
Gibbston River Trail
8.7 km
1-2 hrs bike
2-3hrs walk
Grade
2
Weaving high above the dramatic cliffs of the Kawarau River through the valley of the vines, the Gibbston River Trail takes in the famous vineyards of Gibbston Valley — this is a trail to savour slowly.
Following the Arrow River Bridges Trail, the Gibbston River Trail starts at the Kawarau Bungy Bridge — home of the world’s first commercial bungy operation — and a spectacular setting to get the adrenaline flowing.
Continuing downstream through rows of vines, numerous spectacular viewpoints open up above the river, with plenty of scenic picnic benches to rest the legs. For hardcore riders and those seeking a further adrenaline hit, the Peregrine Loop Trail offers a grade 4 excursion down amongst the bluffs of the Kawarau Dog-leg rapid — spectacular but challenging, and suitable only for walking or experienced riders.
For a more sedate (and culinary) experience, must-visit vineyards include Peregrine Winery (and its award-winning architecture inspired by the Kārearea falcon in flight), Gibbston Valley Winery, Gibbston Tavern, Kinross, Mount Edward and Mt Rosa — all easily accessed from the trail.
Take extra care at the SH6 Highway crossings.
The Gibbston River Trail leads to the Nevis Bluff, which will connect to the new Kawarau Gorge Trail opening in Sept 2026.
What to See & Do Along the Trail
Accommodation, Things to do, Food & Drink & Services
Monte Christo Gibbston Cellar Door
Enjoy a hosted tasting of Central Otago wines in our restored 1860s stone stables.
6 Coal Pit Road, Gibbston

Kinross Bistro Restaurant
Delicious seasonal food in a stunning, sun-drenched location - great coffee, amazing wine.
2300 Gibbston Highway, Queenstown 9371
Kinross Winery & Cellar Door
In-depth wine experiences to showcase the exceptional Kinross & Central Otago wines.
2300 Gibbston Highway, Queenstown 9371
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

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

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

Peregrine Winery
Tastings, tours and cellar door for this boutique producer of premium Central Otago wines.
2127 Gibbston Highway, RD1, Queenstown 9371

Mt Rosa Cellar Door & Kitchen
Tastings, tours and local fare: a boutique cellar door and kitchen at the end of Gibbston.
47 Gibbston Back Road, Gibbston 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 Restaurant
Meals prepared from organic and sustainably produced ingredients, grown in the chef’s garden or carefully selected from local artisan suppliers. Stop in for a bite before, during or after your ride!
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!

Kinross Cottages
Spacious, bike-friendly, vineyard cottages - the perfect escape, in the heart of Gibbston.
2300 Gibbston Highway, Queenstown 9371
Kiwi Journeys
Specially designed cycling itineraries & Premium eBikes – the best way to explore the Queenstown Trails!
Kiwi Journeys Gibbston, Mt Rosa Wines, 47 Gibbston Back Road, Gibbston 9370
Trail Essentials
Trailhead Locations & Parking
Main starting point: AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre, 23.3km from Queenstown on SH6. Parking available next to the Bungy Centre.
Also accessible from Coal Pit Road.
Toilets & Facilities
Toilets at the Kawarau Bungy Centre and Gibbston Reserve.
Water Stations
Drinking water available at the Kawarau Bungy Centre.
Accessibility Notes
Grade 2 – Easy. Well-maintained gravel surface with some gentle climbs and descents.
Adaptive Riding Info
Trail Width: Generally >2m
Steep Sections: Trail approaches to/from the Camp Creek Bridge are a steeper gradient.
Narrow Bridges:
- Approx. 3km from the Bungy Centre there is a single-span bridge
- Camp Creek Bridge (near Coal Pit Road)
The first five kilometres of trail (between Kawarau Bungy Centre and Peregrine Wines) follows the top of a terrace overlooking the river. The trail is wide, but proximity to the river does increase the perception of exposure along this section.
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Steep drops beside the track in places. Two road crossings of Gibbston Highway (100km/hr) — stop and give way to traffic. We recommend dismounting to cross.
Loads of great picnic spots along the way!
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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