A Beginner’s Guide to the Queenstown Trails

The 150km+ network of walking and cycling trails which encompass the Queenstown Trails network offer an accessible, fun, and memorable way to see one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions with the trails encompassing all the must-do sights and activities; from bungy jumping to wine tasting.

Here’s a no-fuss, beginner-friendly guide to getting started.

The Queenstown Trails are part of New Zealand’s network of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides, linking the resort town of Queenstown with Arrowtown, Gibbston, Frankton and Arthurs Point. The trails traverse iconic alpine scenery along lakefront paths, riverside tracks, suspension bridges, backcountry wilderness areas and more than a few vineyards.

But despite the extreme landscapes, trails are designed to be accessible to everyone - from first-time riders to families with kids, to active retirees and casual weekenders. Most routes are on wide paths, well-signposted, and only gently undulating, with optional return shuttle transfers available if you just want to ride one way.

• Effortless on an e-Bike – e-Bikes flatten the hills and extend your range. e-Bikes are widely available for hire across the trail network.
• Short, flexible options – ride for an hour, a few hours, a full day or a whole week…
• Great trail conditions – beautifully maintained wide, off-road, compact gravel surfaces
• Support and services – rentals, repairs, retail, shuttles, maps and signage are easy to find
• Frequent stops – cafes, wineries, craft breweries and oh-so Instagrammable photo spots break up the ride

1. Arrowtown to Gibbston (Easy – Half Day)
Start in the charming heritage goldmining town of Arrowtown and follow the Arrow River Bridges Trail to the Kawarau Gorge. Cross the famous bungy bridge, then cruise into wine country. Stop at cellar doors like Kinross, Mt Rosa or Gibbston Winery for tastings and lunch. Book a shuttle home or return to Arrowtown via the same easy route.

2. Queenstown to Frankton and Kelvin Heights (Super Easy – 1–2 Hours)
Follow the Frankton Track and Kelvin Peninsula Trail around the lake’s edge. Flat, scenic and close to town, it’s great for families or inexperienced riders. Stop for coffee at The Boatshed, take a dip at the beach in summer, and finish with a cheeky pinot at Fino on the waterfront.

3. Arrowtown to Arthurs Point via the Wharehuanui Trail (Moderate – Half to Full Day)
Slightly more adventurous but still beginner-friendly, the Wharehuanui Trail offers panoramic mountain views, woodland sections through Millbrook Resort (a championship golf course) and finishes in the cool little community of Arthurs Point. Celebrate your ride with a cold craft beer at Canyon Brewing, a Burger at Gantley’s Tavern, a wood fired pizza at Rākau or even a soak at the Onsen Hot Pools.

4. Family Friendly Adventure to the Hugo Tunnel (Easy – 1-2 hours)
Starting on Atley Road in Arthurs Point, follow the smooth, wide Shotover Gorge Trail down to the Hugo Tunnel - about a 30min walk each way, but quicker to ride.  The trail is smooth and wide, but expect to see walkers, families and other riders so please ride courteously as this is a popular route. 

Explore the Hugo Tunnel and learn about the gold mining history of the area.  The Hugo Tunnel opens into the beautiful Shotover Gorge, where you can spot jet boats thundering past.  The trail beyond the Hugo Tunnel is more challenging – steeper, narrower and with tighter corners – best enjoyed on foot, if you are not comfortable riding a more challenging trail. The Hugo Tunnel picnic spot is sunny all year round.  Return via the same trail to Arthurs Point – remember to save some energy for the long, gradual climb back up to Atley Road.  Lots of great options for re-hydrating and re-fuelling in Arthurs Point.

Do I need to be fit?
No. You can ride at your own pace, and e-bikes make it easier than walking.

Can kids ride too?
Yes! You’ll find kids’ bikes and trailer bikes for hire.

Are the trails safe?
Very. They’re well-maintained and mostly separate from roads.

Do I have to ride back?
Nope. Book a shuttle or return ride if needed with a bike tour operator

When’s the best time to ride?
The trails are open year-round, but spring to autumn are the most popular. Slip, slap, slop in summer as the sun can be fierce and pick a ride with some shade, like the Arrow River Bridges. Winter riding is great, but you’ll need some warm layers, especially gloves and starting later in the morning is recommended once the temps have warmed up.

It's impossible to name all the best stops on the Queenstown Trails, but here are some local favourites who are also big supporters of the Queenstown Trails Trust.

• No coffee, no ride. That's a rule! For a breakdown of the best breakfasts and some of the best brews in Queenstown check out this great blog by the team at QueenstownNZ.
• Gibbston – wine tasting and cheese boards. Must visits include Kinross, Mt Rosa, Gibbston Valley Winery and the Gibbston Tavern
• The Boatshed Café – for coffee on the lakefront in the morning, or Fino for an afternoon pinot on the waterfront
• Canyon Brewing – Local craft beer
• Onsen Hot Pools – treat yourself to a post-ride soak with epic views
• Ayrburn - Queenstown's hottest new wine and food destination also not OPS Millbrook is however
• Millbrook Resort – a great coffee or lunch stop in the tranquil grounds of the golf course

• Start early in summer to beat the heat and in winter have a second coffee whilst waiting for the sun to hit the valley floor.
• Book your bike hire and shuttle in advance (especially on long weekends or school holidays)
• Purchase a trail map (and help donate to the trails) or download a trail map app like Great Rides NZ
• Don’t rush - half the fun is stopping and there’s plenty to see. Check out the bungy jumpers from the Kawarau Bridge or watch the jetboats do spins under the new Kimi-ākau bridge at the mouth of the dramatic Shotover Gorge, or go for a refreshing dip in the summer.