Arrowtown to Queenstown: 35km Bike Trail & E-Bike Option

Pedal 35 Kilometers Through Gold Rush Country Without Breaking a Sweat

You ride 35 kilometers of gravel trail from Arrowtown to Queenstown on a premium e-bike or pedal bike, crossing seven bridges and following three rivers with Lake Wakatipu in view. The shuttle collects you from your Queenstown hotel, a local guide points out the best stops and history along the way, and you return by van at the end. The whole thing takes four hours and suits any fitness level. The e-bike option is what makes it feel easy instead of hard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bike tour from Arrowtown to Queenstown

• Start ride on Twin River trail
• Cross seven bridges
• Pass Shotover River
• Stop at Lower Shotover Bridge
• View historic gold rush village
• Enjoy Lake Wakatipu views
• Cross Southern Discoveries Bridge
• Finish ride in Queenstown

The experience

Most bike tours make you climb. This one mostly doesn't, and that's the whole point. The Ride to Riches trail runs 35 kilometers from Arrowtown down to Queenstown along the Twin River, and if you choose an e-bike (Giant Talon or Trek Powerfly 4, both worth around $6,500 new), the gravel path feels less like work and more like you're just rolling through someone else's postcard. Seven bridges cross three rivers. Lake Wakatipu sits there the whole time, this long stretch of water that's somehow both calm and dramatic depending on the light.

The shuttle picks you up from your Queenstown hotel, drives you to Arrowtown, and drops you at the start. You've got four hours to ride, stop, look around. The trail is broad and straightforward (no technical sections, no sudden drops), which means you're not fighting the bike, you're just moving through it. Arrowtown itself is a small gold rush village with old buildings still standing, and as you leave it behind, the Shotover River runs alongside for a while. That river used to be torn apart for gold. Now it's just there, and you're pedaling past it, and the mountains are getting bigger.

A local guide meets you at the start and knows where the best stops are: cafes, viewpoints, the Lower Shotover Bridge if you want to walk out and feel the history of the place. The company recommends e-bikes for this trail, especially if you're not a regular rider, and honestly the math is simple: the motor handles the terrain, you handle the scenery. Minimum height is 150 centimeters for the e-bikes. Pedal bikes are there if you're experienced and want the full leg workout. Everyone gets a helmet, map, lock, and repair kit. The shuttle waits for you at the end and takes you back to town.

Book direct with them and you get door-to-door service. They collect you from your hotel instead of a central meeting point. The ride takes four hours total, and it's suited for any fitness level because the e-bike does the heavy lifting. Just check: it's not recommended if you have spinal injuries or are pregnant.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Queenstown, a premium Giant Talon or Trek Powerfly 4 e-bike or pedal bike, helmet, map, lock and repair kit, the 35-kilometer Twin River trail with seven bridges and three river crossings, local tips on the best stops and cafes along the way, and return shuttle to your Queenstown accommodation.

Options for this experience

2 options

2024 Trek Marlin 6 pedal bikeGuide in English · 10:00Pedal or push bike

Premium E-BikeGuide in English · 10:00Premium E-Bike

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

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 97 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Going Blue Queenstown

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to ride one of New Zealand's best bike trails without arranging transport, choosing a bike, or worrying whether you're fit enough: the e-bike option and door-to-door shuttle handle all three, leaving you to just show up and pedal.

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Top questions

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.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to do this trail?

No. The company recommends e-bikes for all riders, especially those who aren't regular cyclists. The motor handles the terrain, and the trail is broad and straightforward with no technical sections. Pedal bikes are available for experienced riders only.

What's included in the tour?

Helmet, map, lock, repair kit, premium Giant or Trek bike (e-bike or pedal, your choice), return shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown, and local tips on stops along the trail.

How long does the ride take?

Four hours total, including stops. The trail is 35 kilometers long.

Is there a height requirement?

Yes, 150 centimeters minimum for e-bike riders. Pedal bike riders should be experienced cyclists.

Do you pick me up from my hotel?

Yes, if you book direct. Door-to-door service is exclusive to direct bookings. The shuttle collects you from your Queenstown accommodation and returns you there at the end.

What if I'm not fit enough?

The tour suits all fitness levels. The e-bike motor does most of the work, so fitness isn't a barrier. The pace is leisurely with multiple stops.

Is this tour safe for pregnant travelers?

No, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the nature of the ride and terrain.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What's the best bike to choose, e-bike or pedal?

The company strongly recommends e-bikes for maximum enjoyment on this trail. E-bikes are better for most riders because they handle the terrain and let you focus on the scenery. Pedal bikes are best for experienced, seasoned cyclists.

What's the Shotover River known for?

It has a rich gold mining history. You'll ride past it and can see remnants of the gold rush era. The Lower Shotover Bridge is one of the stops along the trail and offers views tied to that heritage.