Queenstown to Clyde | Out and Back – 4 Day Biking Adventure

Day 1 : Queenstown to Arrowtown (35km / 4hrs)

Check in to our shop at 9.30am. Start your adventure by making your way to Arrowtown along stunning biking trails.

The first day of your adventure begins with careful bike fitting at our shop (9 Duke Street) before a detailed briefing and trail tips. Ride from Queenstown around the Queenstown Gardens, following the beautiful cycle trail that takes you along the edge of Lake Wakatipu. Upon reaching Frankton the trail turns away from the lake and meanders its way down the Kawarau River until  it confluences with the Shotover River. Here the trail follows the banks of the Shotover up stream to the historic Old Shotover Bridge. Cross the bridge and follow countryside trails that take you over Slope Hill and through Millbrook Golf Resort, before you arrive in Arrowtown. Check into your accommodation for the evening, then explore Arrowtown and enjoy one of the many restaurants on offer before wrapping up your evening.

Day 2 : Arrowtown to Gibbston (25km / 2.5hrs riding + winery time)

Start riding at your leisure. Follow the Arrow River to the Gibbston Valley – home of 7+ wineries. 

Arrowtown has many cafe options for your morning coffee and breakfast before you make your way back onto the cycle trail. Follow the Arrow River Bridges Trail down stream, crossing some spectacular bridges on your way to the Gibbston Valley. At the entrance to the Gibbston Wine Valley you will cross the worlds first commercial bungy bridge. Pause to watch the action before making your way to the wineries. The Gibbston Wine Valley is home to 7+ wineries that you can visit throughout the afternoon. This part of your day can be tailored to your own needs. Ride to as many wineries as you wish, or get comfy and set up with a cheese platter and relax.

We will collect you at 3.30pm from which ever winery you finish at for your shuttle transport through the stunning Cromwell Gorge to Cromwell. Spend the night in Cromwell (or Bannockburn if desired).

Day 3 : Cromwell to Clyde (35km / 4hrs)

Depart on your ride from Cromwell to Historic Clyde on an exceptional lake side trail. 

** TRAIL NOW OPEN – Available September 2021, timings to be confirmed **

Depart your Cromwell or Bannockburn accommodation and make your way onto the Lake Dunstan Trail at the Bannockburn Bridge. Nestled along the edge of Lake Dunstan the track utilises clip on bridges that skirt the cliffs on the edge of the lake. Enjoy the barren Central Otago landscape as you travel down the lake towards the impressive Clyde Dam. Ride past the dam and over the old bridge which takes you up a short climb and into historic Clyde. The are some beautiful old buildings and cute cafes to visit before you are picked up at 3.30pm and transported back to Gibbston Valley and check into your accommodation for the night.

Day 4 : Gibbston to Queenstown (35km / 4hrs)

Depart the Gibbston Valley at your leisure and make your way back to Queenstown. This time follow the Kawarau River back to the Old Shotover Bridge, once here you will find yourself back on familiar ground for the last 15km cruise back into Queenstown.

Booking Accommodation

You are responsible for booking your accommodation for this tour.

There are many excellent choices of accommodation in Queenstown, Arrowtown and in the Gibbston Valley. Choose a venue that suits your needs and desired budget. During the Christmas and New Year period Queenstown is extremely busy. If you want to ride during this time, make sure you lock in your accommodation well in advance.

Queenstown Accommodation Ideas

•  The Heritage
• Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
• An Accor Property: St Moritz, Novotel or Sofitel

Arrowtown Accommodation Ideas

• The Arrow
• Settlers Motel
• Arrowtown Holiday Park
• Millbrook Resort

Cromwell Accommodation Ideas

• Cromwell Holiday Park
• Central Park Apartments
• Cromwell Motel
• Central Gateway Motel
• River Rock Estate

Make sure you base yourself in the heart of Cromwell. Do not book Pisa Moorings or Lowburn accommodation as this adds significant distance to your ride. The Dunstan Cycle Trail starts at the Bannockburn bridge, and can be reached following the trail from Cromwell south through Old Cromwell along the Kawarau River.

Bannockburn Accommodation Ideas

• Bannockburn House
• Vines On Bannockburn
• Grape View Bed and Breakfast
• Bannockburn Willows
• Cairnmuir Motor Camp

Please note food options are limited in Bannockburn.

Gibbston Accommodation Ideas

– The War Brick Stone Cottage
– Gibbston Boat House (opposite Kinross)
– Gibbston House
– Kinross Cottages
– Judge and Jury Cottage