1. Queenstown to Jack’s Point
Distance: 26km
Time: 4-5hrs
Level: Easy to Advanced (Grade 2 – 4) 

This exhilarating trail offers two distinct sections and is best suited for those ready for a challenge! The first 12 km provides a relaxing, scenic ride along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, taking you through the beautiful Frankton Arm to Kelvin Heights, then on to Jardine Park. As you reach the breathtaking Jack’s Point Trail, get ready for some tight turns and steep ascents, all while being rewarded with stunning lake views. Cap off your adventure with lunch at the Jack’s Point Clubhouse and enjoy a bike shuttle back. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

Alltrails.com Track Info
Queenstown Trails Track Info

2. Arrow Rivers Bridges Trail
Distance: 13.7km
Time: 2-3hrs
Level: Easy (Grade 2) 

Start your day with breakfast or brunch in Historic Arrowtown before heading down to Dudley’s Cottage and the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement to begin your journey along the picturesque, willow-lined Arrow River. Following the river west, you’ll experience a mix of tranquil pools and rushing rapids with plenty of photo opportunities at each bridge. Stop for a peaceful picnic at the Swain Family Bridge, and don’t miss the stunning views from the Southern Discoveries suspension bridge. Passing quaint cottages and grazing horses along Whitechapel country lane, you’ll arrive at the Edgar Suspension Bridge, where breathtaking views into Arrow Gorge await. After crossing, take a moment at the Wall of Recognition before continuing through the Barfoot Tunnel, following the historic goldminers’ road to Queenstown. Cross the iconic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, home to the world’s first bungy jump, and visit the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre for a café break or a jump to top off your adventure. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

Alltrails.com Track Info
Queenstown Trails Track Info

3. Lake Hayes Trail / Wai Whaka Ata
Distance: 8km
Time: 1hrs
Level: Intermediate (Grade 3) 

The Lake Hayes trail offers stunning mountain and lake views, a boardwalk protecting local wildlife, historic cottages, and glimpses of notable homes. Starting at Rutherford Road, the trail climbs gradually to an elevated bench, winding along the hillside before descending to the southern boardwalk. Keep an eye out for wild gooseberries and fruit trees as you pass the Wakatipu Rowing Club and Bendemeer Bay, a perfect picnic spot with amenities. While parts of the trail can be narrow with steep drop-offs, it’s beginner-friendly and ideal for riders honing their skills. In summer, Lake Hayes is a popular swimming spot, warmer than other lakes in the region. Located at the heart of Queenstown’s 130km of trails, it’s easily accessible from the Countryside and Twin Rivers Trails, making it a great addition to rides from Gibbston, Arrowtown, or Queenstown, or simply a short drive from either town. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

Alltrails.com Track Info
Queenstown Trails Track Info

4. Frankton Track and Kelvin Peninsular
Distance: 16.4km
Time: 2-3hrs
Level: Easy (Grade 2) 

Start at the Queenstown Gardens entrance near the Bathhouse on Marine Parade and follow the signposts along the lakefront. Take a break at Frankton Marina for coffee at the Boatshed Café or a craft beer at Altitude Brewing, then continue to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge, now pedestrian-only, where Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River. After crossing, pass the Hilton Hotel for another chance at coffee, brunch, or even a spa treatment. The trail hugs the Frankton Arm, leading past lakeside mansions and beaches to Kelvin Grove and the Queenstown Yacht Club. Here, explore the Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail, which loops around the golf course, offering fantastic sculptures and sweeping lake views. For advanced riders, there’s an optional technical section via the Kelvin Peninsula Lakeside Trail, or you can take the easier route along Grove Lane to Jardine Park. Return the same way or continue around the trail for more breathtaking views towards Jardine Park and Jack’s Point. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

