Understanding Trail Grades

Suitable for beginners, families, and casual riders.

• Smooth, wide trails

• Gentle climbs and descents

• Firm gravel or sealed surface

• Predictable conditions


Experience Needed:

• Minimal cycling experience required.

Grade 2 Trails:

Arrow River Bridges Trail, Frankton Track, Kelvin Peninsula Trail, Gibbston River Trail, Wharehuanui Trail

Great for confident riders with some experience.

• Narrower tracks

• Moderate climbs & steep drop-offs

• Loose gravel, mud, or variable surfaces

• Small obstacles such as rocks or ruts

Experience Needed:

• Regular riding experience and good fitness. 12+ years of age.

Grade 3 Trails:

Countryside Trail, Lake Hayes Trail, Twin Rivers Trail, Shotover Gorge Trail

For experienced riders who are comfortable with technical terrain.

• Steeper climbs and descents

• Narrow single-track

• Less predictable surfaces

• Exposure on outer edges or drop-offs

• Potential obstacles requiring manoeuvring

Experience Needed:

• Strong bike handling skills and ability to walk sections if necessary.

Grade 4 Trails:

Jacks Point Trail, Hugo Tunnel Section of the Shotover Gorge Trail

Grade 2 (Easy) trails on the Queenstown Trail network are generally well-suited to adaptive cyclists. These trails are typically wide, smooth, and well-maintained, with surfaces ranging from hard-packed gravel to fine grit and occasional paved sections. Gradients are gentle and sightlines are good, making navigation more predictable.

While Queenstown Trails do not have squeeze bars, there are some features adaptive riders should be aware of, including:

• Narrower bridges

• Chicanes at road intersections

• Bollard-narrowed entrances designed to prevent vehicle access

• Occasional steeper sections or narrower stretches


Queenstown is known worldwide as a mountain biking paradise, offering everything from fun flow trails and scenic forest loops to steep descents and technical single-track.

It’s important to note that New Zealand’s MTB grading system is different from the Queenstown Trail grade system.
 A Mountain Bike Grade 2 route is typically more challenging than a Grade 2 Queenstown Trail.

For a full list of MTB trails, bike parks, and riding options in the region, visit the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club website.

Choosing the Right Trail:

• Match the grade to your confidence, fitness, and bike.

• If riding in a group, choose a grade suitable for the least experienced rider.

• Conditions affect difficulty - wet or loose trails can raise the effective grade.

• Walk technical segments if you feel unsure.