Bike Tours in Queenstown

Queenstown bike hire opens up the Queenstown Trail, a network of graded cycle routes that runs from the lake shore at Frankton and Kelvin Heights out to Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley wine country. Hire shops here supply mountain bikes and e-bikes, and self-guided rides add maps, a briefing and a shuttle so you only pedal the good parts.

Lake shore and river trails around Queenstown

The easiest riding starts at the lake. The Frankton Track and Kelvin Peninsula Trail is a 16.4km Grade 2 route that passes The Boat Shed Café and Altitude Brewery, with an optional 3.5km extension along the Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail.

Riders after more of a workout can try the Twin Rivers Trail, an 18.4km Grade 3 route with a photo stop at the Old Shotover Bridge. The Shotover Gorge Trail is shorter at 6km, also Grade 3, and runs through the Hugo Tunnel and across the Kimi-ākau suspension bridge. Trail grades and distances come from Destination Queenstown.

Arrowtown, the Arrow River bridges and Gibbston wineries

The Arrow River Bridges Trail is a 13.7km Grade 2 ride from Arrowtown, crossing four bridges and passing the Chinese Village in Arrowtown. It leads on to the Gibbston River Wine Trail, an 8.7km Grade 2 route past Chard Farm and Gibbston Valley Winery. A half-day self-guided ride such as the Arrowtown to Gibbston ride links both with return bus transfers from Queenstown.

Both trails cross the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, a bungy jumping site in Queenstown, so riders can stop and watch the jumpers. For tastings between the bike stops, Queenstown food and drink experiences cover the Gibbston cellar doors.

Hiring a bike or joining a self-guided tour

Hire suits riders who know what they want. You choose the trail, the bike and the pace, and some hire companies deliver the bike to your accommodation, as with this Queenstown bike hire with delivery.

A self-guided tour suits riders who want the route sorted for them. It usually includes a trail map, a safety briefing and a shuttle, so the planning and the return leg are covered.

E-bikes in Queenstown's hills

Queenstown's trails rise and fall along the lake and rivers, and a full ride from Queenstown to Arrowtown is a 33km commitment on a standard bike. An e-bike makes that distance easier.

A full-day self-guided e-bike tour of the Gibbston cellar doors starts in Arrowtown, with hotel pickup and a return shuttle from Queenstown.

Pairing a ride with other Queenstown activities

A morning on the trails leaves the afternoon free for the rest of Queenstown activities, from jet boating to rafting. Heading elsewhere in Australia or New Zealand? Bike tours across Australia and New Zealand include rides in other regions.

Frequently asked questions

Can you hire an e-bike in Queenstown?

E-bike hire is available in Queenstown alongside standard mountain bike hire. Some shops also run self-guided rides that include the e-bike and a shuttle.

Which Queenstown Trail rides are easiest?

Destination Queenstown grades the Frankton Track and Kelvin Peninsula Trail, the Arrow River Bridges Trail and the Gibbston River Wine Trail as Grade 2, which is easy. The Twin Rivers Trail and the Shotover Gorge Trail are Grade 3.

How far is it from Arrowtown to Gibbston by bike?

It is around 14km from Arrowtown to Gibbston, on a mostly easy ride that follows the Arrow River Bridges Trail and the Gibbston River Trail. The route passes the Kawarau Suspension Bridge.

Can you cycle past the Kawarau Bungy Bridge from Queenstown?

The Arrow River Bridges Trail and the Gibbston River Wine Trail both cross the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, where the bungy jumping takes place. Riders can stop on the trail and watch the jumpers.

Are helmets included with Queenstown bike hire?

Helmets and maps are included with the bike hire and self-guided rides. Check the inclusions on the experience you choose.

Queenstown's trails reward a day on two wheels, from the lake shore at Frankton to the cellar doors of Gibbston. Choose a standard bike or an e-bike and book a bike online with Experience Oz.