Queenstown Trails Track Info

5. Twin Rivers Trail
Distance: 18.5km
Time: 2-3hrs
Level: Intermediate (Grade 3) 

The trail begins at Kawarau Falls Bridge, where you connect with the Twin Rivers Trail via Robertson Street and follow the scenic Kawarau River. The willow-lined path takes you to the Shotover Delta, where the Shotover River meets the Kawarau. You’ll reach the restored Old Lower Shotover Bridge, offering stunning views up to Coronet Peak—a perfect photo spot. After crossing, the trail winds along the Shotover River, passing Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate, with picturesque views around each bend. Before Billie’s Bridge, there’s a serene picnic spot by Hayes Creek. At Thompson’s Hill, take in the views of the Kawarau River and Remarkables Mountain range before descending through peaceful farmland. The trail ends at Morven Ferry Road, where you can continue to Arrowtown or Gibbston for lunch and wine tasting. Dual valve air pumps are available at the Old Lower Shotover Bridge. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

Queenstown Trails Track Info

6. Gibbston Valley Wine Trail
Distance: 8.7km
Time: 2-3hrs
Level: Easy (Grade 2) 

The AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre is a must-visit, as it’s the birthplace of the world’s first commercial bungy jump, with stunning architecture, a café, restrooms, and tickets for those daring enough to jump. Informative panels on the bungy viewing platform detail the historic significance of the bridge. From the car park, follow the signs to the Gibbston River Trail, which leads you into scenic wine country with breathtaking views of the Kawarau River and vineyards. Take your time exploring Gibbston, stopping at the award-winning Gibbston Valley Winery for wine, cheese, or a bite to eat. Further along, you’ll pass the renowned Peregrine Winery, an architectural gem. The trail continues through the vines to Coalpit Road, where the Gibbston Tavern offers a charming spot to relax, and nearby is a community reserve with clean facilities. For a more adventurous route, cycle up Coal Pit Road for a fun downhill ride back to the tavern. At the trail’s end, you can visit more wineries like Mt Rosa and Brennan Wines. Return to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and choose to head back via the Arrow River Bridges Trail to Arrowtown, the Twin Rivers Trail to Queenstown, or arrange transport back from one of the wineries. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

Queenstown Trails Track Info
Alltrails Track Info

7. Coronet Peak Loop
Distance: 50km Circuit
Time: 8hrs
Level: Intermediate (Grade 3) 

The Coronet Loop is a backcountry mountain bike trail requiring moderate skill and fitness, offering a more challenging ride compared to other Queenstown trails. Starting in Arrowtown at Butler’s Green by the historic Chinese Settlement, it’s best ridden clockwise, beginning with a climb up Bush Creek. The trail weaves through native beech forests and schist bluffs, continuing along the Coronet Face Water Race, a historic gold rush-era channel offering views of the Wakatipu basin. Riders can descend into Skippers Canyon or bypass the technical Pack, Track and Sack trail via Skippers Pack Track or Road. After passing Baldersons Hut, the loop climbs to Greengates Saddle, with a flowing downhill past historic sites like Greengates Hut and the Old Greengates Hotel. The trail descends into Deep Creek, passing waterfalls and mining ruins before reaching Golden Terraces and Eight Mile Saddle. From here, the trail joins an old miners track, which can be walked if needed, or the Macetown Road for a wet, river-crossing experience. The final stretch follows the Arrow River on the Macetown 4WD road, with some steep stairs before ending back at Butler’s Green. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

Queenstown Trails Track Info

8. Four Lakes Ride (Moke Lake Loop)
Distance: 22.4km Circuit
Time: 4hrs
Level: Hard (Grade 4) 

Try this 22.4-km loop trail near Queenstown, Otago, a challenging route popular for camping and mountain biking.  The “Four Lakes” loop near Queenstown is a classic backcountry ride, typically done anti-clockwise starting from Wilson Bay or the 7 Mile car park. For an easier descent, riders avoid the rocky and loose uphill slog from Lake Dispute to Moke Lake by starting on the Gold Digger trail, leading to Moke Lake via Lake Kirkpatrick. After passing through the Moke Lake campground, the ride follows a flowy singletrack around the lake, through valleys, and over stiles before a steep, rocky descent to Lake Dispute. Riders can then follow the track past Lake Dispute, turning onto the Phoenix trail for a scenic descent ending near Wilson Bay on Lake Wakatipu. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

