CHP Bike Rentals Cromwell, in the Old Wishart Building at 71 Melmore Terrace in the Heritage Precinct, specialises in bike hire for the Lake Dunstan and Kawarau Gorge trails. The website says it offers shuttle drop-off and pick-up. We hear the Kawarau Gorge Trail opens from Sunday 25 October. The fleet includes custom-built e-mountain bikes with 630Wh batteries and dropper seat posts, and Trek Roscoe 7 mountain bikes. Every bike comes with a helmet and rear pannier bags, and each group has an emergency kit with a spare tube, multi tool, tyre levers, chain tool, new chain and first aid kit.
Customers mention the trail and e-bikes most often, and say the bikes are comfortable. One group booked at short notice for good weather, and found the team quick to respond and everything easy. Another rode the Lake Dunstan Trail with friends and stopped for breakfast at a winery. An e-bike rider said the boost mode made the hills easy, even on a foggy day. A bike briefing is also mentioned. Our pick in Cromwell for an e-bike ride along Lake Dunstan.