official opening 25 October 2026
Kawarau Gorge Trail
Bike Hire & Shuttle
Everything you need for a full day riding the Kawarau Gorge, with transport from Queenstown and back.
From
$210
Per Person
includes
Bike Hire & Return Shuttles
Free cancellation up to 24 hrs
Distance
34km
Grade 2-3
Easy / Intermediate
Elevation
~800m
Ride time
4-6hrs
Terrain
Graded Trail
Backcountry
The Experience
Why this ride is special
The Kawarau Gorge Trail follows the Kawarau River through one of Central Otago's most dramatic landscapes. You'll ride suspension bridges, cliffside boardwalks and long open stretches with the gorge below you the whole way.
It links Gibbston and Cromwell, so the ride moves from vineyards and cellar doors into wide schist country. Stop for coffee, lunch or a tasting - take the day at your own pace.
We handle the bike, the briefing, the transfer out and the pick-up at the end. You ride.
Stunning scenery
Iconic landmarks
Great stops
Adventure feel
Your Day
From pickup to return.
We've got it sorted.
8am
Pickup
Pick-up from your Queenstown accommodation.
8am
Shuttle to the trail start
A scenic transfer to the start of your ride.
8.45am
Bike fitting and ride briefing
Our team gets you set up and ride-ready.
9am
Start your ride
Enjoy the ride at your own pace.
3pm
Collection in Cromwell
We'll be there at the end of your ride for a relaxing journey back to Queenstown.
4pm
Return to Queenstown
Relax and share your stories from the day. We'll drop you back at your Queenstown accommodation.
Your ride, our support
Local support on the day, from a team that knows this trail inside out.
Ride Choice
Is this ride right for you?
Best for you if you...
- Enjoy scenic days outdoors
- Love ticking off new trails
- Ride regularly
- Are confident on a bike
- Are comfortable riding long distances
Avoid this ride if you...
- Are new to cycling
- Prefer flat, easy rides
- Have limited time
Alternative Rides
Looking for something shorter or easier? Try one of these rides instead:
Bike Choice
Choose your bike
Premium bikes, matched to the Kawarau Gorge Trail.
Book Now
Kids trailers, tag-alongs and child seats available when booking. Enquire for more info.
What's included
Everything you need for a day out on the trails
Included
- Premium eBike or Mountain Bike
- Return Shuttles
- Accommodation pick-up and drop-off
- Helmet
- Drink Bottle Holder
- Toolkit and spare tube
- Panniers (bike bags)
- Map and ride guide
Local support on the day
Call us any time you're on the trail for support.
Bring with you
- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Phone / Camera
- Snacks
- Dress in light layers
- Comfortable shoes (sneakers are fine)
Where you ride
Kawarau Gorge Trail
The Signature Gorge Ride
Immerse yourself in the spectacular river and gorge scenery through one of Central Otago’s most dramatic landscapes, with historic gold-era sites and purpose-built trail features. A full day out for confident riders.
Trail overview
The official Kawarau Gorge Trail runs between Oxbow Adventure Co in Gibbston and Butcher Drive near the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. Expect varied terrain, purpose-built bridges and long views.
Trail Stats
- Distance: 34 km (official trail)
- Total climb: ~800 m
- Highest point: 468m
- Trail grade: Grade 2–3
- Surface: formed gravel & single-track
- Best time to ride: Spring to Autumn
- Dogs: not permitted
Safety & backcountry information
Remote trail sections
Parts of the trail have no facilities. Be self-sufficient and plan before you go.
Limited phone coverage
Coverage is patchy through the gorge. Download maps and share your plans.
Rider confidence
Grade 2–3 with short Grade 4 sections. Suited to confident recreational riders.
Ride safe, ride smart
Follow trail signs, keep left, respect others and stay on the marked route.
Helmets are mandatory.
Helmets are mandatory on all trails. We provide you with a well fitted helmet with every biking package or bike hire.
Trail conditions by season
Summer
(Dec – Feb)
Warm and dry. Perfect conditions for riding. Don't forget the sunscreen!
Autumn
(Mar – May)
Cooler temps, beautiful colours, fewer riders.
Winter
(Jun – Aug)
Cold mornings, and blue sky days, possible frost. Dress warm!
