HUGO TUNNEL IS CLOSED DUE TO FLOOD DAMAGE. Please use tunnel by-pass route. | Significant flooding and trees down on Twin Rivers Trail - avoid this trail if you want to stay dry. | Coronet Loop & Coronet Peak Trails are Closed for winter.
5km km one way
Grade 5 - Advanced
This is an awesome advanced (grade 5) single-track between the Old Lower Shotover Bridge on the true left of the Kimi Ākau / Shotover River, and Fitzpatrick Road.
Start at the Old Lower Shotover Bridge (accessible from Tucker Beach Road, or Spence Road). There is parking available at each end of the bridge. Follow the Countryside Trail that passes beneath the historic Old Lower Shotover Bridge, and follows the Kimi-ākau Shotover River. Enjoy stunning views of the braided river and of Coronet Peak in the distance. At the bottom of the steep and notorious "Cardiac Climb" (where the Countryside Trail heads up to Domain Road) you will see the Queenstown Trails sign directing you to the Lower Shotover Conservation Area.
The trail leads you across the gravel flats of the Lower Shotover Conservation Area, watch out and give way to horses which frequent this shared-use area.
The trail climbs around some bluffs, and into the Willows for some fun techy sections weaving in and out of the trees.
At the impressive sand cliffs, the trail traverses the river bed (only accessible when dry) and crosses alluvial gravels before climbing some steep and sandy zigzags to the terrace above the Lower Shotover Gorge.
Take a sharp right at the signpost and head back up to Fitzpatrick Road on the 4wd access track, or join the Shotover Gorge Trail to head to the Kimi-ākau Bridge or the Hugo Tunnel.
- A narrow track with variable trail surface, including obstacles such as rocks and tree roots
- Steep frops beside the trail
- Sign posting. Some short sections with limited cell phone receptoin (usually near cliffs)
- Walkers, bikers and horse riders sharing the trail
The Lower Shotover Conservation Area Trail is a Grade 5 (Expert) trail. This trail is technically challenging, with steep climbs and lots of rocks and tree roots. The trail is narrow, and there are some exposed sections.
The Shotover Conservation Area Trail can be ridden in either direction and runs along the northern bank of the Kimi-ākau Shotover River between the bottom of Cardiac Climb (on the Countryside Trail) and just above the Kimi-ākau Bridge and the Shotover Gorge Trail. The main access points are:
There is parking available at all of the main access points.
The Lower Shotover Conservation Area Trail links to the Countryside Trail and the Shotover Gorge Trail.
Transport is available for you and your bike. Get in touch with one of our tour operators for bike hire and transport options.
The Lower Shotover Trail includes sections of Grade 5 Singletrack, and is suitable for walkers and experienced cyclists.
Part of the Lower Shotover Trail crosses the Kimi-ākau Shotover River bed. The river bed section of the trail may not be accessible depending on river levels or during flood events. Do not attempt to cross the river bed if it is under water.
The Lower Shotover Conservation area is a shared use area, there are lots of walkers as well as horse riders who use this trail - horses have right of way.
The Lower Shotover Conservation area includes areas that are nesting sites for the New Zealand Dotterel (Tūturiwhatu), dogs must be kept on a leash.
Respect Others
Respect the Rules
Respect the Trails
Share the Road
MOTORBIKES & E-MOTORBIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRAIL
If you've experienced our trails and loved them, please support us with a donation. As a registered charity, we rely upon donations to enhance and expand our trail network.
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