Arrowtown to Gibbston 15 km Bike Ride Scenic Trail

Fifteen kilometers of river views, swing bridges, and gravel paths from Arrowtown to Gibbston

A half-day bike ride from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley covers 15 km of scenic trail along the Arrow River, crossing iconic swing bridges and the Kawarau Suspension Bridge. You ride one-way on undulating gravel paths through farmland and vineyards, with shuttle transport to and from Queenstown bookending the day. A live guide provides trail advice and a detailed map. Support is a phone call away if you need mechanical help or navigation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arrowtown to Gibbston bike ride

• Shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown
• See historic village of Arrowtown
• Ride along Arrow River Bridges Trail
• Ride over Kawarau Suspension Bridge
• Watch bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge
• Finish ride with wine tasting or coffee
• Return shuttle from Gibbston Valley to Queenstown

The experience

The ride starts with a shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown, where you meet your guide and collect your bike. The 15 km trail itself takes roughly two hours of riding time, though most people allow longer to stop for photos and take in the river views. The path is wide gravel with some hills and undulating sections, nothing steep but enough to feel like a real ride rather than a flat cruise. You'll pass through farmland and vineyards as the Arrow River runs alongside, and the swing bridges, historic structures that sway slightly underfoot, break up the rhythm of pedaling.

The Kawarau Suspension Bridge is the centerpiece: a working bridge where bungy jumpers launch themselves off, so you'll likely see the spectacle as you cross. After that, the trail winds down toward Gibbston Valley Winery, where the ride ends. A shuttle picks you up and takes you back to Queenstown, so you don't have to cycle the return leg. The whole outing, including transport and stops, runs about four hours from start to finish.

You choose between a standard hardtail mountain bike or an electric bike at checkout. The e-bike option makes the hills easier and lets you cover ground with less effort, which suits families with younger riders or anyone who wants to spend more time looking around and less time pushing hard. Either way, you get a helmet, a detailed trail map, and the guide's knowledge of the route. They know where the best photo spots are and can point out details about the valley you'd miss riding solo.

What’s included

• Helmet and bike (hardtail mountain bike or electric bike, depending on your option).
• shuttle transport from Queenstown to Arrowtown and back.
• detailed trail map.
• advice from a guide who knows the trails.
• phone support for mechanical or navigation help if needed.

Options for this experience

2 options

Mountain Bike OptionGuide in English · 09:20A half-day self-guided ride from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley on a quality mountain bike, with return transport to and from Queenstown included.

Electric Bike OptionGuide in English · 09:20A self-guided ride from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley on an electric bike, with return shuttle transport.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:20

AgesAdult (15 to 85 years) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Around The Basin Bike Queenstown

Is this one for you?Choose the electric bike option if you want to ease through the hills and spend more time taking in the river views and farmland without the physical strain of a standard bike. The fixed route and shuttle bookends mean you ride one-way and don't have to navigate your own return, which works well for families or anyone who prefers a structured half-day rather than planning their own cycling route.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How hard is the Arrowtown to Gibbston bike ride?

The 15 km trail has undulating terrain with some hills, but it's graded as relaxed and suitable for families and confident riders of all fitness levels. Approximate biking time is two hours, though most people take longer to stop and enjoy the views. Electric bikes are available if you want to reduce the physical effort.

What happens at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge during the ride?

The Kawarau Suspension Bridge is a working bridge where you'll cross on your bike and watch bungy jumpers launch themselves off the structure, making it one of the most memorable moments of the ride.

Does the ride include a wine tasting at Gibbston Valley?

The ride finishes at Gibbston Valley Winery, but wine tasting and food are not included in the activity. You can arrange those separately if you'd like to stay and explore the winery after your ride.

What's included in the bike ride from Arrowtown?

Your booking includes a helmet, a hardtail mountain bike or e-bike (your choice), shuttle transport to Arrowtown and back to Queenstown, a detailed trail map, and advice from the guide who knows the trails inside out. Support is available by phone if you need mechanical help or navigation assistance during the ride.