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Kawarau Gorge Trail opens 25 October 2026

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Enjoy the best

4 day biking experience

Explore

The region's most beautiful trails

Immerse yourself

In unique history and scenery

4 Day
Queenstown to Central Otago
Bike Tour

Ride the Queenstown Trails, Kawarau Gorge Trail, Lake Dunstan & Roxburgh Gorge Trails on our most popular 4 day cycling adventure

Distance

162kms

Duration

4 Days

Grade 2-3

Easy-Intermediate

This 4 day cycling tour features a spectacular journey from Queenstown through the Gibbston wine region and into Central Otago, taking in four different trails with different riding experiences.

Ride the following trails:

  • Queenstown Trail
  • Kawarau Gorge Trail
  • Lake Dunstan Trail
  • Roxburgh Gorge Trail

Distance: 162kms

Duration: 4 Days

Grade: 2-3 Easy-Intermediate

Multi-day package with Bike Hire, Shuttle Transport, Accommodation, Jet Boat Transfer, Luggage Transfers and more...

Includes

* FREE pick-up from accommodation in Central Queenstown. Additional fees may apply from outside this area.

What's included?

This 4 day package includes

Trail Maps

We’ve created a set of maps to help you along your journey, free to download and use.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The cost of the package depends on your travel dates, accommodation options and the number of people travelling. Packages start from $1600 per person.

Your package includes e-bike hire, shuttle transport, accommodation, luggage transfers, making it an easy way to experience four of Central Otago’s spectacular cycle trails without having to organise all the logistics yourself.

This 4-day cycling package includes everything you need for a hassle-free cycling holiday, including:

  • E-bike hire
  • Four days of cycling
  • Shuttle transport to and from the trails
  • Accommodation in Gibbston, Cromwell and Clyde
  • Daily luggage transfers between accommodation
  • Helmet
  • Panniers

It’s an easy way to experience some of the best cycling in Queenstown and Central Otago without having to organise bikes, accommodation and transport separately.

Over four days you’ll ride through an impressive variety of landscapes, starting in Queenstown and finishing in the dramatic Roxburgh Gorge.

Your trip includes:

  • Day 1: Queenstown to Arrowtown and through the Gibbston wine region
  • Day 2: Gibbston to Cromwell via the new Kawarau Gorge Trail
  • Day 3: Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Clyde
  • Day 4: Roxburgh Gorge Trail, followed by a shuttle back to Queenstown

It’s a great itinerary if you’d like to experience several of the region’s best trails as one multi-day cycling journey rather than tackling them as individual day trips.

This trip is best suited to reasonably confident cyclists.

While there is plenty of relaxed riding, the Lake Dunstan, Kawarau Gorge and Roxburgh Gorge trails include intermediate sections where you’ll encounter climbs, descents and narrower trail.

The new Kawarau Gorge Trail is graded Grade 2-3 and includes a remote backcountry section with no easy exit route, so riders need to be comfortable controlling a bike on varied terrain.

You don’t need to be a highly experienced mountain biker, but you should be a confident cyclist.

An e-bike will make the hills and longer days much easier.

Yes. In fact, an e-bike is an excellent choice for this itinerary, particularly for the Kawarau Gorge and Lake Dunstan sections where there are some climbs.

All our bikes are fitted with batteries that will comfortably have enough range for every day.

Day 1: Queenstown to Gibbston – approx. 44km
Day 2: Kawarau Gorge Trail to Cromwell – approx. 34km
Day 3: Lake Dunstan Trail to Clyde – approx. 41km
Day 4: Roxburgh Gorge Trail – approx. 34km

An e-bike makes the longer distances and climbs much more manageable, leaving you with more energy to enjoy the scenery and stops along the way.

Yes! Day 1 is designed to combine cycling with one of the Queenstown area’s other highlights: the Gibbston wine region.

You’ll cycle from Queenstown through Arrowtown before continuing towards Gibbston, where you’ll have opportunities to stop and enjoy the area’s wineries and cellar doors.

