The is a tour that really has a little bit of everything, bookended by the surreal scenery that surrounds Queenstown while taking in the best of the historic Otago Rail Trail.
These tour trails link Queenstown, Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley, it really is the ultimate way to reach many of the region’s iconic attractions while soaking up its world-famous scenery. Rides range from easy lakeside jaunts to cross-country treks to winery tours. From there we head onto the trail that inspired the creation of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network, the Otago Central Rail Trail. It offers a classic blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, friendly towns, and fantastic local food and wine.
With Ventouro's signature trail support you will be able to enjoy each moment of the ride. Your every need is catered for, whether it be a homemade snack while on the bike, tailored tips and information from your local guide or a perfectly selected meal to complete your day.
Non-riding partners are also very welcome, at a discounted price you will get to explore Queenstown and Otago just as much as the riders, and have time to delve deeper into historic towns such as Arrowtown and enjoy other local activities.
For more information on itinerary, dates, food and accommodation email info@ventouro.com
Trip Details
Trip Highlights
Stunning Scenery
Wineries and Cafes
Pioneer history
Details of the trip
5 days, 4 nights
Rides between 20 to 50km
Max group size of 14
Non-riding partners welcome
Guided rides most days
Couples or shared rooms
Single supplement applies
Airport transfers
All food included
Sports nutrition
Daily laundry
Ventouro goodie bag
Ventouro T-shirt
Bike hire included
Itinerary
Arrival Day
Queenstown - Kelvin Heights return
Distance 25km, Grade 2 Easy
Cycle the beautiful lake edge through Frankton to Kelvin Heights, and return to Queenstown by water taxi or ride. You will then have time to spend the remainder of the day exploring the town centre.
Lodging: The Sherwood
Day 2
Queenstown - Gibbston Valley via Arrowtown
Distance 55km, Elevation 100m
Today we ride from Queenstown via the idyllic Lake Hayes into the Gold rush-era town that is Arrowtown. After lunch, we start with the Arrow River Bridges Ride that takes in photogenic bridges, country lanes and an old gold miners’ road to historic Kawarau Bridge. This signals the start of the Gibbston River Ride, an easy meander through the ‘Valley of the Vines’ and a brilliant way to explore the wineries lining this iconic Central Otago landscape. We then transfer through to Clyde for the start of the Otago Rail Trail.
Lodging: Clyde
Day 3
Clyde to Lauder
44km, Grade 2 Easy
Clyde is the official start of the Otago Rail Trail, here we have picturesque flats that wind their way through Alexander and towards the historic Chatto Creek pub for lunch. A gentle climb up to Tiger Hill through Omakau and towards Lauder, our first stop for the trail.
Lodging: Lauder
Day 4
Lauder - Ranfurly
48km, Grade 2 Easy
Climbing out of Lauder we reach the highest point of the trail at Wedderburn where you can take in some of the trail's iconic places- Hayes Engineering and Gilchrists Store as well as the Golden Progress Mine. You will ride through tunnels and over original rail bridges before finishing the day in the art-deco town of Ranfurly.
Lodging: Ranfurly
Day 5
Ranfurly - Middlemarch
60km, Grade 2 Easy
The final day is almost entirely downhill, riding lakeside from Waipaiti to the Taieri Gorge. Completing the full 150km of the trail. We finish the tour returning to Queenstown.
