
Twin Rivers Trail
18.5km
2-3 hr bike
4-5 hr walk
Grade
3
Tracing the Kawarau and the Kimi-ākau-Shotover Rivers, the Twin Rivers Trail leads away from Lake Whakatipu at the underpass beneath the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge. The trail starts with a steep grade 3 drop into the Willow-lined Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve.
Take care and use the steps to walk if you are uncertain, or bypass this first narrow section via Southberg Ave and Robertson Street.
Continue downstream beside the Kawarau on a much wider trail, reaching the Shotover Delta beneath the dramatic Remarkables mountain range. The trail turns upstream and follows the Shotover to cross the Old Lower Shotover Bridge (a beautiful restored crossing with panoramic mountain views), before heading back downstream beneath Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate, where refreshments are available at Kawarau Park.
Once back alongside the Kawarau, three notable climbs punctuate the ride and test your reserves — Old MacDonalds Hill, Bridesdale and the longest, Thompsons Hill — each one providing just rewards with elevated views down the Kawarau River. The ‘Sleepy Hollow’ section of trail among the sprawling willows before Thompson Hill is especially beautiful, but can occasionally flood in big rain events.
The final descent from Thompsons Hill rolls through pastoral deer farm before connecting to the Arrow River Bridges Trail at Morven Ferry Road and the choice of heading towards Arrowtown or Gibbston.
What to See & Do Along the Trail
Accommodation, Things to do, Food & Drink & Services
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Gateway to Queenstown & Otago, bike friendly arrival & departure, close to the trails.
Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
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

Ride to the Sky eBike Tours
eBike Tours with knowledgeable guides - suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Country Lane Retail Village 26 Hansen Road, 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

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

Altitude Brewing
Craft brewery dedicated to epic adventures, tall stories and great beers.
827 Frankton Road, Frankton Marina, Queenstown 9300

Around The Basin Bike Queenstown
Half-day, full-day and multi-day biking packages including bike hire & shuttle transport.
3 Searle Lane, Queenstown 9300
Arrowtown Bike Hire
Quality bike hire and trail transport in the heart of Arrowtown.
59 Buckingham Street, 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

Driftaway Queenstown
Budget-friendly camping & cabin accommodation with hot tubs, modern facilities.
11 Lake Avenue,
Frankton,
Queenstown 9300

Fino Restaurant Wine Bar
Nestled on the waterfront at Queenstown Marina, Fino Restaurant & Wine Bar is where exceptional food, exquisite wine, and breathtaking views come together.
Marina Shed 8/9/3 Sugar Lane, 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

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

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. Multiple access points:
- Kawarau Falls Bridge – parking at Bridge St or Frankton Beach
- Old Lower Shotover Bridge – parking at both ends
- Morven Ferry
Toilets & Facilities
- Toilets, shelter and picnic table at Old Lower Shotover Bridge West
- Long-drop toilet at Morven Ferry Carpark
- Public toilets in Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate (off trail)
Water Stations
No water stations on trail — carry sufficient water.
Accessibility Notes
Grade 2-3 – Intermediate. Mostly smooth, well-maintained gravel surface, with a narrow grade 3 section at Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve that can be bypassed.
Three notable climbs: Old MacDonalds Hill, Bridesdale and Thompsons Hill — all rideable but require reasonable fitness.
Adaptive Riding Info
Trail Width: Generally >2m. Passage across the slip at the top of the middle climb is narrow (~1m wide) and not a smooth surface.
Steep Sections:
- The approaches to the Kawarau Falls Bridge
- The approaches to the Old Lower Shotover Bridge
- Old MacDonalds Hill in both directions
- The Middle Climb in both directions
- Thompsons Hill in both directions
Structures:
- Old Lower Shotover Bridge
- Billies Bridge — the same width as the trail, but there can be a step up/down to the bridge deck depending on the trail surface condition
- Several cattle grids (~1.5m wide) along the length of the trail; in most cases there is a gate next to the cattle grid to allow alternative access
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Smooth, well-maintained gravel throughout. Expect and give way to pedestrians and sometimes horses below Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate.
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.








