Wine tastings and food are not included in your package, allowing you to choose which wineries you’d like to visit along the way. We’re happy to provide recommendations!

We have selected accommodation in Gibbston, Cromwell and Clyde that works well with the cycling itinerary and luggage transfer service.

If you have particular accommodation requirements or would like to discuss an upgrade, let us know when you enquire and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Facilities vary considerably from day to day.

Day 1 offers plenty of opportunities for stops around Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston, but the more remote sections of the Kawarau Gorge and Roxburgh Gorge trails have limited facilities. In particular, the middle section of the Kawarau Gorge Trail is a backcountry environment where riders need to be self-sufficient.

We recommend carrying sufficient water and snacks each day, and we’ll provide information about facilities and recommended stops before you set out.

Meals are not included in our packages, giving you the freedom to choose where you’d like to eat along the way. You’ll be staying in Gibbston, Cromwell and Clyde, with a range of cafés, wineries, restaurants and other dining options available throughout your trip.

We’ll provide information about where you can stop for food during your ride. We recommend carrying some snacks and water with you each day, particularly on the more remote trail sections.

You won’t need to carry your main luggage while you’re riding.

Daily bag transfers are included, so your luggage will be collected and transported to your next night’s accommodation. You’ll only need to take what you need while cycling, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, a jacket, phone and camera.

Opening in October 2026, the new Kawarau Gorge Trail creates a cycling connection between the Queenstown Trails at Gibbston and the Central Otago trail network around Cromwell.

The route follows the Kawarau River through the gorge and features impressive trail engineering, including swing bridges and sections constructed around steep gorge walls.

For this particular package, it’s what makes it possible to create a progressive cycling journey from Queenstown through Gibbston and on into Central Otago.

The Kawarau Gorge Trail is a Grade 2-3 trail with significant climbing, and its middle section passes through a remote backcountry environment with no easy alternative exit routes. Riders should be confident on a bike and capable of completing the distance.

An e-bike makes the climbing considerably easier, but riders still need good bike-handling skills.

Yes. Your Roxburgh Gorge boat transfer is organised as part of your package, connecting Doctors Point and Shingle Creek.

It’s not simply a transfer either. The boat journey is one of the highlights of the day, taking you deeper into the gorge and past historic gold-mining sites that can’t be accessed from the trail.

There’s no need to arrange your own return transport.

After completing your final day’s ride on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, our shuttle will collect you and return you to Queenstown.

This makes the trip particularly easy for visitors staying in Queenstown, as you can start your cycling adventure there on Day 1 and have your return journey taken care of on Day 4.

Central Otago conditions can change quickly, so we recommend being prepared for both warm and cool conditions.

Bring:

  • Comfortable cycling clothing
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Waterproof/windproof jacket
  • Warm layer
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Phone
  • Any personal medication


We supply

  • Helmets
  • Drink bottle holder
  • A bike toolkit
  • Panniers
  • Maps

We can also fit SPD pedals if you prefer to ride using these.

The Queenstown and Central Otago region can experience everything from very hot summer days to cool temperatures, wind and rain, sometimes in the same day! 

It’s important to be prepared, and we recommend bringing suitable layers of clothing.

Safety comes first. If conditions mean that part of the planned route can’t safely be ridden, we will advise you of any changes and arrange an alternative itinerary or transport where possible.

This four-day trip lets you experience the changing landscapes of Queenstown and Central Otago as one continuous cycling adventure.

You’ll leave Queenstown by bike, travel through historic Arrowtown and the Gibbston wine region, ride the dramatic new Kawarau Gorge Trail into Cromwell, tackle the spectacular Lake Dunstan Trail and finish with the remote scenery of the Roxburgh Gorge.

With your e-bike, accommodation, bag transfers and shuttles organised for you, there’s no need to coordinate multiple day trips or return to Queenstown every evening.

You simply keep riding towards your next destination.

