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Bike The Basin: A 3 Day Journey-Style Ride

What you'll do

✓ Choose a 2-day adventure or add the Lake Dunstan Trail for a 3-day ride
✓ Cycle through Cromwell, Gibbston or Arrowtown before finishing in Queenstown
✓ We transfer your luggage each day, so you can focus on riding

Why Ride It?

  • Choose from a 2-day ride or add the Lake Dunstan Trail for a 3-day adventure
  • Ride through Cromwell, the Kawarau Gorge, Gibbston or Arrowtown
  • Enjoy dramatic gorges, rivers, vineyards and mountain scenery
  • Ride at your own pace while we transfer your luggage each day

Good to Know

  • Choose to stay overnight in Gibbston or continue to Arrowtown
  • Includes daily luggage transfers and trail support
  • Accommodation is not included
  • E-bikes are highly recommended
  • Includes remote, hilly and technical terrain suitable for confident riders
  • Bikes must be returned to our Queenstown Bike Hub by 5:00 pm on the final day

Timings

2-Day Option

Day 1 – Cromwell to Gibbston or Arrowtown

  • Check in: 7:50 am at 3 Searle Lane
  • Shuttle departure: 8:00 am
  • Your bags will be delivered to your Gibbston or Arrowtown accommodation

Day 2 – Gibbston or Arrowtown to Queenstown

  • Start riding at your own pace
  • Return your bikes to our Queenstown Bike Hub by 5:00 pm

3-Day Option

Day 1 – Clyde to Cromwell

  • Check in: 7:50 am at 3 Searle Lane
  • Shuttle departure: 8:00 am
  • Your bags will be delivered to your Cromwell accommodation

Day 2 – Cromwell to Gibbston or Arrowtown

  • Start riding at your own pace
  • Your bags will be delivered to your Gibbston or Arrowtown accommodation

Day 3 – Gibbston or Arrowtown to Queenstown

  • Start riding at your own pace
  • Return your bikes to our Queenstown Bike Hub by 5:00 pm

Daily Luggage Transfers

2-Day Option

  • Day 1: Queenstown → Gibbston or Arrowtown accommodation
  • Day 2: Gibbston or Arrowtown → Queenstown accommodation

3-Day Option

  • Day 1: Queenstown → Cromwell accommodation
  • Day 2: Cromwell → Gibbston or Arrowtown accommodation
  • Day 3: Gibbston or Arrowtown → Queenstown accommodation

Accommodation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own accommodation in Cromwell for the 3-day option and in Gibbston or Arrowtown for both options.

Riding Time

2.5-3.5hrs per day

Total Distance

80+km

Terrain

Hilly, Technical Terrain

Bus Transfers

Luggage Transfers Only

Your Pick-up Schedule

  • Day 1: Transfer to CBH or Clyde — 07:50 am — Bags to GV/AT or Crom

  • Day 2: Bag Transfer — 10:15 am — Bag to QBH or GV/AT

  • Day 3: Bag Transfer — 10:15 am — Bag to QBH

Exact dates will be confirmed after booking based on your selected start date.

Add-ons

Extra Day – Dunstan Trail (Electric Bike)

Add the Lake Dunstan Trail to the start of your trip for an extra day of riding and exploring.

Extra Day – Dunstan Trail (Mountain Bike)

Add the Lake Dunstan Trail to the start of your trip for an extra day of riding and exploring.

Kawarau Gorge Trail Levy

$0.00

Ride Date Choose your ride date

Time Choose your check-in time

Bikes Choose your Heights

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Book Now

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 – see our suggestions under the “Accommodation” section below.

 

Itinerary Overview

Choose from a 2-day or 3-day self-guided cycling adventure. We’ll transport you to the start and move your bags between your accommodation each day, leaving you free to enjoy the ride.

