Watch our weekly MTB Insider videos for trail previews and the latest info on riding conditions, bike trail updates and events across Queenstown and Wānaka.
Queenstown boasts three lift-assisted parks, gravity-fed downhill biking and a huge variety of trails to suit riders of all abilities and styles. Whether you’re chasing groomed trails or untamed gnarly runs, Queenstown is your ultimate biking destination.
Hosted by local presenter Nick Hyne and featuring a range of passionate locals, catch the latest Queenstown and Wānaka MTB Insider roundup below.
MTB Insider: Gorge Road Jump Park - 11 February
Say hello to the final episode of MTB Insider for the season. The series may be wrapping up, but there’s still plenty of riding to be had in Queenstown & Wānaka.
Today we’re at Gorge Road Jump Park, the perfect spot to session multiple lines, progress at your own pace, or go big. This week, Reece Everett gives us the trail preview on his favourite line, Mains, and shows why this spot is loved by locals and riders around the world for its variety, quick laps, and open space. To finish the day right, Reece recommends Searchlight Brewery, just up the road and a biker favourite for refuelling after a big session.
We’re also checking in with Coronet Peak Bike Park, Ben Lomond Trails, Cardrona Bike Park, Bike Wānaka and Bike Glendhu for this week’s lowdown, from the new Whakatipu View trail opening at Coronet Peak to closing day events at Cardrona, women’s ride nights at Ben Lomond Trails, and Pretty Sweet Thursday sessions kicking off at Bike Glendhu.
Plus, the inaugural Natural Selection Bike event is happening at Mt Dewar this week, bringing 27 of the world’s top mountain bikers to Queenstown. Expect a gripping showcase of downhill skill, speed, and big-air tricks. You’ll be able to watch all the action on Red Bull TV in May.
Although this is our last episode of the season, the trails are in prime condition and there’s still plenty of time to get on your bike.
Park Closing Dates: Cardrona Bike Park: 1 March Coronet Peak Bike Park: 22 March Ben Lomond Trails: 16 May Gorge Road Jump Park: May Bike Glendhu: June
Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you next season for more MTB Insider action!
🎥 Watch the full Gorge Road Jump Park trail preview here.
MTB Insider: Cardrona Bike Park - 4 February
Welcome back to MTB Insider 🤘 Your weekly guide to the bike parks of the Queenstown and Wānaka region, and this week we're perched between Queenstown and Wānaka at Cardrona Bike Park.
Local grom team rider Finn Woolley is in the spotlight today, taking us through his favourite trail, Mile High Club. And when the riding's done, there's no better way to refuel than heading down to the iconic Cardrona Hotel.
Over to the bike parks. Trail builders at Cardrona have been keeping Mile High Club running smooth, and Fast Fridays Social Racing is on for 4 more weeks with lifts spinning until 8pm every Friday. Tonight kicks off the Commencal Coronet Cup at Coronet Peak, running every Wednesday evening throughout February with racing from 6pm. Skyline has uplifts running daily from 10am until 7pm to bike Ben Lomond Trails, plus Wednesday weekly digs are back on for those wanting to give back to the trails. Bike Glendhu is celebrating their birthday this Saturday with live music, drink specials and cake, plus Women's Ride Wednesdays, which mean $10 passes for the ladies.
And while you’re out there, take a moment to appreciate the natural playground we’re lucky to ride in. Check out Love Queenstown and Love Wānaka to see how you can support local climate and biodiversity projects.
🎥 Watch the full Mile High Club trail preview here.
MTB Insider: Coronet Peak – 28 January
We’re back with your weekly guide to the bike parks of the Queenstown & Wānaka region, and today we’re live from Coronet Peak. World Cup rider Jess Blewitt shows us her favourite trail, Coronet DH. Unreal views (on a clear day), 428 metres of vertical descent and one iconic run on Queenstown’s doorstep. And to finish the day right, Gantley’s Tavern après bike is waiting at the bottom.
We’re also checking in with Bike Wānaka, Ben Lomond Trails, Cardrona Bike Park and Bike Glendhu for this week’s lowdown, from QMTBC volunteer dig nights to locals’ weekend deals and evening laps at Cardrona. Don’t miss Not a Race at Coronet Peak on 31 January, with timed runs and no pressure. Over in Wānaka, Women’s Ride Wednesdays are on tonight at Bike Glendhu, Fast Fridays are back at Cardrona with lifts spinning late, and the annual Peak to Pub Race is happening this Saturday.
Stay tuned for park updates, upcoming events and all the latest MTB news. See you next week! 🤙
🎥 A local Queenstown sender, you won’t want to miss Jess’s full trail preview here.
MTB Insider: Bike Glendhu – 21 January
Welcome back to the MTB Insider series – your weekly guide to the bike parks and trails of the Queenstown & Wānaka region.
This week, we're at the always glorious Bike Glendhu with resident rider Bianca Bratton, checking out Jairolla, our trail preview of the week. The Queenstown Bike Festival is in full swing! Don't miss the Whip Off tonight, and McGazza Fest kicks off on Friday with the Mega Train, marking 10 years since we lost the legendary Kelly McGarry.
Over to the bike parks - Cardrona has Mile High running top to bottom and the annual Peak to Pub race is this Friday. At Coronet, lifts are spinning until 8pm every Wednesday, and and join Erin Greene for the first of Erin’s Big Rides on Saturday, a monthly XC adventure. Bike Glendhu's Women's Ride Wednesdays are back, and Late Night Thursdays have $25 passes from 5pm. And thanks to Bike Wānaka's volunteer crew, Lismore Jump Park and Sticky Forest are running great.
And while you’re out there, take a moment to appreciate the natural playground we’re lucky to ride in. Check out Love Queenstown and Love Wānaka to see how you can support local climate and biodiversity projects.
🎥 Watch the full trail preview here
MTB Insider: Ben Lomond Trails – 14 January
Welcome back to the MTB Insider series – your weekly guide to the bike parks and trails of the Queenstown & Wānaka region.
Every Wednesday, we’re bringing you trail previews, event updates and the latest riding news, plus a rider-approved après spot to check out.
This week, we’re joined by Queenstown Mountain Bike Club (QMTBC) President Ash Peters at Ben Lomond Trails (BLT). BLT is home to Squid Run, a Grade 4 trail that’s great bang for your buck, with fast, flowy sections and beautiful beech forest. From there, ride Thunder Goat, a blue run with big berms and big views, taking you back down to the Skyline Gondola base.
We’re also checking in with Cardrona Bike Park, Coronet Peak and Bike Glendhu for the latest updates, including CORO1200 #1, a top-to-bottom race this Saturday at Coronet Peak, and Women’s Ride Wednesdays happening tonight at Bike Glendhu.
If you’re in town this week, don’t miss the opening weekend of the Queenstown Bike Festival. A jam-packed 10 days of riding and events will showcase the region’s world-class trails while raising funds for QMTBC.
And while you’re out there, take a moment to appreciate the natural playground we’re lucky to ride in. Check out Love Queenstown and Love Wānaka to see how you can support local climate and biodiversity projects.
🎥 Watch the full trail preview here
Travelling to Queenstown this summer?
Here's all you need to know to plan your Queenstown mountain bike trip, from where to hire your gear to the best spots to refuel after shredding the trails.