Cycle traffic on the Lake Dunstan trail over the Easter weekend was busiest on Easter Sunday according to the Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust (COQTNT).

Recent riders on the trail have been singing its praises because of the stunning autumn scenery on show at this time of year.

Nick and Debbie Riley from Winton said they found the ride to have a few more pinch points, ups and downs and gullies than they were expecting.

"It's a great asset... I'm looking forward to the kawerau gorge trail being done as well," Nick said.

Nick and Debbie left their four kids at home to ride from Bannockburn to Clyde. PHOTO: Anna Robb

Dave Soul, who was visiting from Dunedin said it was his second time on the Dunstan trail.

"It's amazing. I'm hoping to do it in three hours and maybe camp in Bannockburn overnight."

Dave's bike was loaded up for his camping trip as he left from the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club. PHOTO: Anna Robb

Heather Stenhouse, who splits her time between her home in Blenheim and her holiday house in Clyde, said she had ridden the trail in several little sections back in December.

"It's a wonderful trail. I was a bit scared going around some of the tight corners.... I went slowly where it was busy.

"People were so very considerate I found."

Heather said she's always had bike, and she's been riding her e-bike for two years, even customising it with a basket for her shopping.

Heather said she would ride the Lake Dunstan trail again as she really enjoyed it when she rode it over several days back in December 2021. PHOTO: Anna Robb

Aucklanders Leo Smith, Jocelyn Bray, Annabelle Smith and Simon Smith said they were setting out from Clyde to Cromwell on their e-bikes.

Leo said they had been loving the attractions that Queenstown and Central Otago had to offer.

Leo Smith, Jocelyn Bray, Annabelle Smith and Simon Smith were trying out e-bikes for the first time on the Dunstan trail. PHOTO: Anna Robb

With another public holiday tomorrow for ANZAC day local businesses will be hoping for another day of strong demand as visitors spend pre and post ride in shops, cafes, bars and resturants.

COQTN Trust executive trustee Janeen Wood said Sunday April 17 was the most popular day with 706 users clocked on the trail.

Over the four days of the Easter weekend the total number of users was 2,413.

Usage of the Lake Dunstan Trail has far exceeded expectations. For the year to date from when the trail opened in May 2021, until the end of March 72,729 riders have experienced the trail.