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The Big Day Out

What you'll do

✓ Shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown
✓ Ride the 37 km trail back to Queenstown via Twin Rivers and Shotover Gorge
✓ Finish back in Queenstown

Why Ride It?

  • Experience some of Queenstown’s most scenic and challenging trails
  • Ride through Arrowtown, river valleys, and Shotover Gorge
  • Take on Hugo Tunnel, technical sections, and rewarding climbs
  • Enjoy incredible alpine views and varied terrain along the way
 

Good to Know

  • A challenging ride for experienced riders with strong fitness and bike confidence
  • Includes hilly and technical terrain with steep climbs and rough sections
  • Electric Bikes are highly recommended for a more enjoyable ride
 

Timings

Summer (September–April)

  • Check in: 8:50am at 3 Searle Lane
  • Departure: 9:00am from Queenstown
 

Winter (May–August)

  • Check in: 9:50am at 3 Searle Lane
  • Departure: 10:00am from Queenstown
 

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

Riding Time

Allow 3.5 to 5 hours

Total Distance

37km

Terrain

Hilly, Technical Terrain

Bus Transfers

To Arrowtown

$0.00

Ride Date Choose your ride date

Time Choose your check-in time

Bikes Choose your Heights

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This self-guided ride is designed for experienced riders looking for a more challenging Queenstown Trail adventure. Covering 37 km of off-road trail, this route combines flowing Grade 2–3 riding with more advanced Grade 4 sections, including steep climbs, technical switchbacks, exposed sections, and rougher terrain around the Hugo Tunnel and Arthurs Point. Allow approximately 3.5–4.5 hours to complete the ride, depending on your pace and fitness level. E-bikes are strongly recommended to make the climbs and technical sections more enjoyable.  

Rider Suitability

This ride is recommended for experienced riders with a high level of fitness. It is not suitable for beginners, casual riders, or young children. Recommended:
  • Riders aged 15+ with strong riding ability
  • Confident off-road riders comfortable with technical terrain
  • E-bike riders must be at least 140 cm (4 ft 6 in) to fit our smallest frame
For an easier family-friendly option, we recommend our Arrowtown to Gibbston ride.  

Important Information

  • Weather conditions can change quickly in exposed alpine areas
  • Carry sufficient water, snacks, and suitable clothing
  • Riders are responsible for managing their own time and completing the route safely
  • E-bikes are strongly recommended for a more comfortable experience
 

Weather

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). For full details, please see our Terms & Conditions. If you have concerns on the day, call us one hour before your departure time and we can take you through options for the day.
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

The Big Day Out

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