Walking Trails Around Roxburgh
A stunning stretch of the Clutha River, Roxburgh sure is a hidden gem of the Central Otago region. Located just south of Alexandra, Roxburgh is renowned for its fantastic cycle trails, such as the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail. While it’s possible to walk these trails too – find out more about them in 5 Best Bike Trails in Alexandra & Clyde, there are a lot more walking trails in Roxburgh well worth exploring. Walks feature the breathtaking blue waters of the Clutha River and the dramatic views of an area known as the Teviot Valley. Start selecting your walks with this list of walks in Roxburgh.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in 9 Cool Things to Do in Clyde and 10 Damn Good Things to Do in Cromwell.
1. Horseshoe Bend Track (30 Minutes Return)
The main feature of this walk is the Horseshoe Bend suspension bridge, which was built in 1913. It makes an excellent photo opportunity spanning the Clutha River. The short walk starts along the Millers Flat-Beaumont Road, just outside of Rigney. The track drops down some steps to an information kiosk and past gold-digging tailings before reaching the bridge.
Location: 8km (5 miles) southeast of Millers Flat
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Beaumont Millennium Track (2 Hours One Way)
If you want to make the Horseshoe Bend Track longer, join up to the Beaumont Millennium Track at Craig Flat. The track offers spectacular views over the Clutha River on the way to the little township of Beaumont. It’s a popular section of the Clutha Gold Trail. Alternatively, start the walk in Beaumont. Note that this walk is shared with vehicles on an unsealed road. Find out what else to do nearby Beaumont with our 6 Fun Things to Do in Lawrence.
Location: Beaumont
© Benchill on Wikipedia3. Roxburgh River Track (30 Minutes One Way)
After exploring the interesting heritage buildings in Roxburgh, take the time to walk along the picturesque River Track. Running along the river banks between Sweed Street and Teviot Street, the River Track meanders between terraces and several access points for around 1.2km (0.7 miles). You’ll find multiple picnic areas to relax in along the way.
Location: Access off Tweed Street, Cheviot Street and Teviot Street
© Benchill on Wikipedia4. Grovers Hill Track (1h30mins Loop)
Another fantastic walk to start from Roxburgh town, the Grovers Hill Track features excellent views over Roxburgh and the Clutha River from Frog Rock. The walk is accessed from a driveway signposted off Teviot Street. Follow the driveway then turn off to the left where you’ll follow a track to a junction. If you turn right first, you’ll reach Frog Rock and it’s amazing views. You can continue on the loop walk past a golf course and through pine plantations until the track drops down to the Clutha River. You then walk upstream alongside the river, climbing gradually for excellent views of the river as you go. The track loops back to the first junction where you will be able to return back to the driveway.
Location: Off Teviot Street
© Benchill on Wikipedia5. Bullock Track (2 Hours One Way)
One of the most adventurous walks in the Roxburgh area, the Bullock Track follows a farm track up the Old Man and Mt Benger Range. Those who walk the trail are rewarded with sensational views of the Teviot Valley, Roxburgh Town and Lake Roxburgh. Lower sections of the walk feature shrubland and farming pastures before ascending to tussock and grasslands. The track’s summit is marked by a picnic bench and a signpost. Either return the same way or make a loop by walking along the Mt Hope Track and down the Mt Hope Road back to State Highway 8. The junction at the summit also leads to Pomahaka Road which is an overnight trip and back to the Junction Hut in the Bains Conservation Area.
Location: 3km (2 miles) north of Roxburgh along State Highway 8. Parking for the Bullock Track is signposted off the side of the road.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Commissioners Track (30 Minutes Return)
Get awesome views of the Roxburgh Dam spillway from the main track of the area, the Commissioners Track to the Spillway Lookout. The walk starts off mostly shaded as you climb to the lookout. There are interpretation panels to read along the way. There’s also the option to extend the walk to a 1-hour return by following the Lake View Lookout Track.
Location: Just south of the Roxburgh Dam at Commissioner’s Flat
© Jonny Robertson on WikipediaMore Things to Do Near Roxburgh
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
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