Towns
Queenstown
Your base for adventure.
Perched on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, Queenstown is New Zealand's premier alpine resort town and the perfect base for your cycling adventures.
A popular holiday spot at any time of the year, Queenstown is renowned for its four distinctive seasons, excellent wine, beer and food offerings, adventure activities and breath-taking scenery.
Queenstown is a gateway for cycling in Otago and the lower South Island. Locally, there is no better way to explore the heritage and scenery of the Whakatipu Basin than on two wheels. The sunny alpine climate is ideal for bike rides and there are accessible trails everywhere for all ages and abilities. Whether you're in the mood for a short ride or planning a multi-day mission, Queenstown has a cycle trail for you.
If you're looking to explore further afield, regional connections allow you to adventure into Southland, Fiordland and Central Otago. There is an extensive network of trails and gravel riding options allowing riders to get all the way to Dunedin, and explore the vast landscapes in between, by bike.
A Landscape Like No Other
Queenstown's dramatic scenery provides a stunning backdrop to everything you do—a landscape so beautiful that gold prospectors declared it "fit for a queen."
Lake Wakatipustretches 80 kilometres through the region, its crystal-clear waters famous for their unusual "breathing" rhythm—a phenomenon Māori legend attributes to a sleeping giant's heartbeat.The Remarkablesdominate the skyline, offering world-class skiing in winter and spectacular hiking in summer.
Just 20 minutes away,Arrowtownis a beautifully preserved gold mining village famous for its spectacular autumn colours. Throughout the region, ancient beech forests, pristine rivers, and dramatic gorges create a landscape where every viewpoint reveals another postcard moment.
1. Lady of the Lake
TSS Earnslaw, the elegant steamboat built in 1912, is the famous Lady of the Lake. Cruise to Walter Peak Station to sample incredible local food and explore the history of the early Whakatipu. Walter Peak Station is a gateway to the Around the Mountain Trail, and is a great option for crossing the lake for those touring by bike.
2. Take A Hike
Explore Queenstown on foot. From lake and river-side trails, to day walks and multi-day hikes — wilderness and adventure is just minutes away from the centre of town.
3. Eat & Drink
From sumptuous fine dining to world-famous burgers, incredible craft beer and gorgeous cafes — Queenstown is jam-packed with culinary delights, all served up with the very best views, and perfect for refuelling after adventure.
4. Adventure Activities
Renowned as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is a thrill-seeker's paradise. Skiing, mountaineering, exploring the rivers and lakes by jet-boat, zip-line, rafting — if it gets your heart racing, you'll find it in Queenstown.
5. Culture & Heritage
Queenstown has always beckoned to explorers; from the Māori tribes who ventured through the Whakatipu Basin in search of food and pounamu, to the European settlers whose homesteads and gold-mining villages you can still experience today. These places tell the stories of the pioneers and ancestors who called Queenstown home.
6. Destination Wellness
Whether you're recovering after adventure, or treating yourself to relaxation and rejuvenation, there are plenty of spa, gym, massage, hot pool and contrast therapy options in Queenstown.
Stay, play & explore around
Queenstown
A Foodie's Paradise
Trail services & support
Become A Trail Lover
Help Keep Our Trails World-Class.
Every contribution and partnership helps us maintain and grow the Queenstown Trails network. Your support helped us build 45 km of trails last year.
Loved The Trails?
We'd love to hear about your experience on the Queenstown Trails.
