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The Great Ride - 4 Days

New Zealand's Most Popular Great Ride!

Explore the beautiful Queenstown Trail over 4 days. Cycle over 130kms on off-road trails set in alpine grandeur. The trail takes you from Queenstown to Gibbston via Arrowtown. You’ll take in lakes and mountains, winding rivers, historic buildings and plenty of bridges, wine tasting, fine food and as much coffee and cake as you wish. Experience a different (quieter) side to Queenstown.

About this Trail

  • Getting there
  • Trail Code
  • Plan and Prepare
  • Guided Options
  • FAQ's

Getting there

Presuming you'll be starting your 4 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. 

Trail Code

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.

  • Share the trail with care and use a bell
  • Keep to the left and pass on the right
  • Bikers give way to walkers
  • Stay in control so you can safely avoid other users and keep yourself safe
  • Be patient behind slower riders and pull over where practical to let faster riders pass
  • Keep to the trail, don’t trespass on private land
  • Horses are generally not permitted on the Queenstown Trail, except for approved shared-use sections
  • Dogs should be under control at all times - check out QLDC's rules and regs around dog walking in the district here
  • Light no fires
  • Report all hazards
  • Keep streams and lakes clean
  • Bury toilet waste
  • Take your rubbish home with you
  • Protect plants and animals

Plan and Prepare

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

Guided Options

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.

FAQ's

Go to the Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to any questions you may have before you head out onto the trail.

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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