Don't Miss these TOP Queenstown Family Bike Rides!

Queenstown is a MECCA for mountain biking!

Family biking

Queenstown Bike Trail2You don't want to miss these TOP Queenstown family bike rides!

Queenstown has never been so well set up for family trips as it is these days. Enjoy 150km+ of purpose-built, non-technical cycle trails where you and the kids can explore Queenstown's stunning rivers, lakes and backcountry away from the roads and traffic.  Ride through gorges, alongside rivers and over bridges as you explore stunning areas that have never been accessible to the public before now. 

PLUS the e-bike revolution is here!  Go further and ride together with electric bikes!  Queenstown makes it easy to hire mountain or electric bikes for all the family and get on the trails ~ you can easily get a shuttle back if you only want to ride one way!  See our preferred bike hire, tour and shuttle companies at the bottom of this article.

Bike hire comes with helmets and friendly advice on local bike rides to suit your family’s ability.

QUEENSTOWN GARDENS

Departs: Queenstown Distance: 3km return
A lovely way to explore Queenstown Gardens and an ideal, fun ride with littlies. From the centre of town you follow the lake into the gardens and can do a loop round the outside track followed by a loop round the inside track, then back into town centre. Beautiful lake views round the peninsula. Why not take a picnic or a frisbee (there is a free frisbee golf course in the gardens).

LAKE WAKATIPU RIDE
Part I: Queenstown to Frankton

Distance: 15km return
The easiest section of The Queenstown Trail starts from the centre of town and follows the lake around the Queenstown Gardens and then along the Frankton Arm to Frankton Beach – a great picnic or rest spot before you turn around for the ride back.

Part II: Frankton to Kelvin Heights

Distance: 15km return
From Frankton keep riding alongside the lake and over the Kawarau Falls Bridge – an exciting view and photo spot! Ride past Kawarau Village and look out for the eclectic sculptures on the Kelvin Heights Peninsula Loop section of the track.
Note: a small part of this track rides alongside the Kelvin Heights golf course.

There are café stops right on the track at Frankton Marina, Kawarau Village and Kelvin Heights golf course.
Highlights: Follows the lake shore with stunning views all the way; easy and social riding for all ages.

MILLENNIUM TRACK

Departs: Arrowtown Distance: 4 1/2 km return
Ride from Arrowtown alongside the Arrow River, with the river on your left, then over the little bridge and back along the far side.
This is a very pretty, cruisy ride with swim and play spots along the way. Very popular with younger riders.

ARROW RIVER BRIDGES RIDE

Departs: Arrowtown
Distance: 16km one way
This ride crosses five bridges alongside two rivers and includes two exciting suspension bridges.
Ride alongside the Arrow River, cross the little bridge and turn right. Head over the Southern Discoveries suspension bridge and through the Arrow Gorge (where the 80m Edgar Suspension Bridge is an impressive sight). The bridges are fun to ride across and worth a stop in the middle to admire the view!
Continue on to the historic Kawarau Bungy Bridge and Gibbston Valley. Highlights: Crossing the two suspension bridges, watching the bungy jumping at Kawarau Bungy Bridge.

GIBBSTON RIVER RIDE

Departs: Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Distance: 18km return
A gorgeous ride along Queenstown's famous 'valley of the vines'. Follow an easy bike trail with spectacular views down to the Kawarau River as it snakes its way towards the gorge. The route is dotted with wineries with cellar door tastings, a wine cave to visit and several great lunch options.

Intermediate

TWIN RIVERS RIDE

(Kawarau Falls Bridge to Morven Ferry Road)
Departs: near Frankton Distance: 36km return
The ride starts at Kawarau Falls Bridge and after a short cycle through residential streets, the trail meanders down to wind along the Kawarau River’s edge and takes you up into the famous Shotover Delta.
From the Old Shotover Bridge follow the willow-lined bank of the Kawarau River where you'll find lots of cool picnic and play spots. There are a few hilly sections until you climb away from the river and alongside a deer farm. This is a good spot to turn round for the return ride.
For a shorter ride you can arrange a shuttle pick up back to your starting point.
Highlights: Riding alongside the Kawarau River.

