
Countryside Trail
12.8km
1.5-3 hrs bike
2.5-4 hrs walk
Grade
3
Meandering through the heart of the Whakatipu Basin, the Countryside Trail leaves the historic streets of Arrowtown, through the manicured grounds of Millbrook Resort, over the Slopehill Reserve and down to the braided Shotover River and Old Lower Shotover Bridge.
The trail starts at Butlers Green beside Bush Creek, before winding through Millbrook Resort to the Wharehuanui Trail head, then descending Sharp Rise to Speargrass Flat Road (steep — caution required).
Detouring left into Ayrburn is recommended — a flowing trail with amazing views over Lake Hayes and plenty of tasty refreshment options at the delightful Ayrburn Heritage Precinct. Exit through the pines to rejoin the base of Sharp Rise.
From here, turn onto Speargrass Flat then Slope Hill Roads. This is one of the trail heads for the Lake Hayes Trail — turn left onto Rutherford Road to complete the additional 8km circuit of Waiwhakaata. Continue through the Slope Hill Reserve and the restored wetlands up a gentle climb which steepens towards the summit — save some energy for the last push before the descent to Lower Shotover on the shared Slope Hill Road (control your speed). The trail then winds through ‘the triangle’ before dropping steeply on loose gravel to the Shotover River, beneath sprawling willow trees, before arriving at the Old Lower Shotover Bridge.
From the Old Lower Shotover Bridge, connect to the Twin Rivers Trail towards either Gibbston or Queenstown, or head along the Tucker Beach and Shotover Gorge Trails to Arthurs Point.
What to See & Do Along the Trail
Accommodation, Things to do, Food & Drink & Services
HeliBikeNZ
Guided Helibike Rides in Queenstown.
209 Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
European Bakery
Artisan bakery - fresh bread, cabinet food, pastries and delicious coffee. Open daily from 7am.
22B Margaret Place, Frankton Industrial Estate, Queenstown

Pak 'n Save Queenstown
Supermarket. Open 7 Days, 7am - 10pm
302 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

ChargeAbout Queenstown
The finest eBikes available: Retail, workshop, rentals & advice.
77 Glenda Drive, Frankton, 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

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

Arrowtown Bike Hire
Quality bike hire and trail transport in the heart of Arrowtown.
59 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

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 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

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

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

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

Millbrook Golf
Two 18-hole golf courses showcasing dramatic terrain whilst delivering world-class golf.
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371

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

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

Around The Basin Bike Queenstown
Half-day, full-day and multi-day biking packages including bike hire & shuttle transport.
3 Searle Lane, Queenstown 9300
Ayrburn
A stunning heritage, gastronomic and family destination located on the trail.
1 Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Arrowtown 9371
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

Millbrook Dining
Five-star cuisine with multiple onsite restaurants catering to every taste.
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371

Trail Essentials
Trailhead Locations & Parking
Can be ridden in either direction. Two main access points:
- Arrowtown – near the Chinese Settlement/Butlers Green (Dudley’s Cottage, Arrowtown River carpark)
- Old Lower Shotover Bridge – accessed off SH6, either side of the Shotover River
Parking available at both ends.
Toilets & Facilities
Public toilets in Arrowtown, at Ayrburn and at the OLSB.
Water Stations
Drinking water available in Arrowtown.
Accessibility Notes
Grade 3 – Intermediate. Well-maintained gravel trail. Two notable climbs: Sharp Rise (between Slope Hill Road and Millbrook) and Cardiac Climb (near Domain Road, connecting the Shotover River terrace) — both rideable but a solid effort.
Adaptive Riding Info
Trail Width: Generally >2m
Steep Sections:
- Sharp Rise (between Slope Hill Road and Millbrook)
- Cardiac Climb (connects the trail from the Shotover River to the terrace above, near Domain Road)
- Slope Hill in both directions
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Two challenging climbs (Sharp Rise and Cardiac Climb) — take your time or walk if needed, no shame in it! Crosses Manse Road shortly after Arrowtown — follow the signs.
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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