THE GOLDRUSH is a cycle race that delivers a unique story telling experience.

Tracing the arduous, multi-day journey once undertaken by the early gold miners and pioneering families of Central Otago, THE GOLDRUSH follows a historic route forged on foot, by packhorse and behind heavily laden dray carts. Crossing an unforgivingly rugged yet breathtakingly beautiful arid landscape of vast open spaces, the route winds through a terrain that still bears the unmistakable scars and relics of its pioneering past.

Today, this extraordinary landscape provides the backdrop for a truly unique cycling experience—one that combines physical challenge, adventure and a powerful connection to the history of Central Otago. Following in the footsteps of those who travelled this demanding route more than a century ago, THE GOLDRUSH offers cyclists a rare opportunity to experience both the hardships of the past and the enduring beauty of this remarkable region.

The Old Dunstan Road (as it is known today), is one of the country’s premier heritage roads still in use. Cyclists will race over the original 1862 route by gravel or mountain bike in a single day “ride to riches”, from Outram on the outskirts of Dunedin, inland to the settlement of Lower Dunstan (renamed Alexandra in 1863) where community pride & charm runs deep.

A mountainous bike ride, rewarding those with endurance, grit determination and perseverance, THE GOLDRUSH event offers a challenge to a new breed of thirsty/hungry men & women, retracing past tracks in search of the new soul fulfilling gold that lies within the region today on its cycle trails.