Queenstown Trail
Queenstown Trail
4.5
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!
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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184 within 3 miles
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57 within 6 miles
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- BecBirmingham, United Kingdom537 contributionsGreat on foot or hikeI 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.Visited February 2021Written March 31, 2021
- Pat MWausau, Wisconsin172 contributionsOutstanding trailWe 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.Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 15, 2020
- cia0bella171Sunshine Beach, Australia4 contributionsOMG loved thisI 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.Visited January 2020Written January 25, 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.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
212 reviews
Excellent
162
Very good
43
Average
7
Poor
0
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0
cybertrav
New Zealand550 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 December 4, 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 January 8, 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 Zealand91 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 July 3, 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.
DanitaKT
Mckinnon, Australia33 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 April 11, 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.
Ginny Z
West Chester, PA439 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 March 2, 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, Australia42 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 February 18, 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 DC280 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 May 14, 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.
Rowan B
Sydney, Australia103 contributions
Jan 2020
The Queenstown Trail is a great network of off-road bike trails around the Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston area. Most of the trails are gravel and quite wide, making for an easy family ride.
We rented bikes from Better By Bikes in Arrowtown. My wife hired an e-Mountain Bike so she could keep up with our teenaged boys - it was a revelation. Suddenly, there was no "keep up, Mum" and everyone was in a great mood.
We headed down past the Shotover Bungy jump and on to Gibbston where we stopped at the Cargo Brewery for some craft beers. Better By Bikes were more than happy to pick us up at the end so we didn't have to ride back!
We rented bikes from Better By Bikes in Arrowtown. My wife hired an e-Mountain Bike so she could keep up with our teenaged boys - it was a revelation. Suddenly, there was no "keep up, Mum" and everyone was in a great mood.
We headed down past the Shotover Bungy jump and on to Gibbston where we stopped at the Cargo Brewery for some craft beers. Better By Bikes were more than happy to pick us up at the end so we didn't have to ride back!
Written January 18, 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.
Neil B
Auckland, New Zealand1,096 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
The Queenstown Trail is actually quite a large trail network with many options. We had a couple of hours to spare before heading to the airport, so walked part of the Queenstown Gardens to Frankton Marina leg.
A very nice wide trail that follows the lake edge. Great views across the lake to the mountains on the other side.
A very nice wide trail that follows the lake edge. Great views across the lake to the mountains on the other side.
Written July 10, 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.
Albywon
Sydney, Australia11,806 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
Today I walked the section from Queenstown Gardens to Frankston Campground. It’s a wide flat trail suited to all fitness levels. Trail is share with runners and Mountain Bikes.
Nice view of the lake and mostly away from the Main Road so it is quite peaceful.
A pleasant walk
Nice view of the lake and mostly away from the Main Road so it is quite peaceful.
A pleasant walk
Written November 26, 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.
Hadi Suryono
Yogyakarta Region, Indonesia4 contributions
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.
LouiseVicente
Christchurch, New Zealand6 contributions
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,
cybertrav
New Zealand550 contributions
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.
PeterB
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia89 contributions
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.
Kezzie13
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
Hi, would this trail be suitable to do in Winter?
Lou_QTT
Queenstown, New Zealand6 contributions
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!
Joli R
Elizabeth, CO49 contributions
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!
Lou_QTT
Queenstown, New Zealand6 contributions
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
Mso56
San Diego, CA139 contributions
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.
Lou_QTT
Queenstown, New Zealand6 contributions
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.
TMcleish
London8 contributions
Can you tell me if this trail is suitable for children riding bikes? Our youngest is 7. Thanks
Lou_QTT
Queenstown, New Zealand6 contributions
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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Queenstown Trail
- We recommend booking Queenstown Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Queenstown Trail tours on Tripadvisor
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- (0.02 mi) 2 bedroom apartment with sofa bed. 15 minute flat walk to city centre.
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- Restaurants near Queenstown Trail:
- (0.11 mi) Searchlight Brewery
- (0.32 mi) Pedro's House Of Lamb - Queenstown
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Queenstown Trail Information
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| Very Good Reviews | 43 |
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