Mountain biking in Queenstown: Best trails, rides and scenic routes
It’s a glorious autumn day in Queenstown.
The sun is shining, there isn’t a cloud in the sky, and real estate investors would pay millions for the views over the Wakatipu Basin from the Coronet Peak gondola station.
For someone who’s about to go mountain biking, days don’t come much better than this.
“It was like this yesterday,” says a lift attendant. “I can count the number of riders on one hand, though.”
“This is a really good time of the year to ride,” adds HeliBike NZ Operations Manager Fraser Gordon.
“The dirt's really grippy… what we call ‘superhero dirt’. It really holds the moisture.”
As a novice rider in these parts, it’s all music to my ears.
Stunning view on McNealy Gnarly Trail.
Coronet Peak downhill trails
From the summit, there’s a choice of six downhill trails to ride, including a new one that’s rated suitable for beginners.
Called Wakatipu View, it only opened a few weeks earlier, allowing less experienced riders to understand why hardcore shredders rave about these trails.
“We can leave that ’til later,” suggests Amanda Tutton, our local guide for the day.
“How about we ride all the way to the bottom? Then we can catch the midday shuttle back up in time for lunch.”
Sounds like a plan to me.
Tutton leads us down a meandering intermediate-level trail with tight, technical berms and subtle rock-drops that keep us off our saddles.
Called Dirt Serpent, it cleverly utilises the contours of the mountain until it merges with a similarly spectacular trail called Rude Rock.
Named after the trail’s dominant topographical feature, Amanda reluctantly admits that its original rhyming name had been sanitised for a discerning public audience.
Mountain bikers on Tucker Beach Trail.
New Zealand’s longest downhill flow trail
By the time we meet the shuttle bus on Malaghans Road, we’ve descended 1200m and ridden 12km, making this New Zealand’s longest downhill flow trail. The inevitable consequence is that we immediately want to repeat the feat. But before we do, other unridden trails beckon. And of those, there are many around New Zealand’s adventure capital.Cycling in Queenstown: trails for every rider
A cycling-mad mate and I have come to Queenstown to see how many trails we can ride across a four-day break, knowing that we’d be spoiled for choice.
Mountain, road, rail trail or jumps parks – it’s ridiculous how well pedal-powered enthusiasts are catered for here.
- Road cyclists can tour between towns through snow‑capped scenery.
- Mountain bikers can ride trails on Ben Lomond or out towards Wānaka.
- Families can explore the Queenstown Trails network by e‑bike.
Queenstown trails and e‑bike rides
Families can hire e-bikes to ride up to 135km of interconnected gravel roads and purpose-built bike paths, collectively making up the Queenstown Trails — one of 23 Great Rides around the country.
A day earlier we eased into our stay by doing exactly that, hiring e-bikes from Better by Bike in historic Arrowtown soon after our flight had touched down.
We rode for several hours before landing in the beer garden at Gantley’s Tavern in Arthurs Point, a few doors up from our accommodation at the recently redeveloped Coronet