12 minute read
The Queenstown Trail
Queenstown to Queenstown - 1-4 days, 130km
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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
The 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 fully licensed Pinot Pit is idyllic), golf courses, dazzling mountain views and blooming gardens.
For those after something more hair-raising, the Jack’s Point section is an enjoyable add-on but not for the faint-hearted. Comprising mostly of 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 infamous Kawarau Suspension Bridge: the world’s first commercial bungy jump.
Once in Gibbston Valley, 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.
TRAIL INFO
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.
Riding the trail
Riding the Queenstown Trail © Jim Pollard
FRANKTON TRACK & KELVIN PENINSULA TRAIL, 15KM
The perfect ride for novices, families or those of questionable fitness, this ride offers varying viewpoints around Lake Wakatipu, with a dramatic back-drop of the Remarkables and surrounding ranges. Starting at Queenstown’s colourful municipal gardens, it also offers plenty of places to stop for rest and refreshments. The trail hugs the lakeshore through to Frankton where it passes the marina and crosses the picturesque Kawarau Falls bridge. Just across the bridge, the Hilton Hotel is a good place to turn back for the return ride, or riders can continue skirting the shore all the way to Queenstown Golf Club from where the additional Kelvin Peninsula Loop offers even more views as well as notable trail-side sculptures. The welcoming golf club café is a lovely place to wait for a shuttle pick-up.
JACK’S POINT TRAIL, 12KM
Eager riders can add this on to the Kelvin Peninsula Trail, or start it from nearby Jardine Park where there’s ample car parking and a neat loop track for the kids to practice on. This ride is not for the faint-hearted, with some steep climbs, fast descents, and tight bends. Older children with a head for heights should have no trouble completing it. The trail traces an undulating route through the tussock and schist of Lake Wakatipu’s eastern edge, with spectacular views across to iconic Walter and Cecil Peaks. The final climb up and over Jack’s Point Golf Course delivers riders to the door of its super-stylish restaurant and bar – perfectly positioned for a well-earned long lunch before catching a ride back to town or returning via the same route.
LAKE HAYES TRAIL, 8KM
No visit to Queenstown is complete without seeing New Zealand’s most photographed lake with its kaleidoscopic colours and exquisite mountain vistas, lying in the heart of the Wakatipu Basin and easily accessible from Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston. A lovely jaunt in itself, this short loop can also be added into longer adventures including the Arrow River Bridges or Gibbston River trails. It’s also just a short ride away from Amisfield Winery & Bistro, offering the chance to factor even more local flavour into this quintessential Queenstown experience.
ARROW RIVER BRIDGES TRAIL, 16KM
Gold rush-era Arrowtown is the starting point for this delightful ride taking in an interesting mix of bridges – with the purpose-built, 80m-long Edgar Suspension Bridge a highlight – as well as country lanes and old byways. It ends at the gateway wine-soaked Gibbston and the start of the Gibbston River Trail. The views are ever-changing as the trail meanders along the Arrow River – tumbling in some places, tranquil in others, and eventually spilling out into the Kawarau Gorge. This leisurely journey ends at the historic Kawarau Bridge, the world’s original bungy jump site where brave souls can swap their helmet for a harness and go for glory. A calming glass of wine can be enjoyed at the wineries nearby.
GIBBSTON RIVER TRAIL, 9KM
This easy meander is a great way to visit the wineries lining the ‘Valley of the Vines’ while soaking up its famously spectacular scenery. Fit riders should consider combining it with the Arrow River Bridges Trail or another Queenstown Trail for a big day out, while Gibbston-based bike hire and good shuttle connections make it easy to tailor tours to suit everyone – or just jump on a bus home if you run out of puff. The trail stretches for 9km between AJ Hackett Bungy at Kawarau Bridge, through to the Kinross Cottages tasting room. In between are iconic Central Otago wineries such as Peregrine and Gibbston Valley, the latter perennially popular for its cellar door restaurant and wine-cave tours (with a bike hire depot, too). The Gibbston Tavern is also a highlight with its rustic vibe and beer garden.
