The Great Ride

The Queenstown Trail, New Zealand's Most Popular Great Ride!

The Queenstown Trail is one of New Zealands's 22 Great Rides, a network of trails that provide a safe and sustainable way to explore New Zealand's special places.  Riding our 'Great Ride', the Queenstown Trail allows you to explore Queenstown by bike (or on foot) via 130kms of spectacular off-road trails. Your journey starts on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and takes you from Queenstown to Gibbston, returning via historic Arrowtown. You'll take in a plethora of lakes and mountains, rivers, bridges and spectacular views.

A great way to see the other (quieter) side to Queenstown.

For more information view the Queenstown Trail map and description HERE or download the Great Rides App.

Please also consider supporting the work of the Queenstown Trails Trust by donating or becoming a Friend of the Trust. If you love our trails, as little as the price of a couple of coffees each month can safeguard the future of the trails and help us expand our trail network.

Day 1

Queenstown to Frankton via Kelvin Heights and Jack's Point. Starting at the Queenstown Gardens, your 4 day journey starts as a flat and easy ride to Frankton Beach following the shores of the Lake Wakatipu to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge. Pass the Hilton Hotel, follow the Kelvin Peninsula Trail until you reach the Loop Trail around the golf course and upto Jardine Park. Advanced riders can ta...

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Day 2

Frankton to Arrowtown via the Twin Rivers and Countryside Trails. You'll pass through quiet country lanes, breathtaking architecture, historic galleries and you'll have the option to circumnavigate Lake Hayes.

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Day 3

Arrowtown to Gibbston. Today is an easy 22km ride. Recharge at one of the many Arrowtown eateries before you head downstream onto the Arrow River Bridges Trail. You'll pass many bridges and tunnels and at the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge take a rest and watch the bungy jumpers. Here the Gibbston River Trail begins and your journey into the Valley of Vines - Central Otago's premier wine growi...

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Day 4

Gibbston to Queenstown via the Gibbston River Trail, Twin Rivers Trail and the Frankton Track. The final leg of the journey is 40km of easy to intermediate trails. Save some leg power for the last day as it really is a stunning ride taking in the iconic Edgar Bridge. Order a picnic from Kinross Cottages the night before and enjoy under the willow trees by the side of the Kawarau River.

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Related Content

Some other information you might be interested in

Queenstown Trail Queenstown Gardens and Lake Wakatipu 1

Become a Friend

To support the Queenstown Trails Trust, check out the range

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Maps & Trails

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Cycling Across Edgar Bridge Queenstown Trail

Plan Your Trip

If you are planning on riding or walking the Queenstown Trai

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Donate

100% of your donation will go towards building trails in Queenstown

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Become a partner

We connect cycle friendly businesses with active cyclists

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Volunteer

Join us in caring for the trails we love

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