3-5 Day Tour
Around the Mountains Cycle Trail
Multi-day package with Bike Hire, Shuttle Transport, Lake Cruise and Accommodation
186 KM | Grade 1-2 | 3-5 Days
Welcome to the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, a breathtaking journey through the heart of Southland, New Zealand. This iconic trail offers cyclists an unforgettable experience as they traverse the stunning landscapes, quaint towns, and rich heritage of the region.
Stretching over 180 kilometers, the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail showcases the diverse beauty of Southland, from lush farmland to towering mountains and crystal-clear rivers. Along the way, cyclists will encounter charming rural communities, where they can immerse themselves in local culture and hospitality.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist seeking adventure or a leisurely rider looking for a scenic escape, this trail offers something for everyone. With well-maintained paths and a variety of accommodation options, including cozy lodges and campgrounds, cyclists can explore at their own pace while enjoying the comforts of home.
So, saddle up and discover the magic of Southland on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking vistas, warm hospitality, and unforgettable memories.
* FREE pick-up from accommodation in Central Queenstown. Additional fees may apply from outside this area.
All packages include
Bike Hire
Shuttle
Helmet
Small pannier
Bottle Holder
Bike Toolkit
Trail Map
Your Itinerary
*Itinerary is indicative only. Finalised itineraries are supplied when booking
DAY 1 - 8am
Shuttle pick up and bike hire
We’ll pick you up from your your accommodation, with bikes ready for you to enjoy your day on the trail.
9am
Lake Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw
At Queenstown you board the iconic vintage steamship the TSS Earnslaw to cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak.
9.40am
Walter Peak to Mavora Lakes - 50km
Starting your ride at Walter Peak Station and passing the Mt Nicholas Station, the trail passes the show stopping Von Valley/River. Mt Nicholas Station was the first station to supply “Ice Breaker” merino wool.
Crossing the bridge at Black Spur Creek and ford at the Gorge Burn, the trail follows the beautiful, natural tussock valley along Mt Nichols Road.
5.30pm
Shuttle pick up at Mavora Lakes
After a full day’s riding, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery as we drive you to your accommodation in Lumsden, Te Anau or Manapouri.
Day 2 - 8.30am
Centre Hill to Lumsden - 43km
The day starts with shuttle pick up from your accommodation, and short drive to your starting point on the trail at Centre Hill.
Centre Hill to Mossburn
From The Eyre Mountains Conservation Park the trail passes the Oreti River and meanders along the side of Starvation Creek, travelling between farms and the Oreti River as it comes back into Mossburn.
Mossburn to Lumsden
The trail leads you from Mossburn, which in the 1970’s was named the deer capital of New Zealand back towards Lumsden. This section is 5 km on old railway line and 10 km beside the State Highway and farm paddocks. Then it’s over the Oreti Mossburn Bridge and along the flood banks into Lumsden.
Day 3 - 9.30am
Lumsden to Athol - 35km
Lumsden to Five Rivers
Starting in Lumsden, enjoy the relics of the steam train era around the old local railway station. The trail from Lumsden to Five Rivers is slightly uphill and passes through rich farm lands and by the banks of the Oreti River, another great river to spot the brown trout sunning themselves.
Five Rivers to Athol
Along this section of the trail you predominately ride on the old railway line, encompassing panoramic views of Mid Dome, a prominent Northern Southland mountain, and the surrounding mountains before reaching Five Rivers.
Due to the agricultural nature of this section of the ride, at times you may find some of the gates are locked to protect to safety of the animals in the area.
The track is certainly still rideable, and if
this circumstance arises, another aspect of adventure can be added to the already thrilling trail. Lifting your bike is the only way forward, but what better way to give your legs a break!
Day 4 - 9.30am
Athol to Kingston - 30km
Athol to Garston
The cycle trail from here has been constructed on an old disused railway line.
The trail crosses the Mataura River along the way where there are two cycle suspension bridges which are 67m and 92m in length. The locals have named them Athol’s Golden Gates. Looking over the bridge you can often see brown trout swimming around in the pristine, crystal clear waters.
Garston has reinvented itself with a mobile café called the Air Stream, a honey shop and is also home to two small, attractive, historic churches.
Garston to Kingston
From Garston the trail crosses the Mataura River on a suspension Bridge, past old stone ruins of the area’s original stone homestead, and past formations of the glacier moraine at the foot of the Eyre Mountains.