2-Day Option

Day 1: Cromwell to Gibbston or Arrowtown

Distance: Approximately 34–49 km
Trail Grade: Grade 2–3 | Terrain: Remote and undulating

Check-in: 7:50 am | Shuttle departure: 8:00 am

  • Shuttle from Queenstown to Cromwell
  • Ride the Kawarau Gorge Trail alongside the Kawarau River
  • Cross suspension bridges and pass historic gold-mining sites
  • Finish in Gibbston or continue riding to Arrowtown
  • Your bags will be delivered to your Gibbston or Arrowtown accommodation

This ride includes a remote section with no exit points. E-bikes are highly recommended.

Day 2: Gibbston or Arrowtown to Queenstown

Trail Grade: Mostly Grade 2–3 | Terrain: Rolling hills, riverside and lakeside trails

  • Begin the day from your Gibbston or Arrowtown accommodation
  • Ride the Queenstown Trail back to Queenstown
  • Enjoy river valleys, mountain scenery and lakeside trails
  • Your bags will be delivered to your Queenstown accommodation
  • Return your bikes to our Queenstown Bike Hub by 5:00 pm

3-Day Option

(Add the extra day on at the checkout)

Day 1: Lake Dunstan Trail – Clyde to Cromwell

Distance: Approximately 41 km | Ride Time: 4–6 hours
Trail Grade: Grade 2–3 | Terrain: Undulating, with narrow and exposed sections

Check-in: 7:50 am | Shuttle departure: 8:00 am

  • Shuttle from Queenstown to Clyde
  • Ride the Lake Dunstan Trail through the Cromwell Gorge
  • Cross impressive bridges and follow sections built into the rocky cliffs
  • Enjoy spectacular lake and Central Otago scenery
  • Finish in Cromwell
  • Your bags will be delivered to your Cromwell accommodation

Day 2: Cromwell to Gibbston or Arrowtown

Distance: Approximately 34–49 km
Trail Grade: Grade 2–3 | Terrain: Remote and undulating

  • Ride the Kawarau Gorge Trail from Cromwell
  • Follow the Kawarau River through the dramatic gorge
  • Cross suspension bridges and pass historic gold-mining sites
  • Finish in Gibbston or continue riding to Arrowtown
  • Your bags will be delivered to your Gibbston or Arrowtown accommodation

This is a committed ride with no exit points through the gorge. E-bikes are highly recommended.

Day 3: Gibbston or Arrowtown to Queenstown

Trail Grade: Mostly Grade 2–3 | Terrain: Rolling hills, riverside and lakeside trails

  • Begin the day from your Gibbston or Arrowtown accommodation
  • Ride the Queenstown Trail back to Queenstown
  • Enjoy river valleys, mountain scenery and lakeside trails
  • Your bags will be delivered to your Queenstown accommodation
  • Return your bikes to our Queenstown Bike Hub by 5:00 pm
 

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.
    2 Day: You’ll need to book: – Night 1 in Arrowtown or Gibbston – Night 2 in Queenstown 3 Day: You’ll need to book: – Night 1 in Cromwell – Night 2 in Arrowtown/Gibbston

    Arrowtown

    • Settlers Cottage Motel – Self-contained cottages in a quiet garden setting, just a five-minute walk from 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 cosy, upscale overnight stay.
      Book Here

    Gibbston Valley

    • Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa – Luxury vineyard accommodation with a 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.
      A relaxed and scenic stay with great food and wine onsite.
      Book Here

    Cromwell

    • Lake Resort by Marsden – Waterfront studios and villas overlooking Pisa Moor submission.
      A relaxing lakeside stay with spacious rooms, mountain views and an onsite restaurant and bar.
      Book Here
    • Harvest Hotel – Comfortable hotel accommodation with mountain and vineyard views.
      A convenient option with a café, restaurant and bar onsite.
      Book Here
    • Carrick Lodge Motel – Comfortable studios and family suites in the heart of Cromwell.
      Within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the Lake Dunstan trails.
      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 Kawarau Gorge,  The Big Day Out, Arrowtown to Queenstown and The Hugo Tunnel Loop rides are all not recommended  for children due to their distance and 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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