TWIN RIVERS TRAIL - CLOSED between Lake Hayes Estate and Morven Ferry Road due to land slides
CORONET LOOP & WATER RACE - CLOSED due to land slides
THE LOWER SHOTOVER CONSERVATION AREA IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE AS FAR AS FITZPATRICK ROAD WHILE THE SHOTOVER GORGE TRAIL THROUGH TO ARTHURS POINT IS BEING UPGRADED. PLEASE DONT ENTER THE WORKSITE, AND BE AWARE OF CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC.
6km km one way or 12kms return
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. You will get some stunning views over the 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.
Starting at the Old Lower Shotover Bridge - there is parking just off Tucker Beach Road, or at the bottom of Spence Road (on the other side of the Old Lower Shotover Bridge by the Ferry Hotel).
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.
Here are a few important pointers to foster positive attitudes between different trail users and remember we are lucky that many local landowners have given us access to their private property.
Many of our Trusted Partners offer guided tours and shuttles to and from the start and end points of the trails - allowing you to ultimately tailor your trail experience and pick up tons of local knowledge and discover secret spots along the way!
Click here to see our Directory of Tour Operators.
Go to the Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to any questions you may have before you head out onto the trail.
If you've experienced our trails and loved them, please support us and donation online today. As a registered charity, we rely upon ongoing funding and donations to maintain and extend our trail network. Find out more and donate here.
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