6. Otematata to Kurow
From Otematata you will ride via beautiful Loch Laird Road, then follow the gravel track beside the lake. This takes you through several camping areas. You will see the massive Benmore Hydro Dam, Aviemore Dam and Waitaki Dam. This section of trail obviously has an interesting hydro history with project towns.
Highlights and points of interest:
- Benmore Dam
- Te Akatarawa Road
- Lake Aviemore
- Deep Stream Walking Track
- Aviemore Dam
- Waitaki Dam
Overview:
- Distance: 40km
- Fitness: Easy
- Skill: Easy
- Traffic: High
- Grade: 3
Track surface:
- 90% sealed road
- 10% smooth shingle
VIEW MAP SECTION 6 ALPS TO OCEAN
Section 6 Alps to Ocean: Otematata to Kurow
From Otematata, head towards the dam on the cycle trail. It takes you along beside the lake that follows Loch Laird Road. You join the sealed road and head steeply (but short) up to the Benmore Hydro Dam (6km). You may find that you have to push the final few hundred meters to the top!
From the other side of the dam, you whizz back down the road and along Te Akatarawa Road. There are plenty of places to stop for a swim or picnic if you fancy it along the side of Lake Aviemore. You will cycle to the Aviemore Dam after 28km of riding. Once across the dam, you follow the trail along State Highway 83. Please be aware of the traffic and stay single file along this road. At 36km you will pass Waitaki Dam and the works village still there on the other side of the road. Its another 7km to Kurow.