Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail

Distance: 3.5km

Time: 1 hour

This flat and pleasant family bike trail circumnavigates the Kelvin Heights golf course at the end of the peninsula and can be taken in either direction. It’s easy enough for even young ones to manage, with interesting stops along the way at the many unusual and interactive sculptures and gently lapping, hidden coves and bays. Parking can be found at either end of Grove Lane. End at the beach for a picnic.

If you want to go further, try a section of the Kelvin Heights-Jack’s Point track, which connects from the sculpture trail, or head along the Kelvin Peninsula track towards Frankton.

Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail

Arrowtown Millennium Trail

Distance: 3.25km

Time: 1 hour or less

This popular track begins at the historic Dudley’s Cottage and journeys along the shaded edge of the Arrow River as it undulates and flows through bluffs and into cool pools and shallow rapids.

In the summer, stop for dips in swimming holes or try out the rope swings, popular with local kids. Arrowtown is known for its autumn splendor, a time when the trees are alive with colour. Winter brings strong flows and bare, moody trees, great for taking in some fresh alpine air. And in the spring, the riverbanks are dotted with wild lupins of every colour.

Cross at Tobin’s Bridge and take the left side of the river until the next bridge, then head back to town. The historic Chinese mining settlement makes an interesting picnic and exploring spot, or head to the shops for an ice cream, pick a cafe or pub for lunch. The popular Fork and Tap offers a great play area complete with sandpit, treehut and slide.

Arrow River

Old Kawarau-Falls Bridge to Kelvin Heights

Distance: 1-5km

Time: 1-2 hour

This family bike ride can be as long or as short as the smallest people in your family allow! Start at the Bridge Street car park on the Frankton side of the old Kawarau-Falls Bridge. This is now a pedestrian bridge so take your time cycling across it and taking in breathtaking views towards The Remarkables in one direction and the sparkling lake in the other.

Drop down and carry on to the Kelvin Heights trail. From here you can stop along the way for lunch at the Hilton Resort or keep going as far as you please. The trail dips down to little bays which are perfect for paddling and exploring, and there is also a playground around the halfway point along the peninsula. Or carry on to the golf course and meet up with the fabulous sculpture trail.

Old Kawarau-Falls Bridge

Tucker Beach Trail

Distance: 3.34km

Time: 1.5 hours return

Beginning at the Rotary car park on the western side of the old Shotover Bridge, this trail journeys over the bridge - a photo opportunity in itself - then follows the aquamarine waters of Shotover River from on high, with views across to Coronet Peak and back to The Remarkables.

The trail dips into the Tucker Beach Wildlife Management Reserve, home to rare dotterels and black fronted tern, before ending at Tucker Beach, a great picnic spot on the bend of the river. Kids will love the variety this family bike trail provides and the bridge is always a winner!

Old Shotover Bridge

Queenstown Gardens to Frankton Marina

Distance: 6km one way, 12km return

Time required: 2 hours

For this great family bike ride, begin in the Queenstown Gardens and head towards Frankton beach on the Queenstown Trail. Stop along the way for paddles or tree climbs, and take a break for a delicious treat at the quaint Boat Shed at Frankton Marina.

Head back, journeying around the periphery of the beautifully landscaped gardens and take in spectacular views across the lake to The Remarkables and across Queenstown Bay towards Walter Peak.

In the gardens, stop off to feed the ducks at the ponds with the bags of seed for sale from the Lions Rotary Club stand near the rotunda, and end at the million-dollar, destination playground in Queenstown Bay for a well deserved coffee, play and picnic!

For more information on family-friendly bike trails in Queenstown, visit the Queenstown Trail website and dedicated family travel guide, KidzGo Queenstown.

Queenstown Gardens