Coronet Loop Repairs are currently underway and Coronet Loop is still closed. Coronet Face Water Race is open.
This two day version of the Queenstown Trail is best suited to the intermediate rider with good fitness due to the kms covered. You'll cycle over 90kms in two days taking you from Queenstown to Gibbston on day 1. Returning back to Queenstown via Arrowtown on Day 2.
Starting at the Queenstown Gardens, it’s a flat and easy ride to Frankton Beach as the trail follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu, call in to the historic Boatshed for coffee and a delicious sticky bun or Altitude Brewing for a local craft beer.
Continue on past Frankton Beach towards the Kawarau Falls Bridge, cross under the bridge to connect with the Twin Rivers Trail. Follow the trail alongside the Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve down to the Kawarau River.
Follow the banks of the Kawarau River towards the Shotover Delta, here the Shotover River enters the Kawarau River from the north and you will follow the trail to make your way towards the Old Lower Shotover Bridge. Restored to its former glory by the Rotary Club of Queenstown, the view from the bridge up to Coronet Peak is breath-taking – a definite photo moment.
Frankton and in particular Remarkables Park is a quick detour from the start of the Twin Rivers Trail. Past the Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve join Riverside Road, at the top of the road you'll find Remarkables Park and numerous cafes, bars, supermarket, outdoor stores including bike workshops if you are in need of a fix.
Cross the Old Lower Shotover Bridge and follow the trail down the true left of the Shotover River to Old School Road, you’ll pass underneath the State Highway 6 and continue on hugging the river and the willow tree lined banks, past the Shotover Country and Lakes Hayes Estate communities. Continue winding your way along the true south of the river, the trail includes a few climbs but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with some of the most majestic views in the area.
Just before reaching Billie’s Bridge which crosses Hayes Creek, there's a picturesque picnic spot. Sit back, relax and drink in the splendour of this serene location.
At the top of Thompson’s hill - the longest and last hill on this ride, stop and admire the view across the Kawarau River up to the Remarkables Mountain range and Rastus Burn. Enjoy the easy descent through tranquil pastoral land surrounded by three mountain ranges. The Twin Rivers Trail ends at Morven Ferry Road where you pick up the Arrow River Bridges Trail.
Follow the meandering trail until you see the Edgar Suspension Bridge, an impressive feat of engineering, this breathtakingly graceful 80-metre bridge looms dramatically. From its midpoint, it is guaranteed to deliver gasps of appreciation at the view down the Arrow Gorge. Photo stops are a must here.
Beyond the Edgar Bridge you’ll find our Wall of Recognition. Please take time to stop and offer up a 'thanks' to the landowners and Queenstown community who had the vision to help make the Queenstown Trail a reality.
Getting across busy State Highway 6 is a piece of cake via the Barfoot Tunnel - and onto a part of the trail which follows the original goldminers’ road into Queenstown. Breathe in the thyme-scented mountain air as you make your way over the historic Kawarau Bridge, also home of A J Hackett’s bungy site, the world’s first bungy operation. The AJ Hackett Centre is a stunning piece of architecture, well worth a visit - a fabulous café, toilets and of course tickets for that bungy jump you've been promising yourself. As you leave the AJ Hackett car park (accessible from SH6) follow the signs to the Gibbston River Trail. From here, your journey takes you into dramatic wine country. Choose to explore the Gibbston River Trail, taking in some wine tasting and enjoy all that the 'valley of vines' has to offer. Check out our Gibbston page for more information.
Take your time in Gibbston - order a picnic hamper packed with freshly-baked baguettes, cheeses and antipasto from Gibbston Valley Cheeses for the journey (best done the night before). Enjoy the views of the Kawarau River as you retrace your tyre tracks back along the trail to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre where you'll re-join the Arrow River Bridges Trail towards Arrowtown.
Follow the old goldminers trail on the right of the State Highway 6 and breathe in the thyme-scented mountain air as you make your way under the busy Highway via the Barfoot Tunnel. You'll be pleased to be leaving the sound of traffic as your ride into a quiet farmland setting. Be wowwed by the impressive feat of engineering that is the graceful 80-metre Edgar Suspension Bridge, it is guaranteed to deliver gasps of appreciation at the views from its midpoint down into the Arrow Gorge.
