Queenstown: Grant Peak eBike Tour & Private Trail Ride

Summary

Queenstown’s wild hills by eBike, private trail to Grant Peak

You’ll ride premium eBikes up Grant Peak on Queenstown’s only private trail with a local guide—expect wild views over Wakatipu Basin, stories of gold miners and Maori legends along the way, plus photos and gear included. You’ll finish tired but happy—and maybe still thinking about those mountain winds days later.

What’s the experience like?

I almost bailed when I realized I’d left my gloves at the hotel — rookie move. But our guide, Tom (who looked like he’d biked up Everest for breakfast), just grinned and handed me a spare pair from his pack. That little moment set the tone: nothing too precious, just people out for a real ride together. The bikes were way fancier than anything I’ve ridden — full suspension, pedal assist, even the seat felt like it belonged in a sports car. We started near Queenstown, and honestly, I was nervous about the “Ride to the Sky” name. It sounded dramatic. Turns out, yeah… it kind of is.

The first stretch was easy enough — gravel crunching under tires, air sharp with that piney smell you get out here. Tom pointed out where old gold miners used to camp along the Wakatipu basin; I could almost picture them squinting into the wind like we were now. There was a bit where the sun hit this patch of wild lupins and everything went pink-purple for a second — maybe I was just catching my breath. At one point someone asked about Maori legends in the area and Tom told us about the sleeping giant myth behind Lake Wakatipu. He made us laugh trying to pronounce “Matau” right (I still can’t say it). The climb got serious after that — 800 meters sounds like a number until you’re actually doing it.

We stopped halfway up because someone’s water bottle did that cartoonish rolling-away thing down the slope (it happens). Everyone was sweaty but smiling — there’s this weird camaraderie when you’re all puffing together. The wind picked up near the top and suddenly you could see all of Queenstown below, blue lake curling around mountains like some kind of painted set. I didn’t expect to feel so small and so giddy at once. Photos don’t really get it right but Tom took some anyway, just in case.

The way down was bumpier than I thought — loose stones here and there, hands tingling on the brakes. But honestly? That rush stuck with me longer than any view did. If you’re thinking about a day trip eBike tour from Queenstown that isn’t just coasting along flat lakeside paths, this is probably it. My legs hurt later but it felt good in that earned way, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided eBike ride to Grant Peak

• Introduction to mountain eBiking
• Ride uphill on private trail
• Enjoy 360-degree views at summit
• Learn local history and legends
• Descend gradual downhill terrain

Top questions

How hard is the Ride to the Sky eBike tour?

This tour requires moderate fitness and confidence riding gradual downhill sections; not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Is hotel pickup included for this Queenstown eBike tour?

No mention of hotel pickup—tour starts near Queenstown with entry pass to private trail provided.

What kind of bikes are used on this Grant Peak ride?

You’ll ride premium full suspension pedal-assisted eBikes designed for uneven terrain.

Does the tour include a local guide?

Yes, a knowledgeable guide leads every Ride to the Sky eBike tour in Queenstown.

Are safety equipment and photos included?

Yes—safety equipment plus photos and video are included as part of your day trip package.

How high do we climb during this Queenstown bike tour?

You’ll reach Grant Peak at 800 meters above sea level for panoramic views over Queenstown.

Is lunch or food provided on this eBike day trip?

No lunch or food is mentioned as part of this particular tour inclusion.

What’s included

Your day includes access to a private mountain bike trail above Queenstown, use of a premium full suspension pedal-assisted eBike with safety equipment provided by your local guide, plus photos and videos captured along the route before returning down from Grant Peak together.