
Arrow River Bridges Trail
13.3km
2-3 hrs bike
3-5 hrs walk
Grade
2
Starting in Arrowtown — one of New Zealand’s most picturesque towns — the Arrow River Bridges Trail follows the course of the river downstream, crossing five spectacular bridges spanning the deepest gorges of the Arrow and Kawarau Rivers.
The Arrow River has many moods through the seasons, with great swimming spots in summer and a frozen winter wonderland in the cooler months.
The trail can be busy with pedestrians closer to Arrowtown, so check your speed and share the trail with consideration for others.
On the far side of the spectacular Edgar Bridge take a moment to stop at the Wall of Recognition — a tribute to the founding funders, landowners and community who made the Queenstown Trail a reality back in 2012.
Passing through the Barfoot Tunnel beneath the state highway, the trail soon reaches the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump — well worth a stop before connecting to the Gibbston River Trail and the valley of the vines.
What to See & Do Along the Trail
Accommodation, Things to do, Food & Drink & Services
Millbrook Golf
Two 18-hole golf courses showcasing dramatic terrain whilst delivering world-class golf.
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371

Millbrook Health & Fitness
Bright & modern Health & Fitness Centre - heated pool, personal training & group classes.

Millbrook Resort
Luxury resort offering accommodation, dining options, spa & 2 championship golf courses.
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371

The Spa at Millbrook
A place of deep rest & rejuvenation with treatments to soothe body & mind.
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371

FERGBUTCHER
Premium meats, locally made bread, takeaway hot food, and expertly brewed coffee.
7 Bush Creek Road, Arrowtown 9302

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre
Located on the Gibbston River Trail, the perfect spot for coffee, food, bungy jumping and spectating.
State Highway 6, Gibbston Valley, Queenstown 9371

Arrowfield Apartments
Luxury self-contained apartments in Arrowtown with private secure bike storage.
115 Essex Avenue,
Arrowtown 9302

Better by Bike
Better By Bike offers full day bike hire for self-guided rides on the stunning Queenstown trails.
4 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302

Lakes District Museum & Gallery
The award winning Lakes District Museum is set in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and presents an authentic picture of early life in the Whakatipu District.
49 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302

The Fork & Tap Alehouse
Specialising in craft beer with 19 beers/cider on tap, local wines & delicious fresh food
51 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302

Arrowtown Bike Hire
Quality bike hire and trail transport in the heart of Arrowtown.
59 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302

The Cottages at Lake Hayes
Self-contained lakeside cottages located near the Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes Track - a peaceful rural base for exploring the Queenstown Trail network and Gibbston wine country.
4 Marshall Avenue, Threepwood, Lake Hayes Estate 9371

Gibbston Valley Bike Centre
Grab one of our brand new e-bikes, suitable for most riding abilities, and enjoy a perfect family activity weaving along the banks of the Kawarau River.
1820 State Highway 6, Queenstown 9371

Mount Edward Winery
Visit Mount Edward winery to savour a tasting across a range of wines, from traditional classics to the avant-garde of New Zealand wine.
34 Coal Pit Road, Gibbston 9371

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa
Our spa is a luxurious retreat for health, beauty and well-being. Set within the breathtaking grounds of Gibbston Valley.
1820 State Highway 6, Queenstown 9371

Gibbston Valley Wine Tours
Winery tourism has been central to Gibbston Valley since our early days. We run regular Winery and Cave tours that give you the history of the Central Otago Pinot industry, and how it has evolved. Stop into our Cellar Door to try Gibbston Valley’s premium, handcrafted wines. Let our wine experts take you through the finer points of wine tasting. The perfect spot to relax during or after your ride!
1820 State Highway 6, Queenstown 9371

Gibbston Valley Winery
In December 2019 the doors open to Gibbston Valley’s brand new Lodge & Spa. This is the perfect stop off for riders along the Queenstown Trail. Sleep in a private vineyard villa, enjoy a treatment in our award-winning Spa, relax in the sauna or hot tubs, experience a luxury dinner, cooked breakfast, and of course a glass of wine or two! We have a range of packages available that can include bike hire, return transport, wine tasting, dining, accommodation – whatever takes your fancy and works for your schedule!

Monte Christo Gibbston Cellar Door
Enjoy a hosted tasting of Central Otago wines in our restored 1860s stone stables.
6 Coal Pit Road, Gibbston

Adventure South NZ
Premium fully-supported guided cycling tours on the Queenstown Trails and Central Otago network.
29 Iversen Terrace, Waltham, Christchurch 8011

Around The Basin Bike Queenstown
Half-day, full-day and multi-day biking packages including bike hire & shuttle transport.
3 Searle Lane, Queenstown 9300
ChargeAbout Queenstown
The finest eBikes available: Retail, workshop, rentals & advice.
77 Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

Going Blue Adventures
Premium eBikes, self-guided tours, and bike shuttle service.
36/159 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300

nzbiketrails
eBike hire & trail transport: enjoy a self-guided ride between Kinross & Arthur's Point.
2300 Gibbston Highway (at Kinross), Gibbston 9371

Outside Sports
Premium outdoor gear, expert advice & bike rentals for hikers, bikers, skiers, & explorers
9 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300

Whizzy E-Bike Adventures
Explore the stunning trails at your own pace with self-guided e-bike adventures. Enjoy hassle-free shuttle transport and convenient hotel pickups. Perfect for thrill-seekers wanting freedom, fun, and breathtaking scenery. Pedal less, see more!
21 Margaret Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

Queenstown Bike Hire
MTB & ebike hire, self-guided cycle packages, shuttle services & local expertise.
134 Gorge Road (Crn of Bowen St), Queenstown

Trail Essentials
Trailhead Locations & Parking
Can be ridden in either direction. Two main access points:
- Arrowtown – near the Chinese Settlement/Butlers Green
- Kawarau Bungy Bridge – Gibbston Valley, SH6
Parking available at both ends and at Morven Ferry Carpark.
Toilets & Facilities
Public toilets in Arrowtown, at Morven Ferry and at the Bungy Bridge.
Water Stations
Drinking water available in Arrowtown and at the Bungy Bridge.
Accessibility Notes
Grade 2 – Easy. Well-maintained gravel trail with gentle ups and downs. The section from Arrow Junction to the Bungy Bridge includes a short road-sharing stretch on Arrow Junction Road.
Adaptive Riding Info
Trail Width: Generally >2m, with some narrower sections between Barfoot Tunnel and Kawarau Suspension Bridge.
Narrow Bridges: Tobin’s Foot Bridge, Southern Discoveries Bridge, Edgar Bridge.
Steep Sections:
- Approaches to Barfoot Tunnel
- Short section near the Twin Rivers Trail junction where the Arrow River Bridges Trail descends back towards the terrace above the Arrow River
- Short section of steeper corners above the Knights Family Bridge
Trail Etiquette & Safety
- A well-maintained track, gravel surface
- Undulating trail that includes several short, climbs and descents
- Several bridges of varying width: Tobin's Footbridge, Southern Discoveries Bridge and the Edgar Bridge are narrow, please give way to other trail users, and dismount/walk if you need
- Sign posting and good cell phone reception
- Walkers (including dog walkers) and bikers sharing the track - the Arrow River Bridges Trail is a very popular walking trail.
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.

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