Riding the Arrow River Bike Trail From Arrowtown to Gibbston

The Queenstown Trail forms part of the national New Zealand Cycle Trail, and provides cyclists with over 100 kilometres bike trails to explore the region.   

Our favourite section is the Arrow River Ride which starts from Arrowtown and finishes in the wine region of Gibbston.  Along with leading cyclists through some of the most captivating scenery, the trail is a great way to take in the region’s wine, food and historic landmarks.

The Arrow River Ride: Arrowtown to Gibbston
 

• Length: 16km
• Level: Fairly easy. Good for families and beginners.
• Highlights: Arrowtown, Arrow River, Suspension Bridges, Kawarau Bungy Jump, Gibbston Wineries.

​This easy ride begins at the Arrowtown River carpark.  We’d recommend popping into Arrowtown first for a coffee (try The Dishery) and to browse this charming historic town.  If you have time pop along to see the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement - a free and fascinating attraction about early Chinese gold settlers.

The ride from the Arrowtown carpark leads along the stunning turquoise waters of the Arrow River. This section is popular with walkers so be careful with your speed as you enjoy the undulating trail along the tree lined river bank.

You will cross five bridges over the Arrow River, some of them suspension bridges over gorges, and wind through pretty country lanes and onto the home of award-winning wines of Gibbston.  It’s a beautiful way to appreciate the magical setting, with plenty of 'gold' for your Instagram account.  The ‘Southern Discovery’ bridge makes a great shot, suspended high above the gorge below.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you’ll cycle down the picturesque Whitechapel Lane complete with quaint cottages and grazing horses.  A good place to stop is at the Knights Family Underbridge and take in the eye-catching view of the Arrow River dropping into the gorge.

The highlight for many is the impressive 80-metre Edgar Suspension Bridge.  Take in the view of the Arrow Gorge beneath you at the middle of the bridge. 

Cyclists and hikers can make a small donation at the ‘Wall of Recognition’ as a thank you to the landowners and community who help make the Queenstown Trail a reality.

You will end this section of the trail at the famous AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy,  home of this iconic activity and where it all started.  Along with bungy jumping, it's a chance to grab a coffee or beer and watching the jumpers in action from the viewing deck.

Continuing on the trail, you'll soon be cycling along the vineyards of Gibbston.  The section is flat and easy to ride as you venture deeper into the Gibbston Valley. 

The trail continues winds alongside the beautiful Kawarau River with plenty of seats postioned to take in the the best views, so it's well worth pulling over and taking a break to enjoy the scenery. 

Gibbston Valley Wines has a restaurant, cellar door and cheesery on site.  The Gibbston Tavern and Cargo at Waitiri offer stone baked pizzas, cold beers and of course wine. 

Other popular cellar doors to visit include Kinross, Mt Rosa, Brennan Wines and Peregrine Wines.  As you enjoy sampling wines, you can then cycle back to Arrowtown or be picked up by your bike tour operator which is the most favoured option.  Check our 'Wine' section for details on all the wineries to visit.

Recommended Bike Hire & Tour Operators:

Going Blue
Going Blue has a range from Premium Electric Bike Hire to Classic Hardtail Cruiser Mountain Bikes. They will collect and drop-you off to your accommodation in Queenstown.  They run Shuttles to Gibbston Valley wineries and Arrowtown daily.  View More Info & Book.

Around The Basin
The team at Around The Basin are the local experts for scenic off-road biking in the Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston area.  They offer mountain and electric bike hire, to half day or full day bike tours and winery biking adventures.  View More Info & Book.