6 minute read
Cycle the Queenstown Trail
QUEENSTOWN to QUEENSTOWN - 1-4 DAYS - 130KM
© AA Traveller 2021
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© AA Traveller 2021
Edgar Bridge, Queenstown Trail © Destination Queenstown
Most of the Queenstown Trail is ideal for beginners, families or those who haven’t seen a bike in a while. The trail 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 challenging, the Jack’s Point section is an enjoyable add-on but not for the faint-hearted. Comprised of some steep climbs, fast descents and tight bends, dropping back down to Lake Wakatipu is the only way to regulate your heartbeat.
Your journey could stretch as far as Gibbston and historic Arrowtown, during a section that includes the 80m 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 region, the heart of pinot noir country, make a beeline for its world-class wineries. Shuttle services are available to transport you home – or simply jump on the bus.
RIDING THE TRAIL
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.
Cycling at Lake Hayes © Jim Pollard Goes Click
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
• 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.
• Once a traffic bridge, Lower Shotover Bridge now provides cyclists with 360-degree vistas of the Shotover River.
• Climbing Thompson’s Hill will 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.
• 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.
Luge © Skyline, Queenstown
• 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.
Misha’s Vineyard © Image Central
• 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.
