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Arrowtown To Queenstown
A Mountain Biking Adventure
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One Way Shuttle | 3-4 Hour Ride | 36 km | Hilly Terrain |
Arrowtown to Queenstown Riding Adventure

Bring a good jacket and warm pair of gloves for riding during winter.
Ride Description
Start your self-guided ride with a 25-minute bus transfer from Around The Basin’s shop in Queenstown to the historic village of Arrowtown. Once there, we’ll get you fully set up with a mountain bike or E-bike, helmet, trail map, and a detailed briefing to ensure you’re confident and ready to go. Then it’s over to you to enjoy a scenic 34km ride back to Queenstown at your own pace. Expect 3.5 to 4 hours of riding on hilly terrain, following well-maintained gravel trails (Grade 2–3) with spectacular alpine views, river crossings, and lakeside cruising. The route follows the Arrow River, Twin Rivers, and Lake Whakatipu trails, with highlights including the historic Old Shotover Bridge. Ideal for confident riders with a good level of fitness, with optional stops at cafés, a brewery, or a cellar door along the way.
Over the winter schedule (May – Aug), the shuttle departs Around The Basin’s shop at 10:00 am. Check-in at 9:50 am ready for a prompt departure.
Additional Information
More details on Arrowtown to Queenstown:
Our self-guided ride gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and enjoy the journey in your own style. Along the way, the trail winds through forest paths, open farmland, and peaceful riverside tracks. Although there are a few short, steep climbs, they’re well balanced by rewarding downhill stretches and incredible views of The Remarkables. For those wanting a more relaxed experience, E-bikes are a great choice, especially on the hillier sections. As always, it’s a good idea to bring water, snacks, and a few extra layers — alpine weather can change quickly. While our team is available for support, the ride is designed to be flexible, fun, and fully independent.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can easily extend your adventure by adding a detour to the Tucker Beach Trail or the scenic Kelvin Peninsula. However, keep in mind that biking from Arrowtown to Queenstown alone can take over four hours for some riders. Therefore, it’s important to keep track of time and make sure you return to the shop before it closes at 5 pm.
How difficult is this ride?
The Arrowtown to Queenstown route via the Twin River Trail covers 36 km of gravel trails and includes three notable climbs in the middle section. As a result, it’s best suited for confident riders with a moderate to high level of fitness. That said, many of our customers prefer to ride with an E-bike to make the experience more enjoyable — especially on the uphill sections.
What if the weather takes a turn?
Living in the Mountains the weather changes frequently, therefore we usually assess the weather on the day of the ride. If you’re unsure on the morning of your booking, feel free to give us a call around 45 minutes to an hour before the shuttle departs, and we’ll talk through the options. If the weather is deemed unsuitable for riding, we’ll first try to reschedule your trip. If that’s not possible, we’re happy to offer a refund (less a small 3% transaction fee).
Will I pass any wineries on this ride?
No, the Gibbston wineries aren’t on this route. However, you can stop at The Boatshed Café, Wet Jacket Wines (NZ’s only floating cellar door), or Altitude Brewing for a drink or bite. For a winery-focused ride, consider one of our Bike The Wineries options.
For more FAQs, check out our full FAQ section here.
Kids Options
This is a very large ride for young children, you will be riding for 3.5 to 4 hours, likely longer with smaller kids. Its highly recommended to do our half day if you aren regular riders.
To Book:
- Select the appropriate child or infant option under the calendar (based on age), along with the number of adults and preferred bike types, then click ‘BOOK NOW’.
- On the next page, you’ll be able to choose from the following bike and equipment options:
Child Electric Bikes:
We have a 24″ or 26″ E-Bike, 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″ ; or XS, S, M Adult’s Mountain Bikes.
Infant Options :
(0-4 years) we have Child Trailers or Tag-A-Long/Half-Bike (please be aware that the tag-a-long/half-bike does require balance and the skills to hold on independently).
Child Trailer:
Tag-A-Long:
Please note: 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).
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.
Interactive Map
Distance: 34 km (21 miles)
Elevation Gain: 303 m (1,007 ft)
Elevation Loss: 395 m (1,295 ft)
Trail Surface: Gravel