Queenstown Trail
Queenstown Trail
4.7
About
The 120km+ Queenstown cycling and walking trail is a world-class experience. A bike ride, walk or cycling tour through the greater Queenstown area takes you along the spectacular shores of two iconic lakes and the banks of three famous South Island rivers. Discover historic Arrowtown, the vineyards of Gibbston and beautiful Lake Wakatipu - all at your own pace!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.7
211 reviews
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Very good
42
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DanitaKT
Mckinnon, Australia71 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Our family of four (children 14 & 18) hired electric bikes from Torpedo7 in Queenstown. We had not used electric bikes previously but needed the boost for the 70km+ round trip to Arrowtown. It was awesome! Although quite challenging at times given the undulations. The track is first class. Credit to the council for supporting outdoor activities.
Lots of amazing scenes along the way- rivers, mountains, lovely houses, views across the lake and glorious autumn leaves. Would highly recommend despite the sore body today!! All worth it!
A call out to Torpedo7 who were awesome in supporting us, including a flat tyre. They went above and beyond. Their bikes were in great condition.
Lots of amazing scenes along the way- rivers, mountains, lovely houses, views across the lake and glorious autumn leaves. Would highly recommend despite the sore body today!! All worth it!
A call out to Torpedo7 who were awesome in supporting us, including a flat tyre. They went above and beyond. Their bikes were in great condition.
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bec
Birmingham, UK543 contributions
Feb 2021
I have both walked and cycled on sections of the Queenstown Trail. The scenery from the trail is absolutely stunning, and the paths are very well maintained. Being a walker there is some cyclist traffic so you have to look out, but etiquette from both parties is usually very good and the path can be shared. Being a cyclist - remember to watch out for walkers, and also other cyclists around corners. Some parts can be narrow (from Frankton towards the golf course) so remember that there will be others on the path too. It's best to have a bell so you can ring before going around a tight corner.
I would definitely recommend doing a part of the trail either on foot or bike on a visit to Queenstown. My particular favourite which I did quite a few times was the ride from Queenstown to Frankton, where you can paddle your feet in the shallows of the crystal clear lake before heading back. A stop at the Boatshed cafe is always nice too.
I would definitely recommend doing a part of the trail either on foot or bike on a visit to Queenstown. My particular favourite which I did quite a few times was the ride from Queenstown to Frankton, where you can paddle your feet in the shallows of the crystal clear lake before heading back. A stop at the Boatshed cafe is always nice too.
Written 31 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cybertrav
New Zealand605 contributions
Nov 2020
This is our second time on the trails, this time with our e-bikes which made it so much more enjoyable and, given that we are not seriously bike-fit, enabled us to tackle the Grade 3 trails which had some rather steep uphill sections. Would never have got up them otherwise! There is so much variety over the entire trail and I could happily do each section many times over. We will be back!
Written 4 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darkwind
Auckland, New Zealand89 contributions
Jun 2021
I walked from Queenstown to Frankton and back along the trail. It has the advantage of being pretty flat and, because it is at the level of the lake, it's often sheltered from the worst of the wind. Some nice views of the lake and the surrounding scenery - as well as some sneak previews of the amazing properties along the lakeside.
Written 3 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cia0bella171
Sunshine Beach, Australia3 contributions
Jan 2020
I love biking and this trail was fabulous. There is something for everyone- undulating trails, streams and creeks, wildflowers, incredible bridges, and a few boulders for the climbing. It took us about 4 hours with lots of stopping and enjoying the scenery/photography. Loved the end of the trail options of vineyards and food. We had a shuttle pick us up and take us back. We did this trail a second time before we left the area because it was so worth doing. I'd recommend an electric bike for those who aren't that into biking- will make the journey more enjoyable.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat M
Wausau, WI161 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We rented bikes in downtown Queenstown, and got on this trail. It follows the lake all around Queenstown, with some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve seen.
The trail conditions are crushed rock, so very smooth. It is quite busy the closer you get to town, but wide enough not to have real issues. It is not very hilly(I would call it rolling). Only bad spot is just after the bridge, you should walk the bike down the small hill-a hairpin turn is not easy for everyone.
As I said views were excellent. An added surprise, was Altitude Brewery was on the trail, so fun place for a break.
The trail conditions are crushed rock, so very smooth. It is quite busy the closer you get to town, but wide enough not to have real issues. It is not very hilly(I would call it rolling). Only bad spot is just after the bridge, you should walk the bike down the small hill-a hairpin turn is not easy for everyone.