ARROWTOWN RETURN VIA LAKE HAYES CIRCUIT

Departs: Arrowtown Distance: 22km loop
A beautiful ride from Arrowtown, through Millbrook Resort and down to picturesque Lake Hayes. It's an 8km circuit around the lake on slightly undulating gravel path/boardwalk. Look out for the NZ native pukeko (Purple Swamphen). There's an excellent swimming and picnic beach with toilets at one end of the lake.
Note: for a shorter, easier ride, park at Lake Hayes and take the 8km loop around the lake.
Highlights: Riding around beautiful Lake Hayes.

SHOTOVER COUNTRYSIDE RIDE                                   

 (Arrowtown to Shotover Bridge)
Departs: Arrowtown Distance: 24km return

From the Arrowtown River carpark follow the trail alongside Bush Creek, up to the road and on through Millbrook Resort. Enjoy the beautiful countryside views from the top of Christine's Hill before descending down towards Slopehill Road and onto the Shotover River, finishing at the historic Shotover Bridge.
For a shorter ride this would be a good point to grab a shuttle back to Arrowtown – otherwise get a shuttle to the bridge and ride back.
Highlights: Riding alongside the Shotover River.

Advanced

ARROWTOWN RETURN VIA LAKE HAYES CIRCUIT

Departs: Arrowtown Distance: 22km loop
A beautiful ride from Arrowtown, through Millbrook Resort and down to picturesque Lake Hayes. It's an 8km circuit around the lake on slightly undulating gravel path/boardwalk. Look out for the NZ native pukeko (Purple Swamphen). There's an excellent swimming and picnic beach with toilets at one end of the lake.
Note: for a shorter, easier ride, park at Lake Hayes and take the 8km loop around the lake.
Highlights: Riding around beautiful Lake Hayes.

SHOTOVER COUNTRYSIDE RIDE
(Arrowtown to Shotover Bridge)

Departs: Arrowtown Distance: 24km return
From the Arrowtown River carpark follow the trail alongside Bush Creek, up to the road and on through Millbrook Resort. Enjoy the beautiful countryside views from the top of Christine's Hill before descending down towards Slopehill Road and onto the Shotover River, finishing at the historic Shotover Bridge.
For a shorter ride this would be a good point to grab a shuttle back to Arrowtown – otherwise get a shuttle to the bridge and ride back.

FRANKTON TO JACKS POINT

Departs: Frankton Beach Distance: 14km one way
The first half is an easy trail along the Kelvin Heights Track.Leave this section at Bay View Road and pick up the trail at Jardines Park. This track is more technical; undulating with some short, steep climbs, making it more enjoyable for children 10 years + with reasonable fitness.
Highlights: Riding alongside the majestic Remarkables mountain range. Jack's Point restaurant and playground
Highlights: Riding alongside the Shotover River. Stop and play at Jardines Mountain Bike Park, see below.

Jardines Mountain Bike Park, Kelvin Heights
Perfect for kids and adults to improve your confidence and skills and have a play! There’s a BMX pump track circuit plus longer bike courses from 2–6km. Follow the sign on the right to the Jacks Point track. Playground, toilets and picnic area nearby.

MACETOWN

For the more adventurous, head out from Arrowtown on the 4WD track towards Macetown. It’s hilly in parts, with lots of river crossings and steep drop offs, but the track itself is wide and not technical. Allow a half to full day if going all the way, (about 3 hours solid riding return, if experienced and fit).

TWELVE MILE DELTA TO BOBS COVE

This undulating, intermediate grade single track runs below the Glenorchy Road, starting from Twelve Mile Delta, 10km from Queenstown. Suitable for teens and adults with some experience. Lots of steep ups and downs as well as long, flat sections.

