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South Island

Start: Alta Queenstown on Duke St
Location: Queenstown
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 64 kms
Difficulty: 3
Minimum Age: 10

The 2 Day Queenstown Kawarau Confluence Self-Guided Cycling Tour is an eBike holiday suited to confident cyclists and wine lovers. It includes premium eBike hire, boutique accommodation, winery tastings, breakfast and return transport to Queenstown. Cycle the Queenstown Trails to Gibbston, then follow the Kawarau Gorge Trail through Bannockburn to Cromwell. Departures operate from September to May.

Explore the Queenstown Trails and Kawarau Gorge by eBike

Cycle from Queenstown's river valleys to the vineyards of Central Otago on this two-day self-guided cycling tour. Starting from Arthurs Point or Arrowtown, follow your chosen route through the Queenstown Trails network before reaching Gibbston wine country, where you'll spend the night.

Along the way, ride sections of the Shotover Gorge Trail, Countryside Trail or Twin Rivers Trail, with opportunities to cross suspension bridges and visit the Kawarau Bungy Bridge. Your first day finishes with a Classic Wine Tasting at Kinross Cellar Door in Gibbston.

On Day 2, follow the Kawarau Gorge Trail beside the Kawarau River, passing Nevis Bluff, historic gold-mining sites and two suspension bridges. Continue into Bannockburn for a wine flight and lunch at Carrick Cellar Door & Garden before cycling to Cromwell, where your return shuttle to Queenstown awaits.

Tour code: KJQTMD1

What's Included in the Queenstown Kawarau Confluence Cycling Tour?

Your two-day self-guided cycling package includes:

  • Premium eBike hire
  • MIPS helmet, repair kit, pannier and handlebar bags
  • Kinross Cellar Door Classic Wine Tasting experience
  • Wine flight, pizza, garlic bread and fries at Carrick Cellar Door & Garden
  • One night of boutique twin-share ensuite accommodation in Gibbston
  • Breakfast on Day 2
  • Luggage transfer, (one bag per person up to 15 kg)
  • Storage for excess luggage
  • Return shuttle from Cromwell to Queenstown
  • Kiwi Journeys travel wallet and trail map
  • Trail support
  • Bike accidental damage insurance

Airport arrival transfers are available on request.

Other meals, additional winery tastings and personal purchases are not included.

What to bring: Comfortable cycling clothing, suitable footwear, sunscreen, drinking water, a waterproof jacket and personal items for your overnight stay.

Who Is the Queenstown Kawarau Confluence Cycling Tour Suitable For?

This tour suits active couples, friends and independent travellers who enjoy cycling, wine tasting and exploring Central Otago at their own pace.

With premium eBikes and a choice of Queenstown Trails on Day 1, you can select a route that matches your riding ability. The included accommodation, luggage transfer and return shuttle allow you to concentrate on cycling between Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell.

It's best suited to riders with previous cycling experience who are comfortable spending four to five hours on their bikes each day.

The tour is less suitable for complete beginners or anyone uncomfortable with narrow gravel tracks and exposed sections of trail. The Hugo Tunnel section of the Shotover Gorge Trail is Grade 4 and is intended for advanced riders.

  • Departure area: in front of Alta Queenstown, 8 Duke Street, Queenstown 9300
  • Parking: Short-term off-street parking is available at no charge
  • Check-in time: Your eBike fitting and briefing time is confirmed during booking.
  • Day 1 departure: Morning departure at your allocated time.
  • Day 2 finish: Kiwi Journeys Cromwell by 4:15 pm.
  • Return shuttle: Departs Cromwell at 4:30 pm for Queenstown.

The Queenstown Kawarau Confluence Cycling Tour includes easy and intermediate cycling, with an optional advanced section on the Shotover Gorge Trail. You'll need a reasonable level of fitness and confidence riding on gravel tracks, narrow bends and suspension bridges.

  • Route: Arthurs Point or Arrowtown – Gibbston – Bannockburn – Cromwell – Return shuttle to Queenstown
  • Distance: 64-102km
  • Ride Time: approximately 4-5 hours riding each day
  • Trail Grade: Grade 2–3 (Easy to Intermediate) / the Hugo Tunnel section of the Shotover Gorge Trail is Grade 4 (Advanced)
  • Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness and confident riding ability are required

Age Information

  • Minimum age: 10 years

Payments

  • Deposit: non-refundable $600 per person upon booking
  • Balance: 40 days before departure
  • Full payment if travelling within 45 days

Cancellations

  • 70-31 days before departure: Refund* less 30% cancellation fee + any third-party supplier fees
  • 14–30 days before: Refund* less 50% cancellation fee applies + any third-party supplier fees
  • Within 14 days: 100% cancellation fee applies

Booking Changes

  • Transfer of booking/change of date within 40 days: $250pp change fee + any change fees applied as may be levied by our accommodation and tour partners; paid balance will be transferred to the future date or tour

*Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

The Queenstown Kawarau Confluence can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season offering a different experience on the trails. Spring and autumn generally bring cooler conditions and colourful landscapes, while summer offers longer daylight hours for cycling and enjoying the Gibbston wine region. Always check the local weather forecast before setting out, as conditions can change quickly around the mountains and river gorges.

You should be comfortable riding for several hours at a time and managing varied trail conditions. The Queenstown Trail sections range from Grade 2 Easy to Grade 3 Intermediate, while the Hugo Tunnel section of the Shotover Gorge Trail includes a short Grade 4 Advanced section. The premium e-bike helps with longer distances and climbs, but confident bike handling and a reasonable level of fitness are still required.

The Kawarau Gorge Trail provides a scenic connection between the Gibbston and Bannockburn wine regions, following the Kawarau River through rugged Central Otago landscapes. Riders pass rocky outcrops, historic gold-mining sites and the Nevis Bluff, with suspension bridges adding memorable highlights along the route. It also provides access to terrain that was previously difficult to explore by bike.

Wear comfortable cycling clothing and supportive closed-toe shoes, with padded shorts recommended for longer days in the saddle. Bring layers, a lightweight waterproof or windproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle, as Central Otago weather can change quickly. Your helmet, repair kit, pannier and handlebar bags are provided as part of the tour.

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