As I said views were excellent. An added surprise, was Altitude Brewery was on the trail, so fun place for a break.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warner4109
Palos Verdes Estates, CA13 contributions
Dec 2019
we took this walk one morning thinking it was a leisurely stroll. it was beautiful but a lot of uphill, like all of it was uphill, until of course you came back down. i would totally recommend it, just make sure you have enough time to get all the way up and back.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ginny Z
West Chester, PA426 contributions
Feb 2020
We rented Electric bikes from Better by Bike in Arrowtown and spent 5-6 hours biking the Queenstown-Arrowtown trail. There are plenty of wineries to visit along the way. The company will even pick you up at your choice of venue when you are tired. The Better by Bike crew were all extremely helpful and friendly.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike T
Melbourne, Australia39 contributions
Feb 2020
This is an easy walk around the lake: we did 14 km before lunch. Views to die for; European vegetation including fruit trees; lots of birds and not too many people. Particularly pleasant
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisak12
Washington DC342 contributions
May 2020
My husband and I got "stuck" in Queenstown due to the coronavirus, and I swear this trail is what kept us sane. The ability to head out in either direction for as long as we wanted with the gorgeous lake views, trees, tuis, fantails...it was heaven. And it is not overly crowded considering how gorgeous it is. Love the ability to walk through nature into town and back...and to the beautiful gardens, the marina, etc. Just wow.
Written 14 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. We are family of 2 kids 10yo and 5yo.
Is it possible to rent ebike with child seat in the back for my 5yo kid?
Thanks.
Written 19 September 2019
Hi Hadisuryo, the Queenstown Trail is the perfect ride for families. Check out any of the bike hire companies listed on the Queenstown Trail website / Trail directory / Bike Hire. Any of the bigger rental companies will have child bike trailer or seat options - Torpedo7, Arrowtown Bike Hire, Around the Basin, Chargeabout or Bikes and Barbers,
Written 20 September 2019
Hi, we have done the trail from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley which is graded Easy and now want to try the other trails. Can you advise what features of the Intermediate trails have lifted them into the next category please? Is it due to steeper hills or are the tracks narrower and more challenging? The trail website homepage has an image of two women sitting on a very narrow track with a steep drop down to the river. Is that an intermediate or advanced trail?
Thanks.
Written 28 October 2018
Hi. There are some steepish climbs on the twin rivers trial and the country side trial. Other than that, the trials are wide with a good surface (except for lake hayes loop, single track but still easily doable). It is best to ride from Arrowtown towards Queenstown on both trials, less climbing (but still some climbs). We used Queenstown Mtb taxi, excellent people to deal with.
Hope this helps.
Written 13 November 2018
Hi, would this trail be suitable to do in Winter?
Written 28 February 2017
Wrap up warm with a few layers and some gloves and you would be good to go - the trails are easy/intermediate grade and the snow only lands on the ground in QT in winter a couple of times - the scenery is particularly gorgeous when the snow is on the hills - it would be an exhilarating and fun adventure in my opinion - have done it many times myself!
Written 28 February 2017
this entire trail sounds exquisite. We are intermediate riders in our 60s, and need help in deciding which loop / trail to do. We'll be renting bikes, don't mind a glass of wine, but don't necessarily want to ride home uphill! Any specific recs? Staying at the Queenstown House. Thanks very much!
Written 4 February 2017
Hello - the beauty about our trails is the majority are of easy grade. From Queenstown House you can easily ride the Lake Wakatipu Ride from Queenstown Gardens to Kelvin Peninsula, stopping at the Boatshed Cafe for coffee and a sticky bun, onto the Hilton for a glass of wine in the Pinot Pit and then to the sculpture trail which is located on Kelvin Peninsula - an easy 15kms one way - bike taxi can be called to take you back to the Hotel - if the vineyards are where you want to go a lovely ride is from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley for lunch and then bike taxi back to town (its slightly uphill heading from Gibbston to Arrowtown and there is usually a headwind too) - EBikes may be the answer for you there are plenty available from bike hire stores in QT - hope this helps, enjoy your ride! Happy trails
Written 6 February 2017
Hi,
I'm in a group tour and we have a few days on our own in Queenstown. I'm thinking of renting a bike and spending the day cycling. I'm a road/ gravel rider at home in California. How is the overall condition of the trail? I'd like to hire a nice bike, can you recommend a shop in Queenstown? Staying at the Novotel hotel.
Thanks.
Written 24 November 2016
Great to learn you are heading to Queenstown wiith your group and wish to enjoy some of our great trails. Our trails are predominantly off-road easy/intermediate grade and finished to a high standard. The COncerige at Novotel will be able to advise you re the trails and bike hire. The closest bike hire store is Cycle Higher (located a 1min walk from Novotel), Paul from Cycle Higher will also be able to assist you direct with bike hire/guiding/maps/bike taxi services. Please go to our website click the directory heading, bike hire and you will find all the info you need - happy trails.
Written 24 November 2016
Can you tell me if this trail is suitable for children riding bikes? Our youngest is 7. Thanks
Written 15 November 2016
Our trails are predominantly easy / intermediate grade with a well finished surface and are off-road. Plenty of children with reasonable biking ability enjoy our trails - suggest you start with an easy ride for example from Queenstown to Frankton and stop at the Boatshed cafe for refreshments (they do great coffee and sticky buns) and then return back to Queenstown. If you are Arrowtown based, the Arrow River trail from Arrowtown to Whitechapel is fabulous and does have bridges and small hills - again depends upon the ability of your childrens riding. Bike hire companies in Queenstown do have trailer bikes (which hook onto back of mum/dads bike) if you wish to tackle a longer trail option. Trust this helps, check out our official partners page on our website for bike hire/guiding options. Happy trails
Written 24 November 2016
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