One Way Shuttle | 3 – 4 Hour Ride | 34 km | Hilly Terrain |
Ride Description
Head out on a 25 minute shuttle from Around The Basin’s shop to Arrowtown. Once there, you will be provided with all of the tools you need for this self-guided adventure ride: a quality mountain bike or E-bike with a helmet; a detailed briefing to explain the route; and our trail map to help with navigation. There’s the opportunity to explore Arrowtown – once a historic settlement built during the Gold Rush era – or grab a coffee to help fuel your day.
The route starts by following the Arrow River Trail downstream to the Morven Ferry, crossing the river via a few spectacular bridges. From there you’ll join the Twin Rivers Trail, which follows the Kawarau and Shotover rivers to the shores of Lake Whakatipu. Expect to see incredible alpine views throughout this section as you traverse the foothills of The Remarkables mountains. Even the Old Shotover Bridge, which has spanned the river for more than a century, provides outstanding views of two ski areas.
The last stage of the journey is a gentle, flowing trail along the lake’s edge, passing a few cafés and even a brewery, before the finish line back in central Queenstown.
This ride is on wide gravel trails, graded either 2 or 3 (as shown in the images above). The minimum riding distance is 34 km (21 miles) with a few decent hills. It is recommended for those who are confident riders with a good level of fitness.
Over the summer schedule (Sept – Apr), the shuttle departs Around The Basin’s shop at 9:00 am. Check-in at 8:50 am ready for a prompt departure.
Interactive Map
Distance: 34 km (21 miles)
Elevation Gain: 303 m (1,007 ft)
Elevation Loss: 395 m (1,295 ft)
Trail Surface: Gravel
Ride Prices
Electric Bike | Standard Bike | |
Adult | $145 | $95 |
Child (5 – 14 years) | $125* | $75 |
Infant (0 – 4 years) | – | $65** |
* Children must be at least 140 cm/4 ft 6″ tall to fit the smallest Electric Bike.
** Infants can select either a bike, trailer, or a tag-along.
E-Bikes Are Recommended
We are yet to hear anyone say “I wish I never upgraded to an electric bike”, but we have certainly heard the opposite! Guarantee the good times, keep your group together, and have a fun day out there.
There are bigger hills on this ride so E-bikes are recommended for this one.
Pro Tip: pack a good jacket and warm pair of gloves for riding over the months of winter and spring.
A Note On Weather
The weather in Queenstown is generally fine and settled for most of the year. However, storms and bad weather can happen and we understand that riding in those conditions is not much fun.
We usually make a weather call on-the-day, as it often turns out not as bad as the forecast suggests. If you are uncertain in the morning of your ride, give us a call 45 mins – 1 hr before your shuttle departs and we will discuss options. If we deem the weather is unsuitable for riding, we first try to re-schedule to another time or another day, but if that isn’t possible we would refund your ride (less a 3% merchant fee).
Important Information About Riding Times
If you’re feeling fit, there are options to extend this ride – the Tucker Beach Trail or the Kelvin Peninsula – which can make for an amazing day. However, biking from Arrowtown to Queenstown alone can take some groups over 4 hours to complete. It is the rider’s responsibility to manage their time effectively and make it back to Queenstown before our shop closes at 5 pm.
Other Options
Looking for a shorter ride? The new Arrowtown To Arthur’s Point is worth looking at. Or maybe the Arrowtown To Gibbston Valley? A full list of the available rides can be found here.
If you’re after more than one day of riding, look at the multi-day rides.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.