Easy Arrowtown bike trails
Arrowtown Lake Hayes Loop via Millbrook
Depart from Arrowtown, through the historic Chinese mining village towards Millbrook Resort, one of New Zealand’s premier golf courses. Descend Christine’s Hill to the entrance of Lake Hayes where you will experience exquisite mountain and lake views, boardwalks and unique views of some of Queenstown’s stunning homes.
- 18km loop, approximately 3-4 hours round trip
- Undulating terrain
- Narrow track on the west side, be mindful of walkers and other riders
- Suitable for anyone who has an average level of fitness
- E-Bike accessible.
Wharehuanui Trail
The Wharehuanui Trail is a new addition to the Queenstown Trail network. This beautiful, easy trail runs from Arrowtown to Arthurs Point. Just outside Arrowtown you pass through Mill Creek Reserve, a restored creek where new plantings and predator trapping are already seeing an increase in native birds. Stop for a snack and enjoy the birdsong.
As you cycle on through the foothills of Coronet Peak, you can detour to some of the thrilling technical mountain bike tracks that descend Coronet Peak. If you’re not a keen downhill biker, simply continue to Arthur’s Point while enjoying the superb views of the Whakatipu Basin, the Remarkables, Crown Range, and Walter Peak.
- 13km one way
- Beginner to intermediate trail with some undulation
- Ridable year-round
- E-Bike accessible
Insiders tip: Finish your ride at Gantley's Tavern or Rakau for an après adventure feed or book a soak at the Onsen Hot Pools in Arthur’s Point for unrivalled post ride relaxation.
Countryside Trail
The Countryside Trail is also part of the Queenstown Trail ‘Great Ride’ network. This segment of trail allows you to enjoy breath-taking scenery, world-class architecture and the quiet countryside of the Whakatipu Basin. Here, the magnificent colours of Central Otago come to life - especially in autumn.
- 13.5km one way
- Beginner to intermediate trail with some undulation
- Ridable year-round
- E-Bike accessible
Arrowtown River Trail
If time is of the essence or you’re riding with young ones, the Arrowtown River Trail is a fantastic loop track due to its convenience and accessibility from Arrowtown. Enjoy the tranquil setting on this Arrowtown cycle trail as you ride through willow trees paired with the soothing sound of the Arrow River along the trail edge.
- 4.2km loop track
- Slightly undulating
- Narrow in parts
- Moderate foot and bike traffic, be aware of other users
If cycling and wine is more your style, embark on an Arrowtown bike wine tour with one of our Arrowtown-based bike hire and shuttle operators; Arrowtown Bike Hire or Better By Bike. Spend a gorgeous day cruising out to the Gibbston wineries alongside rivers and through vines. Bike back to Arrowtown if you've got the energy, or arrange pickup from Gibbston.
Intermediate Arrowtown bike trails:
Bush Creek XC Loop
Start with an easy spin on the Wharehuanui Trail from Arrowtown and then enjoy a relatively cruisy climb up Dan O’Connell track to the water race. Enjoy fantastic views of the Whakatipu Basin before your descent down Bush Creek back to Arrowtown.
- 22.4km round loop, allow over 2 hours
- 599m total climbing
- 809m descent
- Avoid in winter due to freeze-thaw
Murphys Run
A tight, yet fun and flowing track that is accessed two thirds of the way up Tobin’s Track. The climb is hard going but you are rewarded with fun roots, rocks and technical single track. Being a short climb - lap this trail for training!
- 1.3km one-way
- 146m elevation gain
- One-way, downhill only
Macetown Mountain Bike Trail
This scenic trail climbs adjacent to the Arrow River on 4WD trails to Macetown, a gold mining ghost town full of relics hidden within high-country tussock land. There are singletrack options beside the river to keep you off the 4WD track and out of the water that are fun and flowing.
- 15 km one way, allow approximately two hours
- 301m elevation gain
- Suitable for XC Bikes and All-Mountain Bikes
- Shared trail, be mindful of walkers and 4WD vehicles.
Insiders tip: Ride in Spring when the trail is dotted with an array of pink and purple lupins against the stunning Central Otago backdrop.
Advanced Arrowtown Bike Trails
Corotown
This is a bucket list trail and where advanced mountain bikers come to test their mettle. Corotown has all the necessary attributes of a world-class enduro trail - a decent climb to deter beginners, steep exposed chutes to get your adrenaline pumping, rutted single tracks and fast and flowing plains to chase down your pals and native beech forest for your loam fix. This trail is sure to leave you hollering.
- 10.1km one-way
- 1,193m vertical metre descent
- Plenty of river crossings at the bottom, be prepared to get wet feet
- Ride late Spring - early Autumn. Avoid in bad weather due to the exposure!
Insiders tip: Queenstown Bike Taxis do $30 shuttles to Coronet Peak base building.
Arrowtown Bike Hire
There are two bike hire options in Arrowtown, and several bike hire and tour companies from Queenstown will bus you to Arrowtown with all your gear.
At Arrowtown Bike Hire you can hire a bike for a half day ride or for a longer adventure on the trails. With mountain bikes, e-bikes, and children’s bikes available, the friendly crew specialise in sorting you out with a comfortable ride so you can enjoy exploring the trails.
Better By Bike offer e-bike hire from Dudley’s Cottage on Buckingham Street. Go for a full day hire if you want to head out to Gibbston along the Gibbston River Wine Trail, or a half-day hire to try the Arrow River Trail. The crew can organise a return shuttle for tired legs.
Arrowtown Après Bike
Here are some of our favourite Arrowtown après-bike spots to refresh post-ride.
Finish your ride with a pint and pizza at the Fork and Tap. This welcoming pub is in a historic stone cottage built in 1874. Their tasty food is sourced locally, they’ve 19 New Zealand craft beers and ciders on tap, and pour Central Otago wines. There’s live music in the garden bar every Sunday evening in the summer and Irish Music every Wednesday evening all year.
Slow Cuts has an enthusiastic local fan club for their American style burgers, local craft brews by Arrowtown Brewing, and tasty signature cocktails. Head there straight from the trails to keep the good times flowing. For insider kudos, order the Jack and Yak, a secret local’s variation on their delicious chicken burger with bacon and jalapenos.
For family-friendly Italian head to Little Aosta for wood fired pizzetta, fresh pasta, fish and meat dishes, beers from Canyon Brewing and hearty Italian red wine alongside local drops. Chill outdoors in the sun or head inside for relaxed bistro vibes.
For more Queenstown biking adventures check out our guides to short rides, multi-day bike trips, and family biking adventures.