Spring
(Sep – Nov)
Changeable weather. Great riding days - not too hot and not too cold.
Check the forecast
Conditions can change quickly in the gorge.
Check the forecast before you ride and dress in layers.
Trail Direction
Why we ride from Gibbston to Cromwell
Smoother gradients to start
We start with the easier sections so you can settle in and enjoy the ride from the get-go.
Better logistics, more ride time
Shuttling to the trail start gets you riding sooner and maximises your time on the bike.
The best finish in Cromwell
Finish with stunning lake views, great food and wine to celebrate a day well ridden.
Ready to ride?
Customer reviews
Why riders love this trip
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
Committed
to sustainability
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The new Kawarau Gorge Trail will be opening on 25th October 2026. There will be an official opening event on Sunday 25th October, with QBH tours starting on Monday 26th October.
The standard trail package starting in Oxbow will be 34km on well-graded gravel and compacted trail, along with exciting board walk sections. We are also able to offer an extended ride package starting at the world famous bungy bridge in Gibbston Valley and ride all the way into Cromwell, taking it to approximately 50kms.
Expect 2-4hrs depending on fitness, stops and whether you are riding an ebike or mountain bike. If ridden as part of a multi-day trip linking to Cromwell, Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge or Clutha Gold, plan 2–5 days depending on your itinerary.
Definitely. E-bikes are recommended, especially for less experienced riders or those looking to tackle the climbs and longer rides connecting to other trails. Riders still need appropriate bike-handling skills and judgement.
Families can enjoy the trail, though assess young children’s ability for longer distances and rougher sections.
There are planned rest/viewing areas on the trail plus cafés, shops, and accommodation are available at the start and end of the trail. Toilets will be available near the start and end of the trail, plus part way through near the Goldfield’s Mining Centre.
Gibbston/Oxbow to Cromwell is clear favourite in terms of ride direction. The Kawarau Gorge Trail naturally tilts downhill from Gibbston to Cromwell reducing climbing effort by 67% and climbing elevation by 106m plus rather than a 2.8km uphill finish you get to coast downhill into Cromwell Historic Precinct for lake views, and a well earnt ice cream or drink.
Gibbston/Oxbow to Cromwell is clear favourite in terms of ride direction. The Kawarau Gorge Trail naturally tilts downhill from Gibbston to Cromwell reducing climbing effort by 67% and climbing elevation by 106m plus rather than a 2.8km uphill finish you get to coast downhill into Cromwell Historic Precinct for lake views, and a well earnt ice cream or drink.
The trail is officially graded as 87% Grade 2 which is classed as Easy and 13% Grade 3 which is classed as intermediate sections. Riders should be confident on gravel trails and capable of managing themselves through a remote backcountry section.
No. The route is not recommended for complete beginners. It is more suitable for confident riders with previous gravel, cycle-trail or mountain-bike experience. We have other trail options which are beginner friendly such as Bike the Wineries or Lake Dunstan (which is in between those two in terms of beginner friendliness)
The route may be suitable for older or experienced young riders who meet the required riding standard. QBH recommends a minimum age of 12 year old, subject to the child’s experience, confidence, height and ability to complete the distance.
Contact us before booking for any rider under 12.
Yes. Your bike must be mechanically sound and suitable for Grade 2–3 backcountry riding. Select the own-bike shuttle option when booking.
Facilities are limited through the gorge. Riders should begin with sufficient food and water for the complete ride. Verified facilities are shown on our route map.
There is phone coverage at the start of the trail (Gibbston) and the end of the trail (Bannockburn / Cromwell), but once you enter the Kawarau Gorge, mobile phone signal is limited. Before you start your ride we’ll make sure you have everything you need to get you through to the finish line.
The majority of the trail is inaccessible to vehicles so the only pick-up options are the start (Gibbston), the Goldfield’s Mining Centre, and the finish (Bannockburn or Cromwell).
Your adventure awaits
Ready to ride the Kawarau Gorge Trail?
Epic scenery, unforgettable riding. We handle the details, you enjoy the ride.
Shuttle & gear
Included both ways
Local expertise
Ride with confidence
Rated 4.9/5
By 159+ riders
Shuttle pickup
from your accommodation
From
$210
pp
Got Questions?
Call +64 3 442 9903 or message our team
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