Clutha River Heritage Cruise

A Clutha River Heritage Cruise is a journey back in time venturing through the spectacular scenery of the Roxburgh Gorge to the perfectly preserved gold mines (1860’s) of Doctors Point and Butchers Point. Our Heritage Cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore these isolated reaches of the mighty Clutha River and view some of New Zealand’s best examples of European and Chinese Gold mining.

Guests are greeted at the Alexandra boat ramp by their guide and skipper for the day. After a safety brief, all sit back on the superbly appointed cruise boat and gently drift down stream with the skipper spinning well polished yarns of years gone by. Starting with the discovery of Gold in New Zealand, all the way through to gold mining during the depression, the skipper brings to life tales of endeavour and hardship.

The guide will take the guests on a guided tour of the Doctors Point gold mine, highlighting points of interest and explaining how the mine operated. Guests will view the miners huts tucked away in the spectacular schist formations, an array of gold mining relics and wander through one of the best preserved gold mines in New Zealand.

Guests then sit back and enjoy a leisurely return trip to Alexandra, with plenty of opportunity to take in the stunning Central Otago scenery.

The trip includes morning/afternoon Tea, Coffee, soft drinks and muffins, all served in our picnic area on the riverbank of the Clutha River at Doctors Point.