Getting around Queenstown
You don’t need a car to enjoy your visit to Queenstown. The region is well connected by a network of safe, off-road trails, and you can stay in central Queenstown and cycle to Arthurs Point, Frankton, Jack’s Point, or Arrowtown. E-bikes make getting around without a car even easier, and with more off-road trails coming soon, Queenstown is well on the way to being a cycle commuter’s dream.
Cycling to Arthur’s Point
The cycle route from Queenstown to Arthur’s Point runs from the intersection of Memorial and Camp Street in central Queenstown, along Robins Road, joining the Matakauri wetland trail, before following Gorge Road 3.3kms to McChesney Bridge in Arthur’s Point.
From Arthur’s Point you can explore the spectacular new Shotover Gorge Trail or continue on to the new 13km Wharehuanui Trail that loops north below Coronet Peak before descending Mill Creek through Millbrook to Arrowtown.
Cycling to Frankton
It’s an easy 25-minute ride to Frankton, 7.8km along the flat Frankton Track. The trail starts in central Queenstown and runs along the shores of Lake Whakatipu. The popular Boatshed Cafe and Altitude Brewing are both on the way, while Frankton itself is home to a cluster of cafes and restaurants that are firm local favs.
Cycling to Jacks Point
The Queenstown Trails Trust call this route to Jack’s Point a game of two halves. The first 12km is a cruisy ride along the lake, the jagged Remarkables a stunning backdrop as you follow the Frankton Track and the Kelvin Peninsula Trail around to Kelvin Heights.
Join the sculpture trail around Queenstown Golf Course, with the option to refuel at the Golf Club café. The last section of the trail to Jack’s Point is quite the adventure, a steep technical trail up wild hillsides – Grade 4 in parts – with incredible views. The Queenstown Trails Trust are planning an easier route from Jack’s Point to Frankton for local commuters, so in a few years, there should be a choice of ways to access this alpine village and its spectacular golf course by bike.
Cycling to Arrowtown
Cycling from Queenstown to Arrowtown is more of a full day mission. The 33km trail takes 1.5-2.5 hours to ride each way, depending how experienced a cyclist you are and if you’re using an e-bike. It’s an easy Grade 2-3 trail, with a few climbs.
Starting in the Queenstown Gardens cycle along the Frankton Track, Twin Rivers Trail and the Arrow River Bridges Trail before arriving in lovely, little Arrowtown with its history, galleries, boutiques, and lively eateries. There you can relax or explore the local bike trails.
Or you can ride to Arrowtown via the Wharehuanui Trail, the latest addition to the Queenstown Trails. Take the active transport cycle path from Queenstown to Arthurs Point and officially start the new section at Gantley's Tavern. The trail crosses various wetlands and riparian zones and traverses the foothills of Coronet Peak through to Millbrook Resort and then on the Countryside Trail to Arrowtown.
