Arrowtown to Queenstown: 36km Bike Trail & Suspension Bridge

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/7

Duration5h–7h

GroupUp to 11

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

36 Kilometers of River Trails, One Shuttle Back to Town

You ride 36 km from Arrowtown to Queenstown on a self-guided trail following two rivers, crossing suspension bridges, and climbing toward views of two ski areas. The shuttle takes you to the start, a helmet and map are provided, and you can choose a standard or electric bike. The ride takes 3.5–4 hours and ends at the shop in central Queenstown before 4:30 pm.

5h–7h

Step-by-step itinerary

Bike from Arrowtown to Queenstown

Shuttle to Arrowtown
Explore Arrowtown and grab coffee
Bike along Arrow River Trail
Cross Morven Ferry bridges
Follow Twin Rivers Trail by Kawarau and Shotover Rivers
Cross historic Lower Shotover Bridge
Stop at cafés and brewery near Frankton Marina
Ride along lake edge to Queenstown
Finish ride at central Queenstown shop

The Experience

You'll probably wonder if you can actually do this until you're halfway through and realize the rhythm has taken over. The day starts with a 25-minute shuttle from central Queenstown to Arrowtown — a historic gold-rush town where you can grab a coffee before the ride begins. The driver hands you a trail map, a helmet, and either a standard mountain bike or an e-bike if the climbs feel like too much. Then you're off, following the Arrow River Trail downstream toward the Morven Ferry, crossing a few bridges that feel more impressive the closer you get to them.

The real meat of the ride is the Twin Rivers Trail, which runs for most of the 36 km alongside the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers as they wind toward Lake Whakatipu. You'll climb and descend through sections with views of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski areas — the kind of backdrop that makes you want to stop and take a photo, and honestly, you should. The trail passes a brewery and a couple of cafés near Frankton Marina if you need a break; plenty of riders do. The e-bike option isn't cheating — it just means you can actually look around instead of staring at your handlebars during the steeper pitches. The whole thing takes 3.5 to 4 hours for most people, though some take longer, and that's fine.

The last stretch is gentler, flowing along the lake's edge back into central Queenstown, finishing at the shop on Searle Lane. You'll have that specific kind of tired that comes from moving your own body through a landscape for hours, and the town suddenly feels like a real place you've earned your way into rather than just arrived at. The shuttle back is included, the on-call support is there if your chain drops or you lose the trail, and you don't have to think about logistics — just ride.

What’s included

Your day includes the one-way shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown with a knowledgeable driver, a helmet, a mountain bike or e-bike fitted to your size, a detailed trail map with local tips, and on-call support if you have questions or mechanical issues during the ride. You finish at the shop in central Queenstown, and the shuttle back to your accommodation is your own arrangement from there.

Good to know

Demanding physical levelStroller friendlyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Around The Basin Bike Queenstown

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're a confident rider with solid fitness who wants a full-day adventure without planning the route, arranging transport, or worrying about getting back — the shuttle and the map handle all three, leaving you to focus on the ride itself.