TWIN RIVERS TRAIL, 18.5KM
This Intermediate trail starts from Kawarau Falls Bridge and takes you to Morven Ferry Rd via Lake Hayes Estate. This trail will show you Queenstown like you’ve never experienced before. Off the beaten track you’ll discover the remote and rugged landscapes, glorious vistas down the aquamarine Kawarau River and some of the best picnic and fishing spots on the trail.
COUNTRYSIDE RIDE, 13.5KM
This ride starts at the Arrowtown River car park and takes you to the Shotover Bridge where you can turn around and head back to Arrowtown. You’ll enjoy quiet country lanes and trails that will reveal breathtaking homes, gardens and architecture, tree-lined avenues, historic galleries and rustic cafés. Here, the magnificent colours of the South Island come to life. Reward yourself with a stop in at fabulous Millbrook Resort which offers a super café, restaurant, bars, pro-shop and golf courses and of course the Day Spa, not to mention fabulous accommodation.
Highlights of the trail
Garden at Walter Peak High Country Farm © Real Journeys
• Once a traffic bridge, Lower Shotover Bridge now provides cyclists with 360-degree vistas of the Shotover River.
• Thompsons Hill is going to burn, but the payoff is spectacular views downriver.
• You’ll need a good head for heights to cross Edgar Suspension Bridge. At 80m long and with the Arrow Gorge roaring below, the views are stunning, if a little scary.
• Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge debuted in 1880 but it wasn’t until 1988 that Bungy pioneers AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch created the world’s first commercially operated bungy jumping site here. Stop and watch the jumpers before cycling over it.
• Listen for the growl of encroaching jet boats as they carve up Kawarau River.
• Lake Wakatipu and Coronet, Cecil and Walter Peaks are all standout landmarks.
• Off the saddle, climb to the top of Bob’s Peak on a one-hour hike, or take the Skyline Gondola. The views are stunning, and Queenstown’s go kart-style luge will be there, begging you to take a ride.
Nevis Bungy, Kawarau Bungy Centre © AJ Hackett New Zealand
• Thrillseekers are spoilt for choice. The Nevis Bungy is the highest jump in the southern hemisphere, the 150km/hr canyon swing will toss you upside down and if you’re over 75, AJ Hackett bungy jumps are free!
• Queenstown & Central Otago Wine – you’re in the very thick of wine country so make sure you combine your ride with vineyard stops.
• Gibbston Valley winery is the place to get to grips with the region’s wine. Pop in for tastings and lunch at the Lodge restaurant, or pick up a treat from the on-site cheesery and deli.
DON’T MISS…
Wanaka tree © Getty Images
Wanaka: Exceptional lake views are a standout on the four-hour return hike to Roys Peak; ’That Wanaka Tree’ is as Insta-famous as a Kardashian, and Wanaka’s one of only a few places in New Zealand to host a year-round market, occurring every Thursday afternoon. If you’re a daredevil, Skydive Wanaka will put Aoraki Mt Cook in your peripheral, and Wild Wire Wanaka offers the highest waterfall cable climb in the world.
Arrowtown: Dressed to impress in deciduous trees and historic buildings, Arrowtown maintains its handsome features from a by gone era. World-class biking trails in and around the Wakatipu Basin link Arrowtown to neighbouring communities, while a handful of walks are detailed in maps available from the Lakes District Museum. Don’t miss the tiny stone miners’ cottages that date back to the1860s.
Gibbston District: Part of the Queenstown and Central Otago wine region, enjoy a setting of snow-capped mountains, deep river gorges and beautiful valleys. It’s also where some of the best wine in the world is made, pinot noir being responsible for most of the buzz.
Cromwell: Wander around the original mason buildings in Cromwell’s Heritage Precinct and nip into a handful of boutique stores and coffee shops. Descend on Lake Dunstan for sailing, swimming and fishing. In winter, there are five ski fields in easy driving distance and in summer, the roads are lined with fresh fruit stalls.