Upstream of the Edgar Bridge you'll continue on, retracing your steps from yesterday past the start of the Twin Rivers Trail at Morven Ferry Road, you'll ride a short section of trail next to the road towards the State Highway 6, where you'll cross the Knights Family underbridge, take in the downstream view of where the Arrow River drops into the gorge. Continue along Whitechapel country lane till you get to the Southern Discoveries suspension bridge. A destination in itself and what a view! One of the most popular photo stops is midway across.
The trail heads east along the banks of the Arrow River, a river of many moods, sometimes tranquil, often rushing over rocks and bluffs, then widening to limpid pools. There’s no shortage of photo opportunities and you'll find a great picnic spot beside the Swain Family Bridge - perfect for enjoying the peace and quiet.
Back on the trail, follow the trail on the true right of the Arrow River, soak up the atmosphere as you head into leafy Arrowtown - the home of the gold rush in the 1800s and steeped in history
Find a nice spot by the river to rest and enjoy your picnic or refuel at one of the many cafe's in Arrowtown. When you are ready, find the start of the Countryside Trail adjacent to Dudley's Cottage at the Arrowtown River car park and follow the signs - within a few minutes the trail crosses Manse Road, stick to the trail by the side of the road all the way to to Millbrook, take care when crossing the sometimes busy Malaghans Road.
The trail through peaceful Millbrook Resort is well-signposted. Slow down and take in the wonderful 'avenue of trees'. If you have time or if you are wanting to eat or rest Millbrook Resort offers a great cafe, restaurant, bars, pro-shop and golf courses and of course the Day Spa (not to mention the first class accommodation options). Or continue on the trail through Millbrook until you reach Christine's Hill, one of the favourite local views on the trail. From here, Lake Hayes twinkles in the foreground, with the appropriately-named Remarkables Mountain Range in the distance.
After you've descended Christines Hill, turn onto Speargrass Flat Road until you reach Slopehill Road. Although a quiet section of road - please take care - normal road rules apply. A short downhill from Domain Road will bring the trail back alongside the Shotover River, before arriving at the Old Lower Shotover Bridge. From here cross the bridge and continue on to Queenstown by following the signs for the Twin Rivers Trail which will lead you past the Shotover Delta and onto the true left of the Kawarau River, you'll cruise along behind the Remarkable Parks Shopping Centre, past the Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve on your left all the way to the Kawarau Falls Bridge.
Go under the Kawarau Falls Bridge, here you'll join the Frankton Track and cruise all the way back to Queenstown central.
If you have the time and energy at Rutherford Road there is the option to ride a short 700m section of quiet road to connect to the Lake Hayes Trail and enjoy the 8 km scenic ride around this beautiful lake. This is one of the most scenic short loops in the trail network and is very popular with walkers and cyclists. Following an anti-clockwise direction is slightly easier and the reserve is a perfect picnic spot. The lake is often very calm, producing incredible reflections of the mountain ranges that surround it.
Presuming you'll be starting your 2 day journey in Queenstown, you'll find plenty of parking either at your accommodation or within Queenstown Centre. Click her for more info on getting to Queenstown.
The official start of the Queenstown Trail is at the bridge by the entrance of the Queenstown Gardens along Marine Parade.
This site is loaded with maps, information and advice, Here’s how to get the most out of it:
1. Choose your ride: You’ll be spoilt for choice – so many options, so many trails. a Find trail to suit your experience and timeframes.
2. Plan your adventure: To find local places to eat, stay and discover, check out our Official Partners directory listings. You’ll find tour operators, transport providers, cafes, wineries and activities and so much more.
3. Download a map or the Great Rides app
4. Watch the Queenstown Trail video
For more information on how to stay safe on your trip go here
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 Official 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 Trail Directory.
Go to the Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to any questions you may have before you head out onto the trail.
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