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Roxburgh Gorge: SH8, Clutha River, Otago
Photo: Ulrich Lange, Bochum, Germany · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Otago, New Zealand Queenstown, Central Otago and Dunedin

Roxburgh Gorge: SH8

SH 8 · Alexandra → Roxburgh

Leisurely24 mi30 min2,700 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,300 ftOne way
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The drive

This drive follows State Highway 8 south from Alexandra down the Clutha River to Roxburgh, 38 km (24 mi). The highway follows the Clutha Valley, past Lake Roxburgh, with rocky hills, river views and fruit orchards along the way.

The Roxburgh Gorge has schist cliffs, and the river runs close below the road. Stonefruit orchards cover the river flats and terraces near Roxburgh, and the valley has historic gold diggings. Curves are mostly gentle, and the drive takes about 30 minutes. The Roxburgh Gorge Trail, a cycle trail, follows the same river.

It is a two-lane road that trucks share.

Along the way

  1. Alexandra
  2. Roxburgh
Elevation
2,700 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,300 ft
AlexandraRoxburgh
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
AlexandraRoxburgh
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Trucks share the road.
  • The Roxburgh Gorge Trail, a cycle trail, follows the same river.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journey Planner: highway conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Alexandra to Roxburgh take on SH8?

Alexandra to Roxburgh on SH8 is 38 km (24 mi) and takes about 30 minutes.

What is the Roxburgh Gorge road?

SH8 follows the Clutha River from Alexandra through the Roxburgh Gorge and past Lake Roxburgh to Roxburgh.

Is the Roxburgh Gorge road twisty?

It has steady bends, mostly gentle, in a gorge setting.

Are there orchards on the Roxburgh Gorge road?

Yes. Stonefruit orchards line the valley near Roxburgh.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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More drives near here

All 10 drives in Otago, New Zealand ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Roxburgh Gorge: SH8, from Alexandra to Roxburgh