5 Bikepacking Itineraries for Beginners

The cycling infrastructure in Central Otago and Queenstown is tailor-made for credit card riding because the 500km+ trail network stitches together well-serviced trail towns - so food, bike-friendly accommodation, and coffee are never far away, and you can ride with a small bag instead of hauling gear. The riding is straightforward (good surfaces, sensible daily distances, clear wayfinding) and there are plenty of easy “bail‑out” options - shuttles and alternate routes - if you decide you’ve done enough for the day. The routes also tend to avoid busy main roads and lend themselves perfectly to gravel biking.

Add in reliable weather, diverse, spectacular scenery, and you have a beginner-friendly touring experience that feels both adventurous, safe and comfortably supported.

Here are five introductory itineraries to get your started, but before you set off, make sure you are properly prepared! Click the link below for a beginners guide to bikepacking.

152km | 2–4 days | Difficulty: Easy

If there’s a “gateway” credit card ride, this is it.

Starting / finishing in Clyde or Middlemarch and rolling through a string of classic Central Otago towns, the gradients are gentle, the trail is beautifully maintained, and the logistics are about as straightforward as it gets. You can map out your overnight stops independently with ease but it pays to book in advance during school holidays and the peak February to April period.

The Rail Trail is also extremely well serviced by bike tour companies which offer complete packages including bike hire, accommodation, daily baggage transfers (meaning you can travel uber light), as well as shuttle services to / from the trails. Having a local expert plan your first bikepacking trip is a real confidence booster.  

The Otago Central Rail Trail also acts as the backbone for hooking together some of Central Otago’s best introductions to gravel riding.

The Maniatoto region has a myriad of gravel roads to explore – with Naseby or Ranfurly acting as hubs to knit together excellent credit card rides. Check out the roads north of Naseby and plan an overnight trip to the Danseys Pass Hotel, or head south to explore the Taieri Scroll Plains with lunch at the Waipiata Hotel.

St Bathans, Oturehua or Wedderburn access great backcountry gravel biking options through the spectacular Oteake Conservation Area.

Note: The Rail Trail is generally ridden as a linear A to B route (rather than a loop ride) and so relies on a return shuttle transfer, although linking in backcountry gravel roads to make a circuit is possible.

Up to 155km | 2-3 Days | Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

Quieter, slightly more remote than the Rail Trail with marginally longer distances between trail towns, combing these two trails offers a diverse journey through the rocky, desert-like landscape of the Roxburgh Gorge to the rolling farmland of the Clutha region.

Initially following the dramatic Roxburgh Gorge from Alexandra, it’s a 20km ride (plus a 13km jet boat transfer) to the Roxburgh Dam where you connect to the Clutha Gold Trail. From here the trail meanders along the mighty Clutha River to Beaumont and then onto Lawrence.

Lawrence is often the final destination for many weekend credit card rides, but a new 62km section of trail was opened in 2023 which now connects Lawrence to Waihola, and is a worthy addition to any itinerary… not least for the legendary fish and chips at Lake Waihola!

Note: This is a linear A to B route (rather than a loop ride) and so relies on a return shuttle transfer.

30km – 50km | 2 Days | Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

The Queenstown Trails network weaves between lakes, rivers and mountains for over 150km with the irresistible temptation of the wineries in Gibbston. You can base yourself in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Arthurs Point or Gibbston for hub and spoke type riding itineraries - or split the ride into short, rewarding sections staying at 2 or 3 different locations.

For Australian riders in particular, it’s an easy credit card ride to access. Fly into Queenstown, build a simple itinerary, and you’re riding within hours.

The Queenstown Trails Trust has some great sample itineraries here. 

100km | 1,400m Vertical Ascent | 1-2 Days | Difficulty: Moderate - Hard

This classic gravel bike loop ride requires more fitness and experience but makes for a great overnighter.

Begin in Cromwell and follow the first section of the Lake Dunstan Trail to Bannockburn. From here ride along Bannockburn Road to Hawksburn Road (gravel) which takes you over the Cairnmuir Mountains via some decent climbs (approx. 1,000m ascent). Descend into Clyde where there are numerous cafes for refuelling. There are some great accommodation options in Clyde, or you can continue along the Clutha River track to Alexandra. There are plenty of bike-friendly accommodation options in Alexandra.

On day 2, follow the Otago Central Rail Trail from Alexandra back to Clyde and connect with the Lake Dunstan Trail for the 42km return ride Cromwell.

Note: The Lake Dunstan Trail has some steep ascents / descents and some narrow, technical sections. It’s also a 2-way track so expect riders coming towards you.

This circuit can be ridden in either direction with lots of places to stay in Cromwell too but travelling in an anti-clockwise direction avoids a very steep climb out of Clyde on the Hawksburn Road.

For an epic day ride, the Cairnmuir Circuit across the Hawksburn Road to Clyde and then returning on the Lake Dunstan Trail is a local favourite. However, it’s a tough 70km ride with 1300m of vertical ascent.

140km | 1700m Vertical Ascent | 2-Days | Difficulty: Moderate – Hard

A challenging but extremely rewarding circuit which takes in iconic Central Otago high-country and two classic Great Rides.

Day 1: Beginning in Cromwell – where there’s plenty of accommodation, car parking and cafes for a pre-ride coffee – head north on SH8 on the eastern shoreline of Lake Dunstan. After 15km turn right onto the gravel of Bendigo Loop Road and then on to Matilda Rise and a short but steep climb to connect on to Thomson Gorge Road.

It’s almost 1,000m vertical ascent to the top of Thomson Gorge Road, initially via a series of steep pinches and then a more sustained, gradual climb to the saddle. Once at the saddle descend into Thomsons Creek valley and then follow the track through the valley and down to Racecourse Road and then into Omakau. There are good accommodation options in Omakau or ride for an additional few kilometres to stay in the historic village of Ophir.

Muddy Creek Café in Omakau, Blacks Hotel or Pitches Store in Ophir are good options for dinner (bookings recommended).

Day 2: From Omakau follow the Otago Central Rail Trail into Alexandra where there are lots of cafes for coffee stops, and then onto Clyde which is a good lunch option. From Clyde cross the Clutha River and hook on to the Lake Dunstan Trail for a 42km ride back to Cromwell. (As above, note that the Lake Dunstan Trail has some challenging steep and narrow grade 3 sections, and is a 2-way trail).

As an alternative, from Omakau you can ride up Blacks Hill (Ida Valley Road), turning right onto Poolburn Moa Creek Road and then connecting onto Crawford Hills Road and down into Galloway to reconnect with the Rail Trail and then on to Alexandra.

This loop can be ridden in either direction, but a clockwise direction is recommended to avoid the long steep climb from Omakau up Thomson Gorge Road.

Notes: this route includes a 15km section on SH8, take extra care when riding on this main road. A hi-vis vest and lights are recommended for safety. Please close all gates behind you on backcountry roads.