AllTrails Track Info

9.  Twelve Mile Delta to Bob’s Cove
Distance: 11.9km
Time: 1.5 hrs
Level: Easy (Grade 2) 

This scenic track from Twelve Mile Delta Campsite to Bob’s Cove runs along the shore of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown. It passes through a lovely forest with mature red beech trees and small isolated beaches, perfect for swimming. Note that staying at Twelve Mile Delta Campsite requires a fee, but no bookings are needed—it’s first come, first served. Be aware that there is limited phone signal along the track, so plan ahead. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

AllTrails Track Info
Department of Conservation Track Info

10.  Walter Peak to Mount Nicholas
Distance: 14.8km
Time: 4.5 hrs (Including Cruise)
Level: Easy (Grade 2) 

Explore Queenstown’s stunning backcountry on a cycling tour from Mt Nicholas Farm to Walter Peak. Start with a cruise on the Spirit of Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu, enjoying views of the Remarkables and surrounding landscapes, with a stop at Bob’s Cove to see the local flora and fauna.

Upon reaching Mt Nicholas, cycle 14 km along quiet backcountry roads with panoramic alpine views to Walter Peak Homestead. Return to Queenstown aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamer.

Be prepared for a moderate 14 km cycle and bring a jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. Ideal for children aged 5 and upwards.

Please ask at ur reception desk to arrange the boats for this route. 

AllTrails Track Info

11.  Moke Lake Circuit
Distance: 7km
Time: 1.5 hrs
Level: Easy (Grades 2-3) 

Hidden in the mountains west of Queenstown, Moke Lake is a peaceful spot surrounded by the peaks of Ben Lomond, Ben More, and Mt Hanley. The lake offers excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, with a Department of Conservation (DOC) campground perfect for overnight stays and stargazing.

Mountain bikers can enjoy a scenic, undulating trail around the lake, offering easy to intermediate riding through grasslands and short boardwalk sections. On calm days, the mirror-like lake and surrounding peaks create a stunning, photogenic landscape. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

AllTrails Track Info

Newzealand.com Track info

12.  Millbrook Loop via Thomson’s Hill
Distance: 32km
Time: 5 hrs
Level: Hard (Grades 3-4) 

Looking for a long bike ride? This scenic path starts at Millbrook Resort and takes you along the Shotover, Kawarau, and Arrow Rivers before looping back towards Arrowtown and returning to the starting point. Along the way, enjoy stunning river views and cross beautiful bridges. A car park is conveniently located at the trailhead. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

AllTrails Track Info

13.  Hammys Downhill Track
Distance: 4.8km
Time: 20mins
Level: Easy (Grade 2) 

Hammy’s Downhill Track is the longest trail in Queenstown Bike Park, stretching 4.8 km point-to-point. This easy route offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and Ben Lomond. Access the trailhead via the Queenstown Skyline Gondola, with the base station located at the top of Brecon Street. A gondola ride (fees apply) will take you to the top, where you’ll find a restaurant, bathroom, and water fountain.. Bikes can be rented from Vertigo Bikes

AllTrails Track Info

14.  Arrowtown to Queenstown
Distance: 36.5km
Time: 6hrs
Level: Easy (Grade 2) 

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in historic Arrowtown, soaking in the village charm. After fueling up, begin your ride along the Arrow River Bridges Trail, winding through scenic riverside paths and crossing iconic bridges. Enjoy the pristine natural beauty of the Arrow River as you head towards Lake Hayes.

From here, transition onto the Twin Rivers Trail, which will take you along the stunning Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Breathtaking vistas surround you as you ride through this tranquil landscape, offering a mix of rolling terrain and riverbanks.

Halfway through, stop at the Frankton Tavern for a well-deserved break, with refreshing beverages and casual bites. You can also take a breather at Altitude Brewing, located just along the lakeside, where you’ll find craft brews and views of the Remarkables.

Continue your journey along the Frankton Track, riding alongside the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu. The wide, easygoing path will lead you towards Queenstown, wrapping up your full-day adventure. Bikes can be rented from Around The Basin or Going Blue.

AllTrails Track Info