Dunstan Trail facts for kids
The Dunstan Trail, also known as the Old Dunstan Road, is a special historic path in Otago, New Zealand. This route was first made during the exciting time of the Central Otago Gold Rush in the 1860s. It was a very important road for people hoping to find gold.
Contents
The Dunstan Trail: A Historic Journey
What is the Dunstan Trail?
The Dunstan Trail is a famous old road in New Zealand. It was built a long time ago, around the 1860s. Back then, many people rushed to the Otago region to find gold. This period was called the Central Otago Gold Rush. The trail was the quickest way for miners to get from Dunedin city to the goldfields. These goldfields were near a place now called Clyde, which was known as Dunstan back then.
A Dangerous Gold Rush Route
When it was first used, the Dunstan Trail was called "The Mountain Track." It was a very tough and risky journey. The path went through mountains and wild areas. Because it was so challenging, traveling on this road was quite dangerous. Many people faced difficulties trying to cross it. It was a true test of courage for those seeking their fortune in gold.
Exploring the Trail Today
Where Does the Trail Start?
The Dunstan Trail begins at a place called Clarks Junction. This spot is in an area known as Strath Taieri. Here, the trail meets a main road, State Highway 87. From Clarks Junction, the trail heads towards the northwest. It goes between two mountain ranges, the Lammermoor and the Rock and Pillar Range. After this, it turns north.
What Will You See Along the Way?
The trail climbs up high, reaching almost 1,000 meters (about 3,280 feet). Then, it goes downhill towards a place called Paerau. During the gold rush, Paerau was known as Styx. As you travel, you'll see different kinds of land. There are farms and areas with special subalpine tussock grass. The trail also passes close to Loganburn Reservoir. This reservoir used to be a large swamp called the Great Moss Swamp.
After Paerau, the trail gets much rougher. It goes above the winding parts of the upper Taieri River. You might see interesting meanders and oxbow lakes, which are curves and U-shaped lakes in the river's flat area. Then, the trail goes down towards Poolburn Reservoir. This reservoir is famous because parts of The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed there! From Poolburn, the trail turns towards the Manuherikia River valley. It finally ends at a place called Moa Creek.
Is the Trail Open All Year?
Today, the Dunstan Trail is a public road. Its quality changes along the way. Some parts are smooth chip-sealed road, while others are rough gravel tracks. Because of how challenging some sections are, much of the route is only suitable for vehicles with four-wheel drive. It's also important to know that the entire road is closed during the winter months. This is because of snow and ice, which make it too dangerous to travel.
