Experience some of New Zealand's most scenic landscapes by bike. Queenstown is the gateway to six of New Zealand's Great Rides, making it the perfect base for your next biking adventure.
Queenstown is your basecamp for cycling in the lower South Island. Six of New Zealand’s Great Rides are accessible from Queenstown, five in the Otago region and one in Southland. There’s no better way to explore our superb nature and scenery than on two wheels.
Our sunny alpine climate is ideal for bike rides and there are accessible trails everywhere for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re in the mood for a short ride or planning a multi-day mission, Queenstown has a cycle trail for you.
Great Rides in Queenstown
The Queenstown Trail
The Queenstown Trail can be ridden as a multi-day adventure, or as day rides to suit a range of ages and abilities.
Surrounding Great Rides
Around The Mountains
Starting at Queenstown's Walter Peak Station, immerse yourself in mountain and lake scenery on this…
Otago Central Rail Trail
New Zealand's original Great Ride starts just over an hour's drive from Queenstown, following an old…
Lake Dunstan Trail
Linking the townships of Cromwell & Clyde, this new trail offers cyclists an easy 55km ride through…
Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Start in Alexandra and follow the mighty Clutha Mata-au River through a hidden gorge, revealing…
Clutha Gold Trail
Under two hours drive from Queenstown, the Clutha Gold Trail stretches between the pretty rural…
Single Day & Multi-Day Trails
The Queenstown Trail is New Zealand’s most popular Great Ride, developed and managed by the Queenstown Trails Trust. Over 130kms of beautiful off-road trails lead from Queenstown to Gibbston wine country via Arrowtown. Ride past lakes, along rivers, through stunning alpine vistas, heritage sites and vines. Wherever you ride, you’re never far from a refreshing pitstop at one of our region’s celebrated cafés, cellar doors and restaurants.
The Otago Central Rail Trail, the new Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Clutha Gold Trail are only a short drive away in neighbouring Central Otago and many operators provide pickup services from Queenstown. Or if you're planning to head south on The Around the Mountains cycle trail, this begins with a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak before you hop on your bike to start your cycling journey.
Bike tours, bike hire, and trail transport make planning and booking your cycling adventure a breeze. With trails of all abilities and world class amenities, Queenstown is the perfect base for a biking adventure and the gateway to a region where the biking options are endless.
Great Rides Map
Use the interactive map to explore the five Great Rides in and around Queenstown.
Plan Your Biking Adventure
Featured Stories Biking in Queenstown
Great Rides & Multi-Day Trails Near Queenstown
- 7 min read
Queenstown is your perfect starting point for the best bike rides in New Zealand. Here’s six top biking adventures in and around Queenstown.
Discover the Queenstown Trail Over 3 Fun-Filled and Scenic Days
- 6 min read
Want to get some exercise, immerse yourself in Queenstown's landscapes and taste award-winning local food and wine? Discover how to explore the Queenstown Trail…
Meet the Queenstown Trails Trust
- 7 min read
The Queenstown Trails Network is an ever-growing network of off-road trails. Over 150kms of trails connect Queenstown to Arrowtown, Gibbston, Arthur’s Point…
Top Tips For Planning Your Perfect Queenstown Bike Holiday
- 5 min read
Queenstown is home to some of the best bike trails in the South Island, from short scenic rides to longer multi-day adventures. No matter your ability, here’s…
Bike the Wineries in Gibbston
- 6 min read
Explore the Gibbston region, its wineries, eateries and historic sites by bike. Find out how to get there and plan your Gibbston biking adventure with a…