Journey back in time...

Experience the history of Central Otago

Clutha River Cruises

Journey back in time...

Experience the history of Central Otago

Clutha River Cruises

Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail Jet Boat Transfers & Heritage Cruises

Explore the mighty Clutha River on a Roxburgh Gorge Trail Jet Boat Transfer or Clutha River Heritage Boat Cruise. Operating daily between Doctors Point & Shingle Creek. Book here>>

Journey into the isolated and historic reaches of the stunning Roxburgh Gorge, where you’ll see some of Central Otago’s finest examples of European and Chinese gold mining — including the legendary Doctor’s Point Gold Mine from the 1860s. Explore the remarkable schist huts where miners lived and worked, still standing against the gorge walls today. Enjoy a full Gold Rush commentary from your experienced Skipper-guide as the history of the Clutha/Mata-Au comes to life around you.

With Clutha River Cruises, you’ll take in spectacular scenery and gold-mining heritage found nowhere else in Central Otago.

OUR TRIPS

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Jet-Boat Transfers

40 mins

Clutha River Heritage Cruise

120+ mins

Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail / Charters

On demand

DIG DEEPER

Journey to isolated reaches of the mighty Clutha River

Gold Mining
History

Cycle
& Boat

Our
Boats

Trail
Map

Clutha River Cruises

Discover a fascinating era of Central Otago Gold Mining

A Clutha River Heritage Cruise explores isolated reaches of the Clutha River and the spectacular scenery of the Roxburgh Gorge.

Cruise past the perfectly preserved gold mines (1860’s) of Doctors Point and Butchers Point.

Disembark and walk amongst abandoned miners schist rock huts. Your driver/guide will bring the era to life with commentary.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 109 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   John L 
 10/03/2022
 
 
 Verified Great water Break A terrific break in our South island cycling trip. Catching the jet boat ferry from Doctors Point to Shingle Creek was one of the many highlights of our trip. It was not just a taxi ride but a trip full of historical information and views of the still existing miners rock 'homes'.Thoroughly enjoyed it.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ericagilchrist 
 19/04/2021
 
 
 Verified Clutha River bie trail A fantastic trip from Doctors Point to Shingle creek with our bikes.Really informative guide with plenty of detailed history and a good chance to view tiny old rock dwellings
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rob McKay 
 15/04/2021
 
 
 Verified Trail Transfer Laurence picked up our Auckland Tramping Club cycle group from Drs Point (with bikes) and transferred us to Shingle Creek. He stacked our ebikes with great care and was a fountain of knowledge about NZ Gold History.This was not a normal river transfer. He frequently stopped to show us the numerous miners hut and tell us interesting stories.A delightful host.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   AllyP1994 
 20/02/2021
 
 
 Verified worthwhile boat trip to see NZ history and geography in a beautiful area of NZ Lawrence collected us and our bikes to ferry us from Single Creek to Doctor's Point, as part of the Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail.  The trip complimented our day perfectly.  He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area, which is fascinating - and essential pioneering information for New Zealanders to be aware of. We're not great fans of jetboats, this was a case of 'needs must' for us, but we never felt we were being taken on a Queenstown style show off and the trip was 200% worth it.  Lawrence has a great sense of humour and never once made us feel like we were 'just more tourists' for him to tell the same story to.  Highly recommended if you are interested in NZ history close up.  Thanks again Lawrence!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Andrew Bishop NZ 
 25/01/2021
 
 
 Verified Excellent Fun Trip Great cruise, we were in a jet boat, the trip was very informative and included lots of stops in the boat for points of interest to be pointed out and described. The captain was very pleasant and knowledgeable.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Russell G 
 12/01/2021
 
 
 Verified Best way to see the Roxburgh Gorge This review is for the 2 1/2 hour Heritage Cruise.  I've lived in Clyde for over 7 years and this is the first time I've done the cruise.  What an eye-opener.  Laurence was a fabulous guide on the really comfy, entertaining and informative cruise down the Roxburgh Gorge.  A perfect day doubtless helped, but this was relaxed and a wonderful way to see stunning scenery, learn a few stories, explore an old mine area and be entertained as well.  My 12 year old grand daughter loved it as well.  If you haven't done it, you are missing out.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lize_cn 
 11/01/2021
 
 
 Verified A great day out on the river Lawrence was a very friendly guide and knowledgeable skipper who knew all about the river's gold mining history.We enjoyed the jet boat ride as well.