1. Queenstown Bike Park: World Cup - Hobbit - Killer Bee

The most challenging line at Queenstown Bike Park. Featuring extreme freeride terrain with drops, gap jumps and steep technical riding, this line is for experienced and confident riders. Access from Lazy Vertigo. 

  • 1,183m of pure downhill thrill
  • Double Black Diamond 
  • Equally as challenging in the bone dry or wet
  • Ride spring - autumn or via access road in winter

Top Tip: If riding the line top to bottom, save some energy for the rock garden at the bottom of Killer Bee - it will require all of your body effort!

 

2. Fernhill Trails: Salmon Run

Tight, technical and rooty with some exposure for good measure - Salmon Run is a legendary trail among locals to test your commitment, skills and gnar levels! Accessed by riding up Beeched As - an amazing section of single track that begins at the top of Skyline Gondola.

  • 2.2km in length with an average time of 15 minutes
  • Double Black diamond
  • Be prepared for sharp and steep switchbacks with serious consequences if not ridden correctly - approach with caution
  • Follow the pink dots through the dried-up riverbeds towards the bottom, they will be your lifeline. 

 

3. Wynyard Jump Park: Dream Track - Mini Dream

A world-class jump line that makes even the professionals quake in their shoes. The larger-than-life 60ft jumps are some of the largest public jumps in the world. One for expert riders with jumping experience and pros.

  • A series of nine larger-than-life jumps, hips, doubles, step downs and step-ups
  • Rideable year-round, however, run slow after rain and the line is not maintained by QMTBC during the winter season. 
  • Work towards riding Dream Track by progressing Mini Dream first, accessed below. 

 

4. Coronet Peak: Coronet Peak Down Hill

Dubbed the best downhill line in New Zealand by locals, Coronet is world-class for its flowing, fast and technical descent with plenty of features to test every rider. 

  • 1.9km downhill
  • Grade 5 advanced, expert line
  • Open November - March
  • Coronet DH features in the DH series as part of the MTBNZ event held every February - enter or watch New Zealand's top talent navigate this unique track.

Insiders tip: Grab a sunset pass on Friday afternoons at a discounted rate and enjoy sunset laps, après drinks and all you can eat BBQ during summer!

 

5. Queenstown Bike Park: Squid Run

A bike park finisher or destination run via the access road pedal, Squid Run provides length, technical and fast single track with flow and speed and rock features. A masterpiece of single track handbuilt by the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club.

  • Advanced
  • 3.2km with 412m vertical decent
  • Average ride time: 16 minutes. 
  • Rideable year-round, the best time is in the shoulder seasons when there is hero dirt!

Proline: Ride the infamous Squid Rock Roll - a long slippery rock rolls that has a drop at the bottom. 

 

Safety first

The trails listed are for riders with experience and skillsets. Downhill mountain biking requires all riders, no matter their skill level, to follow safety measures before riding these exciting lines.

1. Bike check: Make sure your bike is in excellent condition as these trails will put it through its paces. Functioning brakes with enough brake pad, bolt check all major linkages, correct tire pressure for the conditions and make sure you are comfortable with your suspension settings. 

2. Protective Gear: A critical and necessary facet for all riders to keep in mind. Full face helmets, goggles, knee and elbow pads are highly recommended. For lines such as Dream Track and Mini Dream, full-body armour is necessary. 

3. Pre-ride, ride, freeride: As tempting as it may be to ride full noise from the get-go, take the time to scope the track, walk and inspect features. Trail conditions can change every day from weather and heavy use. Ride within your limits, if you are feeling ‘off’ don’t push yourself!

4. Basic first aid: Mountain biking is a high-risk sport and sometimes accidents come with the territory. Acquaint yourself with the nearest patrol, lift operators or exit roads if an accident were to happen to yourself or friends. 

 

Join the club

Consider purchasing a Queenstown Mountain Bike Club (QMTBC) 14-day visitor membership. For $25 you get access to the club's great deals and discounts, and you'll be supporting their work building and maintaining Queenstown's epic trail network.

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