 

Single Track Fun!


WYNYARD FREESTYLE TERRAIN PARK

A steeper park with flowy berms and big jumps! Fun to try some of the smaller stuff or go watch the action! Bike shuttle available to return you to top of park. 

Our top pick in Wynyard Bike Park:

McNearly Gnarly 

GORGE ROAD JUMP PARK

Free to use, well-maintained freestyle facility – hit jumps, work berms and grab some pump track action. The size of a rugby field with over 40 jumps and other features.
Something for all riders – from 5 years to experts!

SKYLINE GONDOLA MOUNTAIN BIKING

Pop your bikes on the Skyline Gondola and explore the Queenstown Bike Park's 30kms of downhill tracks. The world-class trails cater for beginner to expert riders.
Kidz Go recommends the 6km Hammys Track – it's a beginners' downhill run – wide single track with few obstacles and a more gradual descent. This is heaps of fun, recommended for 8 years and up.  Progress to Vertigo and Thundergoat Trails.

ROUND THE MOUNTAINS

Take the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a great biking day out. The track follows the lakeshore before heading inland. The entire circuit takes several days, so just ride for as long as you feel like before heading back to Walter Peak Sheep Station.

BANNOCKBURN SLUICINGS

Departs: Bannockburn Distance: 3.5km loop
Starting on Felton Road and adjacent to vineyards, this intermediate track takes you into a real 'Wild West' landscape as you ride through a former gold field. The trail winds its way past crazy rock formations, towering cliff faces, old mud brick homes, gold workings and apricot trees. There are DOC markers and interpretation panels on this interesting ride. Note: the trail is undulating with steep climbs and is very exposed in parts. Not recommended with small children.
Highlights: The crazy, unique landscape.

7 MILE BIKE PARK

Renowned as one of the best bike forests in the South Island and a favourite spot for locals. Explore the network of looping tracks throughout the forest with fast and winding trails, wide berms, rolling table tops or technical variations.

CARDRONA ALPINE RESORT

GONDOLA-ASSISTED MOUNTAIN BIKING AND SIGHTSEEING
Lap the lifts daily with your family from 10am to 4pm (6pm during Peak Season plus 8pm on Friday nights) with mountain bike trails for all levels, or have the ultimate family adventure with the Southern Hemisphere’s only mountain carts. Cardrona offers mountain bike lessons and full bike rental (including safety gear), a FREE learner zone and the McDougall’s Chondola for gondola cabin access to Cardrona’s scenic walking and biking tracks.
Freephone: 0800 440 800 www.cardrona.com/summer
Kids 5 years and under receive FREE day passes.

CORONET PEAK

GONDOLA-ASSISTED MOUNTAIN BIKING AND SIGHTSEEING
Open December for the summer
Cross-country and downhill mountain bike tracks
suitable for every level. Find out why Coronet Peak
biking is considered world class!
Facilities: Licensed café, toilets, ticket office, retail shop, bike
rental and repairs, first aid.
www.coronetpeak.co.nz/summer
Kids 5 years and under receive FREE gondola passes.

CORONET PEAK WATER RACE ~ ARROWTOWN

You might need a car shuffle but it's worth it for this fine bike ride ~ all the way from the top of the Coronet Peak Water Race (5km up the Coronet Peak access road on your right).   Swoopy, bermy downhill followed by a traverse through the beech forest on the side of Coronet Peak, to Bush Saddle.  From here you descend a FUN single track all the way into Arrowtown.

Other rides nearby: Start from the Coronet Peak carpark and ride the famous Rude Rock (grade 4).  Swing off the Water Race Track and discover why locals love Hot Rod!


Bike hire, guided trail tours & bike shuttle service

>> Around the Basin
>> Better By Bike
>> The Ride Guide

QUEENSTOWN TRAILS WEBSITE >> click here

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Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.