Arrowtown to Gibbston Return

23km (one way)

4-6 hours

Easy to Intermediate (Grade 2-3)

Drag to explore

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Arrowtown to Gibbston Return

23km (one way)

4-6 hours

Grade

Easy to Intermediate (Grade 2-3)

This trail dishes up a delicious mix of vistas and vineyards as it meanders along an easy trail from Arrowtown to Gibbston. You'll be ready for a glass of Pinot Noir in Gibbson's 'Valley of Vines', but dont forget to save some energy for the return leg.

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Itinerary Trails

Arrow River Bridges Trail

Gibbston River Trail

Arrow River Bridges Trail

13.3km

2-3 hrs bike

3-5 hrs walk

Starting in Arrowtown, and crossing five bridges over the Arrow River on its way to the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge. The Arrow River Bridges Trail is relatively easy, scenic and great for families with kids and beginners.

Gibbston River Trail

8.7 km

1-2 hrs bike

2-3hrs walk

Part of the Queenstown Trail 'Great Ride' network, this trail begins at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and winds its way high above the Kawarau River through Central Otago's premier wine-growing region: Gibbston the 'Valley of Vines'.

Arrow River

The Arrow River Bridges trail undulates along the banks of the tranquil, willow-lined Arrow River. In summer, enjoy a paddle at one of the popular swimming spots. In winter, the Arrow River plunges into perma-frost, be sure to wrap up super warm!

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Southern Discoveries Bridge

The Southern Discoveries Suspension Bridge, the closest suspension bridge to Arrowtown on the Arrow River Bridges Trail. Opened in 2012 as part of the original Queenstown Trails alignment, the Southern Discoveries Bridge is one of the best spots to enjoy the Autumn colors.

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Swain Bridge

The Swain Family Bridge crosses the Arrow River - a great picnic spot and a perfect place for enjoying the peace and quiet.

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Edgar Bridge

The graceful 80m Edgar Suspension Bridge seems to float in mid-air over the dramatic Arrow Gorge. The bridge is named after Sir Eion and Lady Edgar. Sir Eion was a prominent New Zealand philanthropist and a keen supporter of Queenstown Trails.

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Wall of Recognition

Be sure to stop at the Wall of Recognition and offer up a 'thanks' to the landowners and the Queenstown community who had the vision to help make the Queenstown Trail a reality.If you've ridden the trail and love it, please consider supporting us with a donation.

Donate

Kawarau Suspension Bridge

Dating back to 1880, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge was an innovative design, that faced significant engineering and construction challenges due to the steep rocky nature of the gorge, and the fast flowing Kawarau River. The new road bridge opened in the 1960s, and AJ Hackett commenced their bungy operation from the historic bridge in 1988.

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Tobins Bridge

The first bridge on the Arrow River Bridges Trail is Tobin's Bridge. Tobin's Track - a steep walk/ride to the Crown Terrace heads up the hill. The Arrow River Bridges Trail continues along the true left bank of the Arrow River.

Knights Family Bridge

Tucked under the road bridge near Arrow Junction, the Knights Family Bridge provides glimpses into the upper section of the Arrow River Gorge

Barfoot Tunnel

The Barfoot Tunnel provides safe passage beneath the State Highway. Generously funded by Garth and Judy Barfoot, the Barfoot Tunnel forms a gateway to Gibbston.

Kawarau Suspension Bridge

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Valley of the Vines

Gibbston: The Valley of the Vines is nestled into the foot hills of the surrounding ranges. Swathed in neat rows of vines, with the wild Kawarau River flowing at its core, Gibbston is a breathtaking landscape to explore by bike.

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The mighty Kawarau River

Kawarau translates to "channel between rocks". Winding spectacularly amongst dramatic cliffs, luminously green in sunshine, or muddy and churning in flood, the Kawarau River carves its way through the heart of Gibbston on its way to the Gorge. The Gibbston River Trail offers spectacular views of the Kawarau River.

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Pinot Country

Gibbston is well known for it's celebrated Pinot Noir. The seasonal extremes of winter and summer, combined with the dry, stony soils of the valley, make Gibbston a perfect growing environment for award winning Pinot.

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Wine Tours By Bike

There are loads of tour options for enjoying Gibbston, and sampling the magnificent wine and food of the region by bike. Tour operators offer everything from luxury excursions to self-guided adventures and include options for transport, wine pick-up and bike hire.

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Dark Sky Preserve

Gibbston was awarded Dark Sky Park status in 2024 in recognition of the exceptional quality of starry nights, and preservation of natural darkness. An overnight stay in Gibbston is a spectacular treat: gaze into the universe under a sky bristling with stars.

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Pedal. Pinot. Pick Up.

Make the most of your time in Gibbston, explore the vineyards, sample the wine and food, enjoy the views, and bask in the sunshine. Once you've ridden the length of the valley, treat your self to a bike shuttle pick up for your return to Arrowtown or Queenstown.

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