ITINERARYDay 1 Arrive Queenstown Take an exciting jetboat ride on the Shotover Jet, a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station, or ride up the gondola for breathtaking views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Day 2 Queenstown - Lake Hayes - Arrowtown Cycle the foreshore of Lake Wakatipu then follow the Kawerau River to where it meets the Shotover River. Cross the old Shotover Bridge. At Lake Hayes you have the option to ride a circuit of the lake (8 km). Continue up Christine's Hill, the steepest ascent of today's ride, to Millbrook and pedal alongside the neatly manicured golf course. Arrive historic Arrowtown with it's stone cottages and colonial era buildings. Cycling: approx. 37.5 km/45.5 km Day 3 Arrowtown - Gibbston Valley After breakfast at one of Arrowtown's pretty cafes, pedal along the Arrow River and over a series of bridges to reach the hiller escarpment of the Kawerau Gorge. From the spectacular Kawerau Suspension Bridge, built in 1882 to cross the deep canyon, watch thrill-seekers take on the AJ Hackett bungy jump down 134m. Optional Circuit to Chard Farm Winery is a 3.8 km round trip past a film location for Lord Of The Rings to arrive at one of NZ's most charming (and friendliest!) wineries set against a rocky backdrop above the gorge. Continue to Gibbston Winery where you can enjoy a wine tasting paired with local cheeses. And visit NZ's larges wine cave nestled in the hill behind the winery. Continue on to Kinross, today's destination. Enjoy a tasting of wines from local vineyards in this area. Tonight you stay in a cottage on a vineyard. Cycling: approx. 24 km / 27.6 km Day 4 Gibbston Valley Day free to visit the smaller Mt Rosa and Brennan wineries or Cargo Brewery for a cold craft beer and a pizza. There are walks in the area if you prefer a day out of the saddle. Day 5 Gibbston Valley - Queenstown Join the bike trail back to the Kawerau Gorge and take the route back to Queenstown crossing the impressive 80-metre Edgar Suspension Bridge which gives breathtaking views of the Arrow River and surrounding countryside. Continue through rolling pastoral land up to the highest point of Thompson's Hill at 400m, where you can admire the view across the Kawerau River to the Remarkables Mountain range. Descend to the Shotover delta and continue on to Frankton. Be sure to stop at the historic Boatshed for a cold beer or refreshment before tackling the last 8km along Lake Wakatipu's foreshore back to Queenstown. Cycling: approx. 40 km Day 6 Queenstown Day free to explore. Day 7 Doubtful Sound Day Excursion Early morning transfer by coach to Lake Manapouri where a scenic boat trip takes you across the lake. A bus will be waiting to transport you over the Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound to board your cruiser. A three hour cruise will explore the many forested coves and islands that make up Doubtful Sound. It is a haven for wildlife, namely fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and sometimes the Fiordland crested penguin. Return to Queenstown the same route, arriving around 7.30 pm. Day 8 Queenstown Departure OPTION: 6 Days/5 Nights – tour ends on Day 6 with a transfer to the airport.
GRADE / TERRAINModerate cycling on dirt cycle trails. There are two major ascents; Christine's Hill on Day 2 and Thompson's Hill on Day 4 which require a reasonable level of fitness. You can get off your bike and push it up the hill. Electric bikes are available. SCHEDULE 2021Start any day subject to availability.
Trip Notes / Prices / DatesClick here to view (PDF) - 2021 / 22 Booking Form
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Articles
Wines, Lakes & Vistas - Queenstown & Gibbston Valley Cycle Tour
HIGHLIGHT ***DOUBTFUL SOUND DAY CRUISE***
8 Days/7 Nights or 6 Days/5 Nights
4 Days Self Guided Cycling
Queenstown is the premier tourist spot of NZ's South Island and no wonder! With its' stunning lakes, mountains, quaint old goldmining towns and incredibly sited vineyards, the area surrounding Queenstown has so much to offer. What better way to experience it than by bike on a network of dedicated cycle trails with no motorised traffic.
