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The Ultimate Ride: 3 Epic Days of Biking

What you'll do

✓ Ride 3 of Queenstown’s best trails over three days
✓ Explore Kawarau Trail, Arrowtown, Hugo Tunnel and Gibbston
✓ Shuttles, bike hire and daily support included

Why Ride It?

  • Experience rivers, mountains, forests, farmland and vineyards
  • Tackle the Kawarau Gorge and scenic Shotover and Kawarau Rivers
  • Explore the Gibbston Wine Region at your own pace
  • The ultimate way to experience the Queenstown & Kawarau Trails

Good to Know

  • 85+ km of riding across three days
  • Includes hilly and technical terrain – suited to confident riders
  • E-bikes are highly recommended
  • Minimum 2 riders per booking
  • Return to Queenstown accommodation each day

Timings

Summer (September–April)
Day 1 – Bike Gibbston to Bannockburn: Queenstown Based

  • Check in: 8.20am at 3 Searle Lane, Queenstown

Day 2 – Bike The Wineries Full Day 

  • Check in: 9:20am at 3 Searle Lane

Day 3 – Big Day Out – Arrowtown to Queenstown

  • Check in: 9:20am at 3 Searle Lane

Winter (May–August)
Day 1 – Bike Gibbston to Bannockburn: Queenstown Based

  • Check in: 8:20am at 3 Searle Lane

Day 2 – Bike The Wineries Full Day 

  • Check in: 9:50am at 3 Searle Lane

Day 3 – Big Day Out – Arrowtown to Queenstown

  • Check in: 9:50am at 3 Searle Lane

Please allow enough time each day for scenic stops, photos and breaks.

Riding Time

2.5-3.5 hours per day

Total Distance

85+km

Terrain

Hilly, Technical Terrain

Bus Transfers

On all 3 days

Your Pick-up Schedule

  • Day 1: 8:20 am — Queenstown Bike Hub

  • Day 2: 9:20 am — Queenstown Bike Hub

  • Day 3: 9:20 am — Queenstown Bike Hub

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

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

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Kawarau Gorge Trail – Gibbston to Bannockburn

Distance: 30 km | Ride Time: 3–4 hours
Trail Grade: Grade 2–3 | Terrain: Remote and undulating

Check-in: 8:20 am | Departure: 8:30 am

  • Shuttle from Queenstown to the Gibbston Bike Hub
  • Follow the Kawarau River through the spectacular gorge
  • Cross suspension bridges and pass historic gold-mining sites
  • Finish at Carrick Winery in Bannockburn
  • Return shuttle to Queenstown

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

Day 2: Bike the Wineries – Full Day

Distance: 15–23 km | Ride Time: 2–3 hours
Trail Grade: Mostly Grade 2–3 | Terrain: Scenic and undulating

Check-in: 9:20 am | Departure: 9:30 am

  • Shuttle from Queenstown to historic Arrowtown
  • Ride alongside the Arrow River and across suspension bridges
  • Follow the trail into the Gibbston wine region
  • Visit wineries, breweries and local food spots at your own pace
  • Return shuttle to Queenstown from your chosen winery

Wine tastings, drinks and food are not included.

Day 3: The Big Day Out

Distance: 37 km | Ride Time: 3.5–5 hours
Trail Grade: Grade 2–4 | Terrain: Hilly and technical

Check-in: 9:20 am | Departure: 9:30 am

  • Shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown
  • Ride back via the Twin Rivers and Shotover Gorge trails
  • Take on the Hugo Tunnel, technical sections and rewarding climbs
  • Enjoy river valleys, alpine scenery and varied terrain
  • Finish your three-day adventure back in central Queenstown

This challenging ride is best suited to confident, experienced riders. E-bikes are strongly recommended.

Support & Safety

  • Our support team is just a call away during your ride
  • Pre-ride briefings ensure you’re confident and prepared each day
  • Shuttles are timed for comfort and convenience

Booking Your Ride

  1. Select the start date for your 3-day ride
  2. Choose number of riders and preferred bike type
  3. Complete your booking and we’ll handle the rest

If you’d prefer to change the order or have a rest day between, email us as per the email below.

Have questions? Contact us: bookings@aroundthebasin.co.nz

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.

The Ultimate Ride: 3 Epic Days of Biking

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