Gibbston Wine Region Bike Tour: Half-Day Self-Paced Ride

Ride Gibbston's wine trail at your own pace, not a guide's schedule

A half-day bike tour from Queenstown through the Gibbston Valley wine region, where you pedal between cellar doors, breweries and scenic stops at your own pace. Shuttle transport, bike and helmet included. You pick which wineries to visit and how long to stay. Suitable for most riders with moderate fitness. Electric bikes recommended for the hills.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

• Shuttle from Queenstown to The Church Cellar Door
• Get fitted to bikes and receive trail briefing
• Start ride with optional tasting at The Church
• Cycle through Gibbston Valley visiting wineries
• Bike over Kawarau Suspension Bridge
• Return to The Church Cellar Door & Café
• Relax with wine or food before shuttle back

The experience

The morning starts at The Church Cellar Door in Gibbston, where the team fits you to your bike (mountain or electric), and hands you a detailed winery map and trail briefing. From there, the day is yours to shape. You can taste at The Church first or head straight into the valley to explore the 10+ wineries, tavern and gin tasting room scattered across the Gibbston Wine Trail. Most riders visit around three stops on the half-day, but the route lets you linger where you want and skip what doesn't appeal.

The ride itself runs 7–16 km with some hills and undulating terrain, taking roughly five hours from Queenstown pickup to return shuttle. You'll pedal over the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, home to the world's first commercial bungy jump, and pass through vineyard scenery that justifies the detours. The terrain suits most riders with moderate fitness. Electric bikes handle the climbs far better than standard mountain bikes, especially if you plan to visit multiple wineries and still have energy for the ride back. Support is a phone call away if navigation or bike issues come up.

The return shuttle departs at a set time from The Church, so you know when to head back. If you finish early, the café serves local wine, coffee and food while you wait: a quiet way to end the ride before the comfortable transfer back to Queenstown. Winery tastings and meals cost extra and are purchased on-site, starting around NZD 25.

What’s included

• Bike and helmet.
• detailed winery map.
• shuttle from Queenstown to The Church Cellar Door and return to Queenstown.
• local trail and winery tips from the team.
• phone support for navigation or bike issues.

Options for this experience

2 options

Mountain Bike OptionGuide in English · 11:50Half-day Bike The Wineries ride on a hardtail mountain bike. A return shuttle to and from Queenstown is included.

Electric Bike OptionGuide in English · 11:50Self-guided afternoon ride along the Gibbston River Trail on an electric bike. The e-bikes make this ride a real pleasure.

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 11:50

AgesAdult (15 to 90 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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyNot 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 hills and multiple winery stops matter to you. The standard mountain bike works fine for riders who prefer a more physical ride or want to cover fewer stops. Either way, the self-paced format means you set the itinerary: no group schedule, no guide waiting at each cellar door.

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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.

Can I ride a mountain bike instead of an electric bike on the Gibbston wine trail?

Yes, mountain bikes are available as your other option at checkout. Electric bikes are highly recommended for the hills and the distance, especially if you plan multiple winery stops, but standard mountain bikes work for riders comfortable with the terrain.

How many wineries will I visit on the half-day Gibbston bike tour?

The route lets you choose which of the 10+ wineries, breweries and tasting rooms to visit and how long to spend at each. Most riders visit around three stops on the half-day, but the pace and selection are entirely up to you.

What's included in the Gibbston bike tour price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes bike and helmet, a detailed winery map, shuttle from Queenstown to The Church and back, and local tips from the team. Wine tastings and food are not included. You purchase them at each winery or the café, with tastings typically starting around NZD 25.

Is the Kawarau Suspension Bridge part of the bike route?

Yes, you'll ride over the Kawarau Suspension Bridge during the tour. It's the site of the world's first commercial bungy jump and sits along the Gibbston Wine Trail.

What should I wear and bring for the half-day Gibbston bike tour?

Wear comfortable, athletic clothing and shoes with layers recommended. Gloves are advised in winter, and sunscreen and sunglasses in summer. Bring your ID if you're planning to taste wine. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Do I need to book ahead at the wineries, or can I just show up?

Most wineries on the trail are walk-in. If your group has more than six people, the operator recommends booking ahead to ensure a smooth experience.