Before You Ride

The 34 km Kawarau Gorge Trail is a remote and spectacular ride through one of Central Otago’s most impressive landscapes.

Before setting off, please ensure you:

• Are comfortable riding 34 km in a day
• Have a moderate level of fitness
• Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and suitable clothing
• Arrive at The Church in time for your return shuttle

 

Important

• Limited mobile reception is available through the Kawarau gorge
• There is no vehicle access once you enter the Kawarau gorge
• Your vehicle remains parked at our Gibbston Bike Hub
• Our bikes are fitted with puncture-resistant tyres, and a repair kit is provided

Ride the stunning 34 km Kawarau Trail from Cromwell to Gibbston Valley. Start when you choose, explore the Kawarau Gorge and wine country, then finish at Our Bikes Hub in Gibbston (at The Church Cellar Door), where we’ll shuttle you and your bike back to your vehicle in Cromwell.

Central Otago weather can change quickly, so dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.

Is This Ride Suitable For Me?

This ride is best suited to riders with a moderate level of fitness who are comfortable cycling 34 km in a day. The trail includes approximately 20 km of remote gorge riding with no exit points once entered. Riders should be confident managing their own pace and timing. For a more relaxed experience, we recommend hiring an E-bike. Due to the distance and remote sections of trail, this ride is best suited to older children and confident young riders. Children hiring E-bikes must be at least 140 cm (4 ft 6 in) to fit our smallest frame. Families with younger children may prefer one of our shorter Gibbston or Arrowtown rides.  

Important Information

• Start your ride before 11:00am so you have enough time to explore
• Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and suitable clothing
• Weather conditions can change quickly
• Limited mobile reception is available through sections of the gorge
• Bikes include puncture-resistant tyres and a puncture repair kit is provided

As this is a self-guided ride, riders are responsible for managing their own timing and riding safely.  

Weather

Central Otago weather can change quickly, and trail conditions are assessed daily. If conditions are unsafe, we will contact you to discuss rescheduling your booking or arranging a refund (less any applicable transaction fees). If you’re unsure about the forecast, please contact us an hour before your ride departs.