Balclutha is the largest settlement in the Clutha District. In 1853 James and son John McNeil established a ferry across the Clutha River. The first crown grants following surveying went to the McNeil’s, and from 1858 to John Barr. The Otago Provincial government proclaimed a public ferry in 1857 and built an accommodation house on the south bank of the river. The ferry was leased to John Barr. Due to the increase of traffic caused by the goldrush, the Provincial government purchased a punt in 1861. This punt was too small, and several death causing accidents occurred as a result. In 1863 the Provincial government purchased a larger safer punt. Stores, hotels, and other services began to pop up at the crossing and in 1863 sections at Balclutha were auctioned off signifying the beginning of the township. Following this, many businesses began operating including bakers, blacksmiths, photographers, bootmakers etc. At this time, John Barr established the General Import Company which lasted well into the 20th century with the Import Store a key feature on the main street for many years.

During these early days, the water network was extremely important for transportation of people and goods. As a result, a steamer operated from the Balclutha river mouth up to Tuapeka Mouth. This service continued until the construction of the Clydevale bridge in 1939.

The first Balclutha bridge opened in 1868. This bridge was subsequently taken out by the broken Beaumont bridge which had been washed out during flooding in 1878. A replacement bridge was built until 1881. With the improves in transportation technology and motor car ownership increasing, the 1881 wooden bridge was no longer fit for purpose and was upgraded to the present bridge in 1935.

The railway reached the north bank of the Clutha in 1875. It took until 1878 for the rail bridge to be completed, however shortly after this the link to Invercargill opened in January 1879.With the improvements in roading throughout the Clutha District, Balclutha is now the main service town in South Otago providing for an extensive community who largely work in the agricultural.

Black Gully is an easy, short walk which begins at the northern end of the Blue Mountains. Located near Tapanui, there are great picnic spots and a historic play park that the kids will love! There is a fantastic campground enjoyed by locals which also has some wonderful rustic huts available for accommodation. This lesser known walk in New Zealand’s own Blue Mountains ascends through beech forest to a high point of 1019m at Tapanui Hill. The views of surrounding farmland are extensive, but the forest is probably the highlight.

This walk is a reasonably short side-trip off Route 8 between Dunedin and Queenstown. It’s near nowhere in particular, so if you are passing by this way it’s a good opportunity to stop and do the walk. The loop track starts at Black Gully and ascends through very attractive beech forest to tussock grass on high ground. Views of the surrounding farmland are extensive, but for me the beech forest was the highlight. There are also some lush sections of gully forest towards the end.

The Blue Mountains were apparently named by gold miners after their likeness to Sydney’s Blue Mountains, but to be honest I can’t see much similarity.

Alexandra to Roxburgh Dam

(10km cycle or walk, 13km boat cruise, 11km cycle or walk)

Pass under the Alexandra Bridge and beside historic (1882) bridge piers.  Then, at the confluence of the Manuherikia and Clutha Mata-au rivers, enter the Roxburgh Gorge.  Be amazed by the abrupt transition from urban to remote landscape against the awe-inspiring backdrop.  Gaining height, the trail makes its way towards Butchers Creek, stone-walled water races, and other remnants of gold mining activity.

The trail stops beside the jetty at Doctors Point to meet the jet boat for an exciting and scenic trip down the Lake to Shingle Creek.  Re-join the trail and journey on to complete the trail at Lake Roxburgh Hydro Dam.

Roxburgh Hydro Dam to Shingle Creek - return

(22km cycle or walk)

From the Roxburgh Dam lookout, the trail takes travellers into a rugged and isolated landscape with stunning northerly vistas across the Lake Roxburgh.  Then, heading away from the water, the trail passes through a small secluded valley with regenerating Ka-nuka (tea tree) scrubland and into sweeping hill country farmland.  At Elbow Creek, enjoy a gradual descent to Shingle Creek, the halfway mark.  Rest up before returning to the hydro dam.

Commissioner's Flat to Roxburgh

(9.4km cycle or walk)

This section follows the banks of the mighty Clutha Mata-au River with its distinctive turquoise water, fast flow and ever changing eddies. Look out for signs of the 1880s' goldrush and imagine the conditions hardy settlers faced.  Travelling downstream, carpets of orchards on both sides of the valley cut a swathe of colour whatever the season.

Roxburgh to Millers Flat

(19.6km cycle or walk)

Meander along the riverside, keeping an eye out for stunnng hillside rock formations and large stands of regenerating native Ka-nuka (tea tree).  Five kilometres beyond Roxburgh, enjoy a break - and a swim - at Pinders Pond.

• Pinders Pond - A popular picnic and safe swimming spot set amongst mature trees and a rugged, sculptured landscape, Pinders Pond is a Teviot Valley must-see.

Millers Flat to Beaumont

(24.7km cycle or ride)

Journey on through pastoral farm land towards the tiny settlement of Millers Flat then through the remote and beautiful Beaumont Gorge, meeting up with the State Highway 8 at the Beaumont Bridge.  On the way, visit the historic Horseshoe Bend suspension bridge, and for added intrigue, a short detour from the bridge car park reveals the site of the famed Lonely Graves.

Beaumont to Lawrence

(19.4km cycle or walk)

From Beaumont, the trail begins its climb towards the highest point of the trail and on through Big Hill Tunnel.  Beyond the tunnel descend into lush green farmland, crossing the highway several times.  Along the way, see reminders of the area’s history: the discovery of gold, the milling of flax fibre for rope making (Evans Flat) and the arrival of Chinese prospectors to the goldfields (approaching Lawrence).

• Big Tunnel Hill - Sheer hard work and determination saw up to 100 men form a tunnel 22 chains or 434 metres in length. Rumour has it that gold was found in the quartz.
   
• Gabriel's Gully - The discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gully by Gabriel Read in May 1861 was the start of the Central Otago goldrush.