Thomson Gorge Road

This trail follows a remote high country route across the Dunstan Mountains, linking two historical goldmining towns, Matakanui and Bendigo. Some examples of early gold mining can be seen along the roadside, together with evidence of early pastoral history.

The route across the low Dunstan saddle was discovered in 1862 by miners making their way from the Manuherikia to the upper Clutha. It continued to be used over the years by shepherds and travellers and now, after upgrading since the 1970s, offers a dry weather route mainly used by 4WD vehicles and mountain bikes. The route is available most of the year, though it can be closed temporarily by fresh snow in winter.

Matakanui was originally known as Tinkers. George Thomson was the first long-term run holder of Matakanui Station and gave his name to the Creek and the Gorge and the Saddle. There was a rich ground strike at Tinkers in 1863 and sluicing operations continued to pay good dividends until 1912. A number of early buildings, of wood or sun-dried brick, remain.

Bendigo was the home of extensive gold workings, involving the Bendigo Gully (1863-66) and three reefs, the Rise and Shine Reef (1866-86), the Come-in-Time Reef (1880-1919) and the Alta Reef (1874-1919). There is a Historic Reserve at Bendigo and there are significant mining relics in the area.

The trail can be followed in either direction. Allow a whole day for the 140 km round trip from Alexandra: follow SH 85 to Omakau, turn off to Matakanui , cross the Saddle to Bendigo, and return through the Cromwell Gorge (SH 8).

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