Customer reviews

Why riders love this trip

All reviews
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ExcellentTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 54.9172 reviews
4.9Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Excellent172 reviews
ExcellentGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 54.9137 reviews
4.9Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent137 reviews
ExcellentTripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 54.934 reviews
4.9Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Excellent34 reviews
ExcellentTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 55.01 reviews
5.0Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Excellent1 reviews
Posted on Google Google
Anil Mohan profile picture
Anil Mohan
3 days ago
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Fab bike rentals, very flexible service and Jake helped us get kitted out with great e-bikes. A great day all round! Highly recommend.
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Jane Hulme profile picture
Jane Hulme
3 days ago
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Awesome experience highly recommend 😊
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Nadia Uink profile picture
Nadia Uink
5 days ago
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+0
Great service and super helpful! Family of 4 with two young kids, one on a kids ebike and another on the tag along - both had the best time. The service was next level and we'd 100% do this again. Highlight of our trip. Thanks so much !! Cheers
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Daniel Williams profile picture
Daniel Williams
5 days ago
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Mike was wonderful and very helpful
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Olivia Maloney profile picture
Olivia Maloney
8 days ago
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Amazing tour! Track was beautiful and bikes were great. Jake was a great host. Definitely recommend.
Posted on Google Google
Jason Sladden profile picture
Jason Sladden
8 days ago
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Fantastic service great bikes recomonned 100%
Posted on Google Google
Brad Lillyman profile picture
Brad Lillyman
13 days ago
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Fantastic experience, great service, great company to deal with and great bikes. Highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Julie Verri profile picture
Julie Verri
14 days ago
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Unreal! Great people running it as well! That’s great
Posted on Google Google
Amber Ryan profile picture
Amber Ryan
39 days ago
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Amazing experience
Posted on Google Google
Felicity Shepherd profile picture
Felicity Shepherd
49 days ago
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Highly recommend they were very helpful in best places to stop as well as offering to pick up from hotel and drop off. Having the option to go at our pace and do want we want on the trail was exactly want we wanted. Been able to enjoy everything and take in all the view and just relax was amazing. Will definitely do this again
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Nick C profile picture
Nick C
139 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Excellent service We didn't have a booking but Jake quickly sorted us out with e-bikes and provided helmets and a tool/repair kit. We also asked if the bikes could be collected from a winery at Gibbston. Once again Jake said it was no trouble. The bikes were great and the ride route spectacular. Couldn't recommend Queenstown Bike Hire highly enough.
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Arjun Raj profile picture
Arjun Raj
150 days ago
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Loved it Smooth process. Lovely service.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Teresa H profile picture
Teresa H
153 days ago
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Superb friendly service Fantastic company to liaise with, shuttle turned up at our accommodation right on time, ready to go with bikes on the back, Graham who collected us, is a super lovely guy, knowledgeable and friendly. Bikes were well maintained, Graham ensured we were all sorted, and even parked along the trail a bit to check that we and the bikes are going well… Lake Dunstan trail was just superb, highly recommend Queenstown bike hire to all
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Caroline profile picture
Caroline
155 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
The Dunstan trail on e-bikes The Dunstan trail on e-bikes was fabulous. Queenstown Bike Hire was slick and professional, very easy to deal with. We were picked up from our accommodation by a great young guy who told us everything we needed to know. The bikes were really good and served us well on the trail. Highly recommend Queenstown Bike Hire, we will definitely use them again!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Hans G profile picture
Hans G
188 days ago
