Roxburgh Gorge Walk
The gorge is an ideal way to experience the area's gold rush history and has the best-preserved examples of Chinese rock shelters in Otago. To find the starting point, cross Manuherikia River at Shaky Bridge (at end of Kerry Street). Turn right and keep going down Graveyard Gully Road where the walk begins by following the path of the Clutha River. At the top of Sanders Orchard, there is access to an old bridle path constructed during the 1890s to supply coal to gold dredges working the river. In the 4 kilometre stretch leading to Mount Rock, walkers and mountain bikers can see the remains of several old huts and rock shelters. Leaky Lodge is the largest and best preserved. There is a small 3 bedroom hut upstream - Mary Ann's - named after the last Chinese miner in the Alexandra district.
Walking time: Graveyard Gully to Leaky Lodge - 1.5-2 hours. The return trip can be done by mountain bike in roughly 2 hours, although cyclists should give way to walkers.
Level: Suitable for people of average fitness. Beyond Leaky Lodge, the walk continues and becomes more difficult. It is not suitable for children.
Take: Sensible footwear, food, water and a windbreaker.