An Introduction to Trail Running

As you progress and build your experience and endurance on the easier terrain of the Great Rides, then check out the Wild Things: Everything For Trail Runners website which has an extensive directory of routes and tips for trail runners.

Beginner: Lake Hayes Loop (Queenstown)

• Distance: 8 km loop
• Terrain: Gravel, lakeside track
• Highlights: Gorgeous reflections on calm mornings, gentle undulating trail, a perfect warm-up to trail running
• Post-run treat: Coffee and brunch in nearby Arrowtown or Ayrburn.

Beginner: Arrowtown to Gibbston via the Arrow River Bridges Trail

• Distance: 15–20 km (one-way or out-and-back)
• Terrain: Undulating gravel trail with some moderate climbs
• Highlights: Following the historic Arrow River, dramatic gorges, five impressive bridges, and a finish amongst the vineyards of Gibbston.
• Top tip: Arrange a shuttle ride back to enjoy lunch at one of the wineries.

Beginner: Hugo Tunnel Loop (Arthurs Point, Queenstown)
Start/Finish in Arthurs Point and run the locals loop on the Wharehuanui and Shotover Gorge Trails - signposted at each of the plinths on the loop.

• Distance: 8km loop
• Terrain: gravel with some moderate climbs
• Highlights: the Hugo Tunnel, Lyttles Ladder, expansive views of the Shotover Gorge, views of Coronet Peak and surrounding mountains, great afternoon sun in winter.
• Top tip: Start and finish in Arthurs point, and enjoy a post run coffee, snack or craft beer at Gantleys, Canyon or Rakau, this is also great après ski run option.

Beginner-Intermediate: Gibbston / Peregrine Adventure
Via Gibbston River Trail and Peregrine Loop Track - signposted at Camp Creek at Peregrine Wines.

• Distance: 8km one-way from the Kawarau “bungy” Bridge to Kinross.
• Terrain: Gibbston River Trail – undulating gravel; Peregrine loop a little steeper and more technical
• Highlights: Stunning views of the Kawarau River and dramatic rapids, especially the famous “dog leg” rapid viewed from the Peregrine Loop, enjoy running amongst the vines of the famous wine region
• Top Tip: Can be run from either end of the valley, and makes a great out and back starting at either AJ Hackett Bungy Centre or at Kinross, great food and wine can be found throughout the valley.

Beginner-Intermediate: Shotover Bridges Loop
A great introduction to single track running, that loops to the Kimi-ākau Bridge and the Tucker Beach Trail.

• Distance: 12km loop, starting and finishing at the Old Lower Shotover Bridge. Follow the Countryside Trail under Old Lower Shotover Bridge and upstream beside the Shotover River, continue through the Lower Shotover Conservation Area (signposted – warning, can be affected by high river levels, and may not be accessible in a flood), follow the trail to the Kimi-ākau Bridge, before crossing back to the true right and taking the Tucker Beach Trail back to the Old Lower Shotover Bridge.
• Terrain: a mixture of fun technical single track, some short climbs and undulating gravel trails
• Highlights: The historic Old Lower Shotover Bridge, the beautiful new Kimi-ākau Suspension Bridge, gorgeous peaceful river side running, gorgeous views of the river and mountains
• Top Tip: Can be run in either direction – add on an additional few kms up stream to visit the Hugo Tunnel, great food and refuelling options in Frankton.

Beginner-Intermediate: Lake Dunstan Trail (Bannockburn to Cairnmuir Ladder)
This out-and-back route gives a good taster of the Lake Dunstan Trail and can be extended or shortened according to fitness and experience. 

• Distance: 26km return from Bannockburn Bridge to the Cairnmuir Ladder (steep switchback uphill section).
• Terrain: Well-formed gravel, generally flat with some gentle undulating sections (hilly beyond Cairnmuir Ladder)
• Highlights: Dramatic scenery and "bluff bridges", wineries along Cairnmuir Road.
• Top Tip: Take some money for a brew at Coffee Afloat (check opening times) at the halfway point. Finish your run for coffee or lunch at Carrick Winery which is right on the trail.

Intermediate: Clyde to Alexandra via the River Trail & Return via the Otago Central Rail Trail

• Distance: 26km km loop
• Terrain: Generally flat with sections of single track by the Clutha River, returning on the easier Rail Trail
• Highlights: Stunning views of the Clutha River | Mata Au, plentiful cafes and wineries for coffee and lunch.
• Good to know: Perfect for building endurance - take snacks and plenty of water in summer when it can be hot (there’s very little shade on the Rail Trail).

Intermediate-Advanced: Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Alexandra to Doctor’s Point

• Distance: 20km return (out and back)
• Terrain: Undulating gravel with some moderate climbs
• Highlights: The rugged scenery of the Roxburgh Gorge, spectacular autumn colours and gold mining heritage sites.
• Extend your Run: From Doctor’s Point you can book a jet boat (water taxi) to transfer you downstream to Shingle Creek where it’s a further 11km to the Roxburgh Dam. From Shingle Creek the trail gets hillier! Shuttle pick ups can be arranged from the trail end.
• Single Track Options: If you’re up for a more technical run, take the Roxburgh Faces Track off the Roxburgh Gorge Trail (approx. 8km from Alexandra) and head up to the network of trails in the Flat Top Hill conservation area.

Elite: Coronet Loop, Queenstown | Arrowtown

• Distance: 50km backcountry loop
• Terrain: Mixed – the trail is mostly single track and crosses a variety of terrain including some steep and exposed areas and moderately technical sections.
• Highlights: A genuine alpine wilderness experience.
• Stay safe: As with all backcountry missions, a personal locator beacon, first aid kit and survival blanket are strongly recommended. Water is limited, but there are mountain streams for a refill along the way. It’s recommended that water is treated. The trail traverses through an alpine environment and weather can change rapidly. Check the forecast before departing, bring extra layers, plenty of food, and tell someone your plans.  

As you progress with your running, there are some epic trail running events across the region, with good options for beginners, intermediates and experienced ultra runners alike. Click below for a taster of what’s on the menu.