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Majestic Queenstown MTB trails On the final day of my trip to Queenstown, I booked an e-MTB ride, and it turned out to be a standout highlight of my trip. After the Queenstown Parkrun (a beautiful course), I walked to the shop, which is about 1.5 km from central Queenstown. The shop itself is a little tricky to find, but once there I was looked after by Jake, who set me up with everything I needed and mapped out a fantastic loop: Arthurs Point > Shotover Gorge > Tucker Beach > Countryside > Wharehuanui > Arthurs Point Trails. The ride started virtually across the road from the shop. The route was easy to follow, the trails were in excellent condition (mostly gravel), and the scenery was absolutely breath taking - photos really do not do it justice. At a relaxed pace, I covered around 46 km in 3.5 hours with minimal effort thanks to the e-MTB. I stopped for lunch at Gantley’s Tavern in Arthurs Point, which had great food and a relaxed beer garden atmosphere, with mountain bikers everywhere, excitedly talking about their morning’s adventures. I finished with plenty of time before my flight, although in hindsight I would have liked to attempt the longer Arrowtown loop. Battery range was the only limiting factor—charging options at lunch stops would make longer rides even more appealing. Overall, a fantastic experience. I will definitely be back for a multi-day ride and would not hesitate to book again with Queenstown Bike Hire.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Christy Hunter H profile picture
Christy Hunter H
195 days ago
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Great service for amazing ride Two friends and I rented bikes from Queenstown Bike Hire and paid to be shuttled to the Lake Dunstan Bike Trail. The bikes (Cannondale e-bikes) were in excellent condition and the driver (Rob) went above and beyond to accommodate us. Regarding the trail: We are in our 70s but experienced riders. The first part of the trail (from Smith's Way) was leisurely but it grew progressively windier and hillier with sharp curves and deep drop-offs. E-bikes are a must. The views were amazing and it was an unforgettable adventure but I wouldn't recommend this trip for someone inexperienced or with a fear of heights.
Posted on Trustindex Trustindex
Brinker profile picture
Brinker
211 days ago
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Great bikes- Path directly across the street! Our electric bikes were perfect for us. We would recommend this place absolutely! Very nice people. Even though a 15 minute walk from town the beginning of the path to Arrowtown and also to the wineries was just across the street, which made it so easy compared to trying to navigate out of town thru traffic/people etc from other rentals near our hotel. They were so nice to come get us at a winery. The 45 mile ride was GORGEOUS… we stopped more than we thought for pics and beauty thus no energy or desire to go back that far, especially after wine. So, they were very accommodating. We would def recommend and use them if we are ever to return to beautiful NZ.
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CJKing1 profile picture
CJKing1
222 days ago
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Great trip thanks to Around the mountains cycle Co We spent a couple of days riding in the Queenstown area before doing the 4 day around the mountains cycle. The ATM cycle company provided good bikes, transport that was on time and drivers who were friendly, helpful and when one of us experienced a slight issue with our bike there was no hesitation in offering a replacement. All together good service. Be aware that the cycle up Von Hill is relentless and I wished I’d had an e-bike for that day!
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Wanderer47443144817 profile picture
Wanderer47443144817
242 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Queenstown to Arrowtown gravel trails Great place to hire 2 e bikes and cycle the trails from Queenstown to Arrowtown. Nearly all off road and lots of interesting trails by the river and into the hills
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Lauren Pardee R profile picture
Lauren Pardee R
257 days ago
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family bike trip around the peninsula Great customer service! Thank you!
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Traveler688456 profile picture
Traveler688456
258 days ago
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Great Ebike experience with Bike Hire Queenstown We had a great time on our self-guided Ebike tour thanks such much to Bike Hire Queenstown. Jake made everything so easy for us. We were able to just show up, get on our bikes and be in our way. They took care of helmets, painiers, toolkit, maps, etc. The bikes were in great condition and very comfortable. I would highly recommend them for if you’re interested in either guided or self-guided Ebike needs in Queenstown.
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Why ride with us?

We're local, we've hired bikes here since the eighties, and we focus on the best possible day out for every rider.

Local experience

40+ years

Happy riders

15,000+

Rated by customers

4.9 ★

Local team

100%

Bikes & gear

Premium

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to sustainability

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All our packages

Ride the Queenstown Trails, Kawarau Gorge Trail, Lake Dunstan & Roxburgh Gorge Trails on our most popular 4 day cycling adventure.
Discover the Kawarau Gorge Trail with seamless bike hire and shuttles. Epic scenery, smooth trails, and zero hassle – just turn up, ride, and enjoy the journey.
Bike the newly opened Shotover Gorge Trail on this half day adventure, cycling through picturesque countryside and through the restored Hugo Tunnel.