Central Otago is well endowed with open spaces and natural landscapes accessible for both walking and mountain biking. Council administers a growing number of tracks and trails in the district, these include:

• 150th Anniversary Alexandra-Clyde Walkway
• Alexandra Link Track
• Frenchman's Point Track
• Bannockburn to Cromwell Walkway
• Otago Central Rail Trail (link)
• Other tracks and trails

150th Anniversary Alexandra-Clyde Walkway

A 13km track that runs along the western bank of the Clutha River from Clyde to Alexandra.  The track was built by Otago Regional Council in 1998 as part of Otago’s 150th anniversary celebrations.  The track was then handed over to the Central Otago District Council to maintain and manage. The track is a popular cycling and walking facility often used as either a short walk from either end or as a 26 kilometre loop with the Rail Trail.

The 1200mm wide track is maintained to a high standard and is of easy gradient suitable for most users.

Alexandra Link Track

The Link Track is a short 500m walk along the north bank of the Manuherikia River from the Linger and Die area to the old Railway Bridge.  Along the walk you can see stunning schist outcrops and river scenes.

The 1200mm wide track is maintained to a high standard and is of an easy gradient suitable for most users.

Frenchman’s Point Track

A single file track, Frenchman’s Point Track was constructed as part of New Zealand’s 150th Anniversary in the 1990s.  It runs for 2km from below the Alexandra Road Bridge down the western side of the Roxburgh Gorge to Frenchmen’s Point gold diggings.

Council maintains the first 500m of the track to a basic standard, where from here the condition deteriorates considerably and is only suitable for experienced walkers with sturdy footwear.

Bannockburn to Cromwell Walkway

This 5km track runs along the western bank of Bannockburn Inlet from Old Cromwell, past the Cromwell oxidisation ponds to the Bannockburn Bridge.  The track was built by the Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group and is managed by Council.  There are plans for this walkway to be extended to the Kawarau Gorge.

The track is well maintained, and of undulating terrain suitable for fit persons only.  In some parts the surface deteriorates into sand so sturdy footwear is required.

Other tracks and trails

For further information on track and trail opportunities in Central Otago, contact the local information centre as well as the Department of Conservation.

Note: Access is often across private land so ensure you have the permission of the landowner first.