Discover the Clutha District

The Clutha District stretches along the coast between Dunedin and Invercargill and forms an outstanding section of the Southern Scenic Route. Several specific highlights can help you plan your trip: the multi-day Clutha Gold Trail, the coast with its various surf breaks, and Lawrence, with its seasonal daffodil display and historical connections in the surrounding area. The landscape, planned activities and timeframe can all play a part in choosing your destination.

Clutha Gold Trail: route and planning your time

The Clutha Gold Trail is 135 kilometres long and classified as an easy Grade 1–2 trail. Allow two to four days for the route; it is also considered suitable for people with moderate fitness. These details provide a framework for planning the time needed for a trip. The 62-kilometre extension between Lawrence and Waihola opened on 25 August 2023. It connects the existing trail network in Central Otago and Clutha and continues as a cycle trail towards the east coast. This gives you both the trail’s overall length and a dated extension with its own endpoints to consider when planning. Check current conditions before your trip.

Coast and surf spots

The Clutha District has more than 200 kilometres of coastline and a variety of surfable wave types: beach breaks, river breaks and reef breaks. Kākā Point is a beach break with rocky points and is suitable for surfers from beginner to advanced level. Wave conditions are not fixed, however: at this spot, they vary with the swell, tides and weather. The length of the coastline and the different types of breaks provide the broader picture; Kākā Point is a specific example of a local surfing option.

Lawrence and the surrounding area

Every spring, Lawrence hosts a daffodil display at the Weatherston’s Brewery site. As seasonal programmes can change, check the event dates if the display is important to your trip. Gabriels Gully Historic Reserve is three kilometres from Lawrence. A viewing platform looks out over the gully; along a three-kilometre gravel track, there are 14 information panels and benches. There is a picnic area with tables and space for games at the dam. Gabriels Gully was the site of Otago’s first major gold discovery, which led to the gold rushes of the early 1860s.

Bellview Wetlands Reserve is a two-minute walk from Lawrence’s main street. There, scenic paths wind through native bushland and birdlife. Farm tours and hands-on encounters with animals are also part of agritourism in the Clutha District. Individual operators and their schedules may change, so coordinate your visit with the dates currently being offered.

Wider travel context: Otago

Otago offers a broader regional context for other nature and cultural topics. In the Catlins, McLean Falls is the highest waterfall; the Catlins also contain the largest area of native forest on the South Island’s east coast. The Catlins River Walk runs between The Wisp and Tawanui Campground and can be walked in sections. It crosses four suspension bridges and passes waterfalls and rapids; forestry work may affect access. The 4–5-hour Wisp Loop Walk forms a loop together with the Catlins River Walk and follows a higher route. At Curio Bay, a petrified forest dating back 180 million years to the Jurassic period is visible at low tide.

Discover more destinations: Milton, Chaslands, Clinton, Tapanui, Kaitangata, Kaka Point, Balclutha, Owaka, Lawrence, Larnachs Castle, Tarara, Edievale.

For the broader travel overview: Otago.