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| Start From Queenstown | 33.7 km Ride | Hilly and Challenging Terrain | Brewery / Tavern |
Ride Details
Ride the local loop that takes you from Queenstown, through the Hugo Tunnel and back to Queenstown.
Start your adventure early to make the most of this scenic ride. Please check in promptly for your allocated hire slot and bike / trail briefing.
Begin by biking from Queenstown to the charming Boat Shed Café, the perfect spot for your morning coffee.
From there, follow the picturesque trail around Frankton, winding through serene lakeside paths and view the historic Old Shotover Bridge. Continue over the Kimi-Ākau Suspension Bridge, then take on a steady climb through a series of scenic switchbacks.
As you descend toward the Hugo Tunnel, be prepared — this section features some of the most technical corners on the Queenstown Trail. Many riders choose to walk this short stretch for safety.
After passing through the atmospheric tunnel, make your way up to Arthurs Point, where you can take a well-earned break at Gantleys Tavern, Raku, or Canyon Brewing.
From there, it’s a final 7.5 km ride back into Queenstown — a satisfying finish to an unforgettable loop.
Additional Information
More Details on the Shotover Gorge Trail
Highlights include the scenic Queenstown Gardens, a café stop at Frankton Marina, riverside riding along the Kawarau River, the historic Old Shotover Bridge, the peaceful Tucker Beach Trail, and the dramatic Shotover Gorge.
Must-see features along the way are the 90 m Kimi-ākau suspension bridge, jet boats zipping through the gorge, the panoramic viewpoint at Buck’s Balcony, the 108 m historic Hugo Tunnel, and the riverside expanse of Big Beach.
This ride suits those with moderate fitness, and E-bikes are highly recommended for an easier climb through the gorge.
The ride passes by Arthurs Point where you can enjoy a well-earned lunch and drink at Gantley’s Tavern or Canyon Brewing before biking the last 7.5km back to Queenstown.
Trail Difficulty
While we’d love all bikers to come and enjoy this new ride, the reality is this trail is not suitable for less experienced riders. Most of this route is on Grade 2 (Easy) or Grade 3 (Intermediate) trail, but some sections are on Grade 4 (Advanced).
What do the NZ Cycle Trail Grades look like?
On this ride you will encounter sharp switchbacks, steep drop-offs, obstacles, and sections of ‘Hike-A-Bike’, all of which are not to be underestimated.
Before booking this ride, ask yourself:
- Do you have experience riding on narrow bike trails with many switchbacks?
- Are you confident riding on an exposed trail with steep drop-offs?
- Are you comfortable riding over obstacles such as large rocks and tree-roots?
If you answered ‘No’ to any of these questions, this is not the ride for you. It’s worth checking out one of the easier rides, such as Arrowtown To Gibbston. However, if you ride regularly, are fit, and can be reasonably self-sufficient, this ride might be a great option.
Our goal is for riders to enjoy this experience and to be safe doing so. Choosing a ride within your capability is a key part of making your experience with us a success.
More FAQs can be found by following this link.
Child Options
We do not recommend taking young children on this ride unless they are experienced riders, as there are grade 4 sections of trail with challenging terrain and significant hills. Additionally, child trailers and tag-along (half) bikes cannot be used due to tight corners and narrow sections along the trail. For safety, this ride is best suited for independent riders who are confident on uneven terrain.
For a family friendly option please consider our Arrowtown to Gibbston 15km ride.