From here you ride into Kingston, a small town on the southern edge of Lake Wakatipu, Kingston has a café, a camping ground, a number of B&B lodges and is home to the historic steam train the Kingston Flyer.
3.30pm
Return Shuttle
Our shuttle will pick you up and take you back to your Queenstown accommodation so you can rest your legs and enjoy the scenery on your journey.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - 8am
Shuttle pick up and bike hire
We’ll pick you up from your your accommodation, with bikes ready for you to enjoy your day on the trail.
9am
Lake Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw
At Queenstown you board the iconic vintage steamship the TSS Earnslaw to cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak.
9.45am
Walter Peak to Mavora Lakes - 50km
Starting your ride at Walter Peak Station and passing the Mt Nicholas Station, the trail passes the show stopping Von Valley/River. Mt Nicholas Station was the first station to supply “Ice Breaker” merino wool.
Crossing the bridge at Black Spur Creek and ford at the Gorge Burn, the trail follows the beautiful, natural tussock valley along Mt Nichols Road.
5.30pm
Shuttle pick up at Mavora Lakes
Starting your ride at Walter Peak Station and passing the Mt Nicholas Station, the trail passes the show stopping Von Valley/River. Mt Nicholas Station was the first station to supply “Ice Breaker” merino wool.
Crossing the bridge at Black Spur Creek and ford at the Gorge Burn, the trail follows the beautiful, natural tussock valley along Mt Nichols Road.
Day 2 - 8.30am
Centre Hill to Lumsden - 43km
The day starts with shuttle pick up from your accommodation, and short drive to your starting point on the trail at Centre Hill.
Centre Hill to Mossburn
From The Eyre Mountains Conservation Park the trail passes the Oreti River and meanders along the side of Starvation Creek, travelling between farms and the Oreti River as it comes back into Mossburn.
Mossburn to Lumsden
The trail leads you from Mossburn, which in the 1970’s was named the deer capital of New Zealand back towards Lumsden. This section is 5 km on old railway line and 10 km beside the State Highway and farm paddocks. Then it’s over the Oreti Mossburn Bridge and along the flood banks into Lumsden.
Day 3 - 9.30am
Lumsden to Athol - 35km
Lumsden to Five Rivers
Starting in Lumsden, enjoy the relics of the steam train era around the old local railway station. The trail from Lumsden to Five Rivers is slightly uphill and passes through rich farm lands and by the banks of the Oreti River, another great river to spot the brown trout sunning themselves.
Five Rivers to Athol
Along this section of the trail you predominately ride on the old railway line, encompassing panoramic views of Mid Dome, a prominent Northern Southland mountain, and the surrounding mountains before reaching Five Rivers.
Due to the agricultural nature of this section of the ride, at times you may find some of the gates are locked to protect to safety of the animals in the area.
The track is certainly still rideable, and if
this circumstance arises, another aspect of adventure can be added to the already thrilling trail. Lifting your bike is the only way forward, but what better way to give your legs a break!
Day 4 - 9.30am
Athol to Kingston - 30km
Athol to Garston
The cycle trail from here has been constructed on an old disused railway line.
The trail crosses the Mataura River along the way where there are two cycle suspension bridges which are 67m and 92m in length. The locals have named them Athol’s Golden Gates. Looking over the bridge you can often see brown trout swimming around in the pristine, crystal clear waters.
Garston has reinvented itself with a mobile café called the Air Stream, a honey shop and is also home to two small, attractive, historic churches.
Garston to Kingston
From Garston the trail crosses the Mataura River on a suspension Bridge, past old stone ruins of the area’s original stone homestead, and past formations of the glacier moraine at the foot of the Eyre Mountains.
From here you ride into Kingston, a small town on the southern edge of Lake Wakatipu, Kingston has a café, a camping ground, a number of B&B lodges and is home to the historic steam train the Kingston Flyer.
3.30pm
Return Shuttle
Our shuttle will pick you up and take you back to your Queenstown accommodation o you can rest your legs and enjoy the scenery on your journey.
FAQs
Yes. This well-maintained trail caters to riders of varying skill levels, providing a perfect blend of challenging ascents and exhilarating descents.
We recommend eBikes for people who don’t regularaly bike as there are some steep inclines, but they are easy enough to walk up!
Yes! We recommend this trail for anyone between 7 – 80+ years old. Our range of Specialized kids bikes mean the whole family can enjoy a day out on the trails.
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