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Bike Cromwell To Gibbston: Cromwell Based

What you'll do

✓ Start from our Cromwell Bike Hub 
✓ Ride the 34 km Kawarau Trail to our Gibbston Bike Hub 
✓ Return shuttle from our Gibbston Bike Hub back to Cromwell

Why Ride It?
  • Follow the Kawarau River through dramatic gorge scenery
  • Cross suspension bridges, clip-on bridges, and historic gold mining sites
  • Experience remote Central Otago landscapes and incredible river views
  • Finish in the Gibbston wine region
 

Good to Know

  • A committed 34 km ride with no exit points through the gorge section
  • Suitable for riders with moderate fitness and confidence on gravel trails
  • Electric Bikes are highly recommended for the best experience
  • Allow time for scenic stops, photos, and breaks
 

Timings

Summer (September–April)

  • Departure: Before 10:00am from Cromwell Bike Hub
  • Pickup: 2:00pm from The Church Cellar Door, Gibbston Valley

Winter (May–August)

  • Departure: After 10:00am from Cromwell Bike Hub
  • Pickup: 3:15pm from The Church Cellar Door, Gibbston Valley
 

Please allow enough time to complete the ride while enjoying scenic stops, photos, and breaks.

Riding Time

Allow 3-4 Hours

Total Distance

34km

Terrain

Hilly, Technical Terrain

Bus Transfers

Transfer back to Cromwell

$0.00

Ride Date Choose your ride date

Time Choose your check-in time

Bikes Choose your Heights

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Book Now

Before You Ride

The 34 km Kawarau 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 gorge
  • There is no vehicle access once you enter the 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.
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).

Tag-A-Long

Bike Cromwell To Gibbston: Cromwell Based

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Weather event: 28/8/26

Heavy rain has caused some damage to the Queenstown Trail between Arrowtown and Arrow Junction.

 

For the next few days, Bike The Wineries – Full Day and Arrowtown to Gibbston will start around 7km beyond Arrowtown, closer to the wineries, avoiding the damaged section. You’ll miss Arrowtown, but the ride itself is as good as ever!