An epic ride on the Twin Rivers Trail

Adventure Inspiration Sports

Our biking adventure on a stunning section of the Queenstown Bike Trail

What a ride. What a day. Hiring a bike and riding on The Queenstown Trail is a truly enjoyable way to explore Queenstown and appreciate the beauty of the region.  We hired a couple of e-bikes from the team at ‘Going Blue’ (highly Recommended) and took on the Twin Rivers Trail and part of the Arrow Bridges Trail that leads into historic Arrowtown and its gold mining history.

The overall trail features over 130 kilometres of varying terrain and is made up of 7 main trail sections.  The trail combines gorgeous unfolding scenery with plenty of opportunities to stop for food, sample wine, see sculptures and visit art galleries.

Our ride begins at Kawarau Falls Bridge in Frankton.  The trail winds alongside the Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve down and to the edge of the Kawarau River.  The trail continues along the willow lined river bank and onto the historic Old Lower Shotover Bridge.  This is definitely a photo opportunity moment.  The view of the Shotover River and up to Coronet Peak is majestic.

Crossing the bridge, and here is a key moment, you need to turn right as you cross the bridge or it will be left when you come under the bridge and face the other way.  We initially turned the wrong way and cycled 15 minutes the wrong way so remember to turn right!  From here, you’ll continue alongside the river, past the Shotover Country and Lakes Hayes Estate.  This part is a joy to ride with view after view of the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River.
 
A good spot to stop is at Billie’s Bridge which crosses Hayes Creek.  If you’ve got some snacks with you, it’s a chance for a mini-break and to relax.  Further along and riding up Thompson’s Hill (not a problem with an e-bike) - the longest and last hill on this ride, you'll take in the view across the Kawarau River up to the Remarkables Mountain range and Rastus Burn.  It’s then an easy descent through beautiful pastoral land surrounded by three mountain ranges.  The Twin Rivers Trail ends at Morven Ferry Road. 
We then continued onto the Arrow River Bridges Trail and that leads onto Arrowtown.  There is also the alternative way to Gibbston which offers the chance to visit the wineries

With our ride to Arrowtown, we had to keep stopping to get the camera out and record the moments.  Firstly, we enjoyed a relaxing ride past quaint cottages and the grazing horses down Whitechapel country lane.  We then stopped at the Knights Family Underbridge to enjoy the gorgeous downstream view of where the Arrow River drops into the gorge.  During this part of the trail you’ll pass over a number of bridges including the impressive Southern Discoveries suspension bridge - it’s a stunning view over, under and above! 

As you get nearer to Arrowtown, the trail takes you alongside the beautiful Arrow River and all the way to the main carpark.  You can then park up and enjoy exploring the boutique clothing stores, souvenir shops and the high quality cafes and restaurants.  Be prepared to take lots of photos here.  You can read more in our Arrowtown Guide.
 
Ride Distance:
  • Twin Rivers Trail – 18.5km (2 – 3 hours)
  • Twin Rivers Trail – Arrow River Bridges Trail into Arrowtown – 6.8km (30 minutes)

Ride Highlights:
  • Lower Shotover Bridge – fantastic photo opportunity with views of the Shotover River and Coronet Peak mountain range.
  • Billie’s Bridge near Hayes Creek – a good picnic / food stop.
  • Thompson’s hill – Views of the Kawarau River and Remarkables mountains.
  • Knights Family Underbridge  -  photo stop of where the Arrow River drops into the gorge.
  • Southern Discoveries suspension bridge – fun crossing with amazing views below and beyond.
  • Arrowtown – historic gold mining town and perfect place for lunch.

Bike Hire:

Going Blue - Hire top of the range mountain bikes or e-bikes from this friendly and professional team.  They will collect  and drop you off at the start of the Twin Rivers Trail or, a bit further along at Old Lower Shotover Bridge.  They can also collect you at Arrowtown and bring you back to Queenstown.  Visit Going Blue or call  027 7462583.