The Great Ride - 2 Days
Experience the best of the Queenstown Trail over 2 days.
92km
2 Days
Grade
Easy to Intermediate (Grade 2-3)
This two day version of the Queenstown Trail is best suited to the intermediate rider with good fitness due to the kms covered. You'll cycle over 90kms in two days taking you from Queenstown to Gibbston on day 1. Returning back to Queenstown via Arrowtown on Day 2.
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.
Sharp Rise
You will encounter Sharp Rise as the Countryside Trail heads out of Millbrook towards Lake Hayes. The descent offers great views towards the Remarkable's. Sharp Rise has a steeper gradient, so be sure to control your speed heading down, and be prepared for a bit of effort on the climb - some riders prefer to enjoy the climb up Sharp Rise as a walk.
Millbrook Resort
The Countryside Trail winds through the manicured grounds of the five-star golf and lifestyle resort. Boasting luxurious accommodation, an award-winning day spa, restaurants and two 18-hole golf courses. Millbrook is a destination in itself.
Old Lower Shotover Bridge
The Old Lower Shotover Bridge dates back to 1915, and was restored by the Rotary Club of Queenstown in 2004. The Old Lower Shotover Bridge forms an iconic part of the Queenstown Trail - this is the trail head for the Countryside Trail, and the Tucker Beach Trail. The Twin Rivers Trail passes across the bridge.
Autumn in Arrowtown
Autumn in Arrowtown is truly spectacular! The surrounding hills and the township are filled with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. The iconic Arrowtown Autumn Festival, held in April, showcases the food, wine, art, culture and history of Arrowtown.
Historic Arrowtown
Arrowtown (Kā-Muriwai) is a charming gold-mining town, steeped in history. Enjoy a pre-ride coffee, breakfast or snack at one of the excellent cafes in Arrowtown. The Lakes District Museum, Historic Arrowtown and the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement are fascinating and well worth exploring to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
Lake Hayes
The Lake Hayes Trail joins the Countryside Trail at Rutherford Road. The Lake Hayes Trail (Waiwhakaata) is a stunning 8km scenic loop around the Lake.
Wharehuanui Trail
The Wharehuanui Trail, connecting Arrowtown to Arthurs Point, branches off from the Countryside Trail at Streamside Lane in Millbrook.
Slope Hill
The Countryside Trail passes the incredible landscape scale restoration of Slope Hill where more than 20,000 native trees have been planted by the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust. Past the Slope Hill Reserve, the Countryside Trail continues over Slope Hill - a decent climb, with some steeper sections, pace yourself and share the road with care.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Every contribution and partnership helps us maintain and grow the Queenstown Trails network. Your support helped us build 45 km of trails last year.
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