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| Return Shuttles | Ride Starts In Arrow-town | 25 km | Up To 7 Wineries |
Ride Description
This ride begins with a shuttle from Around The Basin’s shop in Queenstown out to Arrowtown. Once there, you will be provided with all of the tools you need for an awesome day of riding: a quality mountain bike or E-bike with a helmet; a detailed briefing explaining the day; and a trail map to help with navigation. There’s the opportunity to explore the town – originally a gold-miner’s settlement – to visit one of the cafés, or hop straight onto your bike and get stuck in to your ride.
The trail starts by heading downstream alongside the willow-lined Arrow River. As you ride, you will cross the river by a few spectacular swing-bridges. Before long you’ll reach the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, home of the world’s first bungy jump and the gateway to the Gibbston wine region. From there you will spend the afternoon biking along the magnificent Gibbston River Trail. With mountains towering above, vineyards at every turn, and the Kawarau River flowing through the rocky gorge below, this is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most scenic bike trails.
The cellar doors of Gibbston are all linked together by this easy-riding trail. The winery map will help you decide which of the venues to visit, with plenty of time to sample what this world-class wine destination has to offer. You could take a picnic to have en route, or stop for lunch at one of the venues.
The riding distance to the first winery is 15 km (9 miles) and it’s 25 km (16 miles) to reach the last winery of Gibbston. You will be collected at 4:30 pm from your winery of choice for the return shuttle back to Queenstown.
Ride Schedule
Ride Prices
* 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.
Winery Bookings
To ensure you have an awesome experience at the wineries, it is best to book your tastings and lunch in advance, particularly for groups of 6 or more. We can help with timings once you have booked with us.
The wineries are independently owned and operated, so tastings are not included in the price of this ride package, but the average cost is around $20pp per winery.
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. E-bikes are the business – you will not regret the upgrade!
Let us walk you through how to get the most out of your electric biking experience…
Other Options
Like the sound of Bike The Wineries, but would prefer a later start? Take a look at either our Bike The Wineries 3/4 Day or Bike The Wineries Half Day rides.
If wine doesn’t interest you, how about beer? The Arrowtown To Arthur’s Point Ride on the new Wharehuanui Trail finishes at a brewery!
Venues in the Gibbston Valley: wineries, a tavern, and good food
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The most well-known winery in the valley. Enjoy their cheesery or visit the cellar door for a tasting. Beautiful outdoor area to be enjoyed. |
A stunning setting with a lovely outdoor area to enjoy. Great food and wine are available here. |
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Built in Wangaloa in 1894, this old church was relocated to Gibbston in the early 2000’s. Today instead of hymns and sermons it serves up local wines and good vibes. Our standard pick up location for a reason. |
The Tavern is full of character and serves delicious wood-fired pizzas. A great place to relax. Hank, their dog, will be sure to give you a warm welcome. |
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The Rockburn Cellar Door offers relaxed tastings of their award winning wines in a unique setting, at the iconic Gibbston Tavern. A pure expression of Central Otago in your glass. |
The newest addition to the valley, and little sister of the Gibbston Tavern, the GT Tasting Room offers a selection of local wines, gins, distilled spirits, and ginger beers. |
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A great place to visit, Brennan is located at the end of the valley. While you’re here, have a go at petanque. |
Full of personality, Mt Rosa is located at the end of the valley and is certainly worth the effort to visit. Tastings here are extensive, so allow approximately 40 mins. |
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Set in a beautifully restored woolshed off the Gibbston Back Road, Waitiri offers wine tastings or refreshing beverages, along with food platters or gourmet toasties. |
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All of their contact details can be found here.
For this Bike The Wineries Full Day ride, most riders reach the Bungy Bridge – the start of the Gibbston River Trail – at approximately 11:30 am to 12:00 pm. From there, the riding times between each winery is shown below to help with booking your wine tastings:
