The Dunstan Trail

[Jantar]

Top thread this....very informative. I'm thinking of doing the Dunstan at the end of April on my KLR after i first do the Southern cross rally. The pictures and video are great! Always good to see what I'm up against. So thanx heaps for this!

Any idea what the weather is like in April/May? in the south island. I've only been once and that was early april last year (bloody cold then too!) I'm also thinking of doing the Bannockburn and Nevis Crossing, Mavora Lakes & Walter Peak, and The "Haka".

Appreciate any info....

At that time of year it can get frosty in the mornings, but then the rest of the day would be great. It is always possible to get a dusting of snow on the Dunstan, even this time of year. As the Southern Cross is in Autumn rather than winter I wouldn't expect any snow cover at all, and any light dusting would last hours rather than days.

A good choice of route on the way home.

Now, go to the Southern Cross thread and add your intentions.

[laRIKin]

Well done Mr and Mrs S.
Maybe we should of ridden with you over the trail with you.
And I am surprised how well the V11's rode on the gravel.

[cooneyr]

Awesome write up, photos and vid guys. Love that country - looking forward to getting down that way at the Brass.

Next time I would only do the Moa Creek - Paerau section (or vice versa), it offered the most challenges and the best scenery.

If you want more challenging - turn south at the gate at the saddle east of the Poolburn Reservoir - this is Long Valley Ridge Road. This takes you to the Serpentine Church - supposedly the highest church in NZ. There is a sign on an inside wall with an interesting tale of late ministers and a drunk congregation. Few muddy holes even in summer though. Old but complete stamper with water wheel off to the west of the track about half way between the church and Dunstan Road but suggest you walk down to it.

Not doing the dusty butt - perfect bike and all!

Cheers R

[RedKLR650]

The tale of travelling the Old Dunstan Road, Otago, 120 odd kilometres of gravel road between Alexandra and Middlemarch (more or less)

Wow there Mr Sensible,

Excellent writeup and pix

Must have a punt at that ride myself soon

any other riders interested ?

Stu

[RedKLR650]

Top thread this....very informative. I'm thinking of doing the Dunstan at the end of April on my KLR after i first do the Southern cross rally. The pictures and video are great! Always good to see what I'm up against. So thanx heaps for this! Appreciate any info....

I'd be keen for that ride if you are looking for others to join you. It would be good to catch up with another KLR rider too :-)

Give me a buzz if you're ever going to get to the mainland ( sorry, South Island !! )

Cheers, Stu

[miSTa]

Awesome write up, photos and vid guys. Love that country - looking forward to getting down that way at the Brass.



If you want more challenging - turn south at the gate at the saddle east of the Poolburn Reservoir - this is Long Valley Ridge Road. This takes you to the Serpentine Church - supposedly the highest church in NZ. There is a sign on an inside wall with an interesting tale of late ministers and a drunk congregation. Few muddy holes even in summer though. Old but complete stamper with water wheel off to the west of the track about half way between the church and Dunstan Road but suggest you walk down to it.

Not doing the dusty butt - perfect bike and all!

Cheers R

Cheers R. Going up to the church might have been a better option that doing the 2nd half of the trail - next time.

No Dusty Butt, would be good but like FQ, I would rather take my time especially since I would be two up.

Wow there Mr Sensible,

Excellent writeup and pix

Thanks matey.