THE QUEENSTOWN
Southern Discoveries Bridge, Arrow River © Better by Bike
Trail GREAT RIDE • THE QUEENSTOWN TRAIL
TRAIL INFO
BEST FOR: A trail that is as much about the sights as it is the cycling.
QUEENSTOWN to QUEENSTOWN 1-4 days
130km
Queenstown’s best hop-on, hop-off experience – by bike! Ridden as a multi-day adventure with overnight stops along the way, or by tailored day rides. Gibbston River Trail © Gibbston Valley Winery
TOP TIP – Make sure you’ve got the number of the local bike taxi saved on your phone – just in case you need to return earlier than expected. It happens!
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he start of The Queenstown Trail is ideal for beginners, families or those who haven’t seen a bike in a while. The path hugs the Wakatipu lakeshore through to Frankton, passing shorefront hotels such as the Hilton (stopping for a chilled drink at its open-fire Pinot Pit is idyllic), golf courses, dazzling mountain views and blooming gardens. For those after something more hair-raising, the Jacks Point section is an enjoyable add-on but not for the faint-hearted. Comprised of mostly steep climbs, fast descents and tight bends, dropping back down to Lake Hayes is the only way to regulate your heartbeat. Your journey could stretch as far as Gibbston and historic Arrowtown, during a section that includes Edgar Suspension Bridge, jet boats frothing up the Kawarau River and deep canyons filled with turquoise water. Stop at the famous Kawarau Suspension Bridge: the world’s first commercial bungy jump. Once in the Gibbston Valley district, the heart of wine making country, make a beeline for its world-class wineries. Shuttle services are available to transport you home – or simply jump on the bus.
1-4 Days 130km
TRAIL GRADES: FRANKTON TRACK & KELVIN PENINSULA TRAIL, 15KM GRADE 2 (EASY) JACK’S POINT TRAIL, 12KM GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) LAKE HAYES TRAIL, 8KM GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) ARROW RIVER BRIDGES TRAIL, 16KM GRADE 2 (EASY) GIBBSTON RIVER TRAIL, 9KM GRADE 2 (EASY) TWIN RIVERS TRAIL, 18.5KM GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) COUNTRYSIDE TRAIL 13.5KM GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Coverage is good across the whole trail network. DRINKING WATER: Don’t forget your water bottle. Most local businesses will be happy for you to refill your drink bottle along the way. Plus you can buy food and beverages along the trail. TYPE OF BIKE: A mountain bike is recommended. E-bikes are also permitted. GRADE 2 (EASY) GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) GRADE 4 (ADVANCED)
