bike. From Clyde, add 12 km on the River Track or 8 km on the Otago Central Rail Trail to reach Alexandra.

Is the Roxburgh Gorge Trail finished?

Not yet. The 13 km centre section between Doctors Point and Shingle Creek isn't built, so a jet boat carries riders across. Landowner approval is in place and access tracks for the builders are done. We expect it to open in early 2027, but that date isn't confirmed.

Do I need to take the jet boat?

Yes, to ride from one end to the other. The transfer takes about 30 minutes, and the boat runs to a set time, so you need to reach Doctors Point before your booked departure. Leave Clyde in good time and book ahead.

How hard is the Roxburgh Gorge Trail?

It is Grade 2-3, easy to intermediate. The trail is narrow in places. At the Narrows, before Doctors Point, you dismount and walk down the switchbacks. After Shingle Creek the trail climbs and has the most switchbacks and hairpins, so an e-bike or some fitness helps.

Where can I hire a bike for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail?

From our depot at 13 Fraser St, Clyde (map), which is open 8:30am to 5pm, 7 days, September to May, and by appointment from June to August. We don't have a depot in Alexandra. The day trip starts in Clyde and rides to Alexandra, 8 or 12 km away, before the trail begins.

Is there a shuttle back to Clyde?

Yes. On our Gorge Yourself day trip the return shuttle leaves from Stone House Gardens, near Roxburgh Hydro, at 3:30 pm and takes you back to Clyde. It is part of the trip.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes. You still need the jet boat to ride the whole trail. Riders with their own bikes can also shuttle by road between Alexandra and Roxburgh Hydro. Call us and we can book the boat and transport.

Can children ride the Roxburgh Gorge Trail?

It suits children who are tall enough to ride a 24-inch kids' bike, because the trail is narrow in parts and has switchbacks and climbs.

Ready to ride the Roxburgh Gorge?

Choose a ride above, or call us and we'll help you plan the day. Trip planning is free.

Choose your ride Call 03 447 3271