Queenstown to Arrowtown

Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens Te Kararo marks the official start of the Queenstown Great Ride. Frankton Track starts on Marine Parade, following the shoreline of Lake Whakatipu. Spot the Lady of the Lake TSS Earnslaw as she steams in or out of harbor, and enjoy expansive views of the surrounding peaks. The Queenstown Gardens are tranquil and well worth exploring year round.

Frankton Arm

Frankton Track meanders beside Frankton Arm between Queenstown and Frankton Beach. There are several picnic and paddling spots beside the trail, and several linking pathways to provide access to Frankton Road and Queenstown Hill.

‍

Frankton Marina

Frankton Marina is home to restaurants, cafes and a brewery. Frankton Marina is a great place to stop for a rest or refreshments.

Frankton Beach

Frankton Beach is a gorgeous picnic and swimming spot, equipped with BBQ, Toilets and shelter. Follow the beach around to the Kawarau Falls Bridge and the start of the Twin Rivers Trail, or head into Frankton for shops, food and public transport options.

Kawarau Falls Bridge

The Twin Rivers Trail begins at the Kawarau Falls Bridge. The Kawarau Falls Bridge is actually a dam. Completed in 1926, the structure is located at the head of the Kawarau River where it arises at the outlet of Lake Wakatipu .The dam was designed to dewater the riverbed down the Kawarau River so that a treasure trove of gold supposedly located in the bed could be recovered.

‍

Kawarau Falls Link

Directly after the underpass of the Kawarau Falls Bridge, the Twin Rivers Trail turns right and heads up the hill to Robertson Street. There is an option to continue straight ahead onto the Twin Rivers Link - this section includes steep sections, and narrow, undulating trail.

‍

Old Lower Shotover Bridge

Dating back to 1871, and rebuilt in 1915, this restored historic bridge is located at a major junction of the Queenstown Trails network. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kimi-ākau Shotover River and surrounding ranges, especially The Remarkable's and Coronet Peak.

‍

Shotover Country & Lake Hayes Estate

The Twin Rivers Trail follows the Kimi-ākau Shotover and Kawarau River's around the perimeter of the eastern suburbs: Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estates. Both suburbs have playgrounds, restaurants, cafes, shops and toilets.

‍

Old MacDonald's Hill

The first hill of the Twin Rivers Trail, Old MacDonalds Hill offers a steady climb and descent in both directions. There are great views of the Kawarau River and the flanks of The Remarkable's, as well as an excellent vantage point to watch planes making their final descent to land at Queenstown Airport.

‍

Thompsons Hill

Thompsons Hill is the third, and longest climb on the Twin Rivers Trail. The views from the top are very worth the effort to get there. Pace yourself up the climb, and keep your speed in check when you're heading down.

‍

Trail Head

The Twin Rivers Trail ends at Morven Ferry Road, where it intersects with the Arrow River Bridges Trail. From here, carry on to Gibbston or Arrowtown.

‍

The Middle Hill

Past Lake Hayes Estate, cross Billie's Bridge over Hayes Creek, and begin the second decent climb of the Twin Rivers Trail. The Middle Hill is a longer climb than Old MacDonald Hill, and a large land slip that came down in 2024, still partially blocks the trail. There is a safe route across the slip, but please dismount your bike and walk if you don't feel confident to ride across.

‍

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!

‍

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.

‍

Swain Bridge

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

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.