Clyde: With a perfectly preserved old town, Clyde enjoys an historic centre surrounded by neat farmland. Dine inside the original stone walls of gold miners’ buildings including the old bank which is now a delightful café. Meander down Miner’s Lane, a wee pathway sitting snugly behind the main street. Marvel at Clyde Dam from lofty viewpoints, walk the 11.5km Millennium Track to Alexandra, or venture down Fruitgrowers Rd towards a small, secluded beach.
Historic building in Clyde © Central Otago Tourism
Alexandra: Attractive Alexandra first made a name for itself in the 1800s when Clutha River revealed a bounty of gold. Discover more about its gold-mining history at the Central Stories Museum. Come summer, local apricots, peaches, cherries and apples fill the orchards and when the winter brings subzero temperatures, Manorburn Dam transforms into an ice rink.
Dining out in Alexandra © Central Otago Tourism
EXPLORE MORE IN ARROWTOWN
SLEEPY STREETS - Buckingham St is lined by trees and pretty heritage buildings built from stone. Inside you’ll find boutique gift shops, cafés and surprising art nooks.
ARROWTOWN’S VINTAGE CINEMA - Dorothy Browns is Arrowtown’s retro-inspired cinema and a delightful hangout. Enjoy art house movies while sipping wine. There’s a terrific atmosphere and the film reel is always projecting something wonderful.
FINE WINE - Lock lips with over 80 award-winning wines and whiskies at The Winery. Try a drop of something special from boutique wineries that don’t always have their own cellar doors.
SKI FIELDS - In Arrowtown, you’re on the doorstep to four superb ski areas – Cardrona, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone. Come winter, the pistes are some of New Zealand’s finest.
GOLD PANNING - Hire a gold pan from the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown and try your luck panning for riches in the river. Lessons are conducted at Dudley Cottage. Afterward, explore the museum’s fantastic displays that detail the 1860s gold rush. Kids particularly like the ‘spot the odd one out’ game, where modern items are hidden amidst the 19th century artefacts.
OLD-FASHIONED SWEETS - Load up on nostalgic lollies at the Remarkables Sweet Shop. You won’t be able to resist the shelves packed with fudge and gobstoppers. Pop in for a sample and come out with a year’s supply of lemon sherbet!
GORGEOUS WALKS - Discover at least four shore-fronting rope swings on the Arrowtown Anniversary Walk. The Sawpit Gully Trail is a two to three-hour loop track that starts near the Chinese Settlement and follows the Arrow River Trail before turning onto the Sawpit Gully path.
Lake Hayes
Nicknamed the ‘Mirror Lake’, the glassy waters of Lake Hayes is just a four-minute drive from Arrowtown. The water reflects its snow-capped mountain surrounds in astonishing clarity – it’ll have you taking snap after snap.
More mountain biking, please
GLENDHU MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK: As Wanaka’s latest mountain bike park, this 35km network of green, blue and black trails is cradled in picturesque Glendhu Station. The park includes bike rentals, café and pump tracks, just a 10-minute drive from Wanaka.
QUEENSTOWN BIKE PARK: To get to this park, the Skyline gondola drops riders off nearly 500m above Queenstown. This provides easy access to a 30km network of bike tracks. Open from September to May, each gondola car can take four riders and their bikes.
CARDRONA BIKE PARK: New Zealand’s highest bike park has some of the longest vertical descents in the country. Open from December to March, a diverse selection of lift accessed down hills will satisfy every skill level.
Family at Cardrona © Cardrona Ski Resort
CORONET PEAK: Enjoy a mix of intermediate grade 3 to expert grade 6 trails. There are various chairlift-assisted tracks, including local favorite, Rude Rock (grade 4 and home to an enormous, blush-inducing boulder). Runs are fun and technical with breath-taking alpine views.
Biking at Coronet Peak © Chris Hoopmann
7 MILE BIKE PARK: Hailed as one of the best bike parks in the south, numerous loops and variations all hook back to central hubs. Most obstacles can be side-stepped, making the tracks suitable for beginners as well as experts.
