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Bike Gibbston To Cromwell: Cromwell Based

What you'll do

✓ Check in at our Cromwell Bike Hub
✓ Start with a shuttle to Gibbston Valley to start your ride
✓ Ride the 34 km Kawarau Trail back to Cromwell

Why Ride It?

  • Follow the Kawarau River through spectacular 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 heart of Cromwell and Bannockburn wine country
 

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)

  • Check in: At 9:20am at Cromwell Bike Hub (3 Melmore Terrace)
  • Bus Transfer with us to Gibbston (The Church Cellar Door)
  • Finish: Return Bikes by 4.30pm to our Cromwell Bike Hub
 

Winter (May–August)

  • Check in: At 9:50am at Cromwell Bike Hub (3 Melmore Terrace)
  • Bus Transfer with us to Gibbston (The Church Cellar Door)
  • Finish: Return Bikes by 4.30pm to our Cromwell Bike Hub
 

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

To Gibbston Start

Add-ons

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

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 Cromwell Bike Hub before 4.30pm to return bikes
 

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 Cromwell Bike Hub
  • Our bikes are fitted with puncture-resistant tyres, and a repair kit is provided

For a more comfortable ride, we recommend hiring an E-bike.

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

Is This Ride Family-Friendly?

Due to the distance and remote gorge sections, this ride is best suited to older children and confident teenage riders.

Children hiring E-bikes must be at least 140 cm (4 ft 6 in) to fit our smallest frame.

Infants can travel in trailers or on tag-alongs, although this ride is generally recommended for experienced cycling families due to the distance and terrain.

Families with younger children may prefer one of our shorter Gibbston or Arrowtown options.

What If the Weather Turns?

Weather in Central Otago can change quickly. We assess trail conditions daily.

If conditions are unsafe, we’ll contact you to reschedule your booking or provide a refund (less any applicable transaction fees where relevant).

If you’re unsure about the forecast, please contact us before travelling to Cromwell.

Final Tips

  • Drive directly to our Cromwell Bike Hub
  • Arrive 10 Minutes before  the bus departure
  • Bring water, snacks and sunscreen
  • Dress in layers as alpine weather can change quickly
  • Allow time for scenic stops and photos
  • Consider an E-bike for maximum enjoyment
  • Don’t forget your camera – the Kawarau Gorge offers some of the best scenery in Central Otago
  • Return your bike to the Cromwell Bike Hub before 4:30pm

Your Ride Is Operated by Around The Basin

Your bike hire, transport and trail briefing are provided by Around The Basin.

Our experienced local team operate from Queenstown, Gibbston and Cromwell, making it easy to ride both the Kawarau Gorge and Queenstown Trail Network. 

Ride. Explore. Discover.

Bike Gibbston To Cromwell: Cromwell Based

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