The Insider's Guide to New Zealand
QUEENSTOWN TRAIL
Ideally set aside 3-4 days to take the trails at a more leisurely pace with loads of stops for photos, coffee and rests. But for those with time constraints there is no excuse for not at least having a quick blast along the lakefront from the centre of Queenstown out to Frankton. For anyone keen on venturing further, this track connects with the Twin Rivers Ride (referring to the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers that it follows). If the legs and mind just keep crying out for more, keep pushing onwards to the Arrow River Bridges Ride, which connects back with atmospheric Arrowtown, or eastwards onto the Gibbston River Trail where wine cellars await. On the way to the vineyards, consider living in the moment and bungee jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, which the trail crosses.
If you BYO bike this is all completely free. Just download and print a map and hit the tracks. But for bike hire, tours or advice, plenty of bike operators are happy to assist. They'll also organise drop-off and pick-up shuttles for one-way rides. A popular day option is to catch a shuttle to Arrowtown, take a leisurely ride from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley, and at the end of the day, after sampling the region's wine and food offerings, hop back on a shuttle back to Queenstown. All fitness ranges are catered for and some operators even offer eBikes, giving anyone the confidence to give cycling a go, as well as the ability to cover more distance.
Don't think cycling is just summer activity in these southern parts either. The tracks are all maintained to a high standard, making them an excellent all-yearround option. If planning a week on the slopes in winter, consider breaking it up with a day of cycling, or a morning of skiing can be followed by an afternoon on the bike. Or just wake up each morning, peek out the window, and make a decision which way to go then. queenstowntrail.co.nz