Bike The Basin: A 3 Day Journey-Style Ride

Trip Duration

3 Days

Total Distance

80+km

Terrain

Hilly, Technical Terrain

Shuttles

Luggage Transfers Daily

$0.00

Ride Date Choose your ride date
Bikes Choose your Heights

-

What you'll do

Queenstown → Arrowtown → Gibbston → Queenstown Multi-Day Self-Guided Adventure | 3 Days | 80+ km total.

A scenic, supported, and self-guided loop ride that lets you experience the very best of the Queenstown Trail—at your own pace. Ride through stunning alpine landscapes, historic gold mining towns, and world-class wine country, with luggage transfers, trail support, and detailed daily briefings included.

  • Multi-Day Exploring in Queenstown
  • 3 Days self-guided riding
  • 80+ km Scenic, varied terrain

What’s Included

  • 3 days standard or electric bike hire (select at checkout)
  • Helmet and trail map
  • Detailed pre-ride briefing from our experienced team
  • Daily luggage transfers to your next accommodation
  • On-call support throughout your ride

Accommodation not included. You’ll need to book stays in Arrowtown (Day 1) and Gibbston (Day 2) — see our suggestions under the “Accommodation” section below.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Queenstown → Arrowtown

Distance: ~32 km | Ride Time: 3–4 hours
Trail Type: Undulating terrain, some climbs, well-formed trail

  • Check in at our Queenstown shop at 9:30 am for your briefing and bike fitting
  • Ride north past the Shotover River and cross the historic Edith Cavell Bridge
  • Continue on the Wharehuanui Trail beneath Coronet Peak
  • Pass through Millbrook Resort and arrive in charming Arrowtown
  • Your luggage will be waiting at your chosen accommodation
  • Enjoy an evening in Arrowtown’s historic centre with great dining options

Day 2: Arrowtown → Gibbston

Distance: ~25 km | Ride Time: 2–3 hours
Trail Type: Gentle riverside riding, ideal for winery stops

  • Depart your accommodation whenever suits you
  • Ride along the Arrow and Kawarau Rivers to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge
  • Cross into the Gibbston wine region—plenty of wineries and cafes to explore
  • Spend a relaxed afternoon wine tasting or simply soaking up the views
  • Your luggage will be transferred ahead and waiting for you in Gibbston
  • Enjoy local dining and a restful night in the valley

Day 3: Gibbston → Queenstown

Distance: ~40 km | Ride Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
Trail Type: Rolling hills, river gorges, and lakeside trail

  • Leave at your own pace for the final ride back to Queenstown
  • Follow the Twin Rivers Trail alongside the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers
  • Take in panoramic views of the Remarkables and Lake Whakatipu
  • Finish with a cruisy lakeside trail right to our Queenstown shop
  • Your Luggage will be waiting at the shop once you are finished.
  • Celebrate your loop completion—you’re back where you started!

Trail Highlights

  • Stunning alpine landscapes and lake views
  • Historic bridges and trails with rich gold mining heritage
  • Boutique wineries, cafes, and gourmet dining options
  • Well-maintained, clearly signposted trails
  • Full support and hassle-free luggage transfers
 

Support & Safety

  • Our team is just a phone call away for mechanical issues or assistance
  • Trail is well-marked, and we’ll provide a map + full briefing
  • Luggage is transferred for you each day—just ride and enjoy
 

Accommodation

  • Accommodation is not included.
    You’ll need to book: – Night 1 in Arrowtown – Night 2 in Gibbston

    Arrowtown

    • Settlers Cottage Motel – Self-contained cottages in a quiet garden setting, 5-minute walk to town.
      Great for couples or families on a short stay.
      Book Here

    • Arrowtown Lodge – Boutique, stylish cottages close to the historic centre.
      Ideal for a cozy, upscale night.
      Book Here

    Gibbston Valley

    • Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa – Luxury vineyard accommodation with spa and wine cave.
      Perfect for a romantic or indulgent overnight stay.
      Book Here

    • Kinross Cottages – Boutique vineyard cottages with a wine tasting room, bistro, and hot tubs.
      Relaxed, scenic, great food and wine onsite.
      Book Here

 

Booking Your Ride

  1. Select your Day 1 ride date on the calendar
  2. Choose number of riders and bike type (standard or e-bike)
  3. Complete payment and booking details on the next pages

Questions? Reach out: bookings@aroundthebasin.co.nz

Please Note: The Big Day Out, Arrowtown to Queenstown and The Hugo Tunnel Loop rides are not advised for children as they are a large distance and have hilly terrain.

 

Child Electric Bikes (8-14 years)

We have 24″ or 26″ E-Bikes. Children must be at least 135 cm/4 ft 6″ tall and capable riders.

 

Child Mountain Bikes (5-14 years)

We have  16″, 20″, or 24″ bikes; or XS, S, M adult bikes.

 

Infants (0-4 years)

We have either Child Trailers or Tag-A-Longs/Half-Bikes. Please be aware that tag-a-longs/half-bikes require balance and the skills to hold on independently. 

Child Trailer

Our preference is for infants to use Child Trailers. They are stable and safe, and can fit either two small infants (<20kg) or one larger infant (<40kg).

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Bike The Basin: A 3 Day Journey-Style Ride

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