Top 5 Ways to Bike Queenstown
By Esther Small, Campaign Marketing Executive from
Destination Queenstown. Esther says biking is a great way to explore
Queenstown’s stunning alpine scenery, all year round!
Take it easy, or up the adrenalin levels.
Recreational riders will have a blast cruising tracks like the Frankton trail: a lazy lakeside track that follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is easily accessible from central
Queenstown. Another local favourite is Lake Hayes' loop: a 9-km circular route that can be handled by riders of almost any ability or age. Finish up the ride with a dip in the lake. For a more adrenalin-fuelled experience, try heli-biking! An experienced local guide will show you all the best spots.
Gondola up. Bike down.
Queenstown is home to New Zealand's only gondola-assisted bike lift, transporting riders high above the town to the
Skyline Complex. This opens up a whole range of tracks for riders of all abilities in the Ben Lomond Forest. With plenty of bike hire available around the town, beginners can cruise down the easy curves of Hammy’s track while extreme riders drop down the steep descents on Ant’s track. But get in quick! The four-month season for gondola access finishes at the end of May.
Discover Arrowtown - You might even hit gold!
Arrowtown’s old world charm, vibrant café culture and variety of trails make it a great day trip. It’s easy to get a feel for the history of the region by exploring with family or friends on a backcountry ride. Gold mining is what it’s all about. Stop to pan for gold in the Arrow River, visit the Chinese Settlement Village or challenge yourself with a classic mountain bike through the stunning
Otago scenery to the deserted gold mining settlement of Macetown.
Take your bike on a cruise.
A new cycling trail begins like no other, with a 45-minute cruise on the historic
T.S.S. Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. It’s an enjoyable return ride - up to 35km depending on fitness - along the stunning western shores of Lake Wakatipu through to Mount Nicholas Station. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore a unique region hard to access by car.
Ride with the locals.
The
Queenstown Mountain Biking Club was established by passionate locals to further establish mountain biking in the region. The club produces a trail guide detailing all the trails and freestyle terrain parks in and around
Queenstown. This guide is a must-have for anyone visiting
Queenstown interested in cross country, downhill or freestyle riding and is available in bike hire shops.
Check out
www.queenstown-NZ.co.nz to start planning your bike break now.
