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Kawarau Gorge Trail - Partial Opening Confirmed

A 17km section of the trail will open on 25th October 2026

Kawarau Gorge Trail, near Bannockburn
Geoff Marks

News & Events Kawarau Gorge Trail - Partial Opening

From 25th October 2026 the trail will be open between Cromwell and Pioneer Bridge only.

The trail includes some narrow sections, please slow down and be courteous to others.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable ride

  • Please DO NOT go beyond the locked gate at Pioneer Bridge. Past this point, the trail remains under construction with multiple risks and hazards.
  • Remember it’s a 2-way trail and expect to encounter riders coming the other way.
  • There are some narrow sections and switchback corners to negotiate, so please slow down and respect other trail users. You might find it easier to dismount and walk on some parts.
  • Please stay on the marked trail and do not ride on private vineyard roads or the walking tracks around Goldfields Mining Centre.
  • Starting from Cromwell, this is a 34km return ride (17km one-way), so make sure that you take sufficient food and water for the ride, a basic toolkit with spares, and check the weather forecast so you know what layers you might need.
  • Recommended parking is at the large car park on Butcher Drive at Cromwell Heritage Precinct where public toilets are also available. Please note that there is no public toilet between Cromwell and the Highlands ‘gorge-ous pit stop’ toilet 15km further along the trail.
  • To visit Goldfields Mining Centre or Panners Bar & Kitchen, please walk your bike down the marked path, following the signage.

There are some tight switchback corners which some might find easier to walk.

Recommeded car parking is at Butcher Drive in Cromwell Heritage Precinct, where toilets are also available.

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