Queenstown to Arrowtown: Bike & Wine Tour with Shuttle

Summary

Cycle Arrowtown’s riverside trails to Gibbston wineries with e-bike upgrade

You’ll ride easy trails from Arrowtown into the heart of Central Otago wine country, stopping at cellar doors like Rockburn and Kinross for tastings or lunch. With a local guide sharing stories and a return shuttle included, this bike & wine tour lets you soak up riverside scenery and vineyard warmth at your own pace. There’s something quietly joyful about ending your day among vines as the sun drops behind those hills.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly wiped out before we even left Arrowtown — not from the bike, but because I tried to pronounce “Gibbston” the Kiwi way and our guide, Dan, just grinned. He handed me a helmet and started in on this story about gold miners who used to camp right where we stood. The air smelled like damp pine needles, and my hands felt a bit jittery on the handlebars (first time on an e-bike for me). But once we got rolling, following the river’s edge, it was all smooth gravel and that hush you only get when you’re out of town. Every so often you’d hear a magpie or see someone fly-fishing in waders — not sure how they stand that cold water.

The trail from Arrowtown to Gibbston is mostly flat — honestly, I was relieved. Dan kept pointing out old stone bridges and explained how the valley became packed with vineyards after the gold rush dried up. We stopped at Rockburn first; their pinot noir had this earthy thing going on (I’m no expert but it tasted like autumn if that makes sense). At Kinross, there were platters stacked with cheese and bread, which I probably overdid. The sun came out just as we reached Mount Rosa — sitting by the fire there, glass in hand, I almost forgot we still had to text for our pickup later.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed biking between tastings — maybe it’s something about moving at your own pace or maybe just being outside all day. Our group was a funny mix: a couple from Wellington who kept racing each other (no idea who won), me trying not to drop my phone into the river taking photos, Dan telling us stories about winemakers he knew. By 4pm my legs were tired but in that good way where you know you’ve earned another glass. The shuttle back to Queenstown was quiet — everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts. I still think about that view along the Kawarau River; it’s stuck with me longer than any tasting note.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike and wine tour from Arrowtown

• Shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown
• Guide shares gold-rush history
• Bike and safety orientation
• Cycle along rivers and alpine scenery
• Visit Gibbston Valley wine cave
• Wine tasting at Rockburn
• Wine tasting and platters at Kinross
• Wine tasting by fire at Mount Rosa
• Pick-up from wineries at 4:00 pm
• Return to Queenstown by 5:00 pm

Top questions

How long is the bike ride from Arrowtown to Gibbston?

The ride takes about one hour along mostly flat gravel trails.

Are wine tastings included in the tour price?

No, wine tastings and food are additional costs paid directly at each winery.

Is hotel pickup included for this bike & wine tour?

Pickup is available for direct bookings; otherwise meet at the designated location.

What kind of bikes are provided on this tour?

You’ll get a 2024 Trek Marlin 6 pedal bike or can upgrade to a premium e-bike.

Can beginners join this bike tour?

Yes, the route is suitable for all fitness levels with minimal hills and easy navigation.

What wineries do we visit during the day trip?

You may stop at cellar doors such as Gibbston Valley (with cave tour), Rockburn, Kinross, and Mount Rosa.

Is there a guide during the cycling part?

A local guide provides orientation and shares history before you set off; riding is self-guided after that.

When does pickup back to Queenstown happen?

The return shuttle collects you from wineries around 4:00 pm; exact timing can be arranged by text.

What’s included

Your day includes return shuttle transfers between Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Gibbston Valley; premium pedal bike (with e-bike upgrade option); helmet, map, locks and repair kit; plus an orientation session with a local guide before setting off along riverside trails toward Central Otago’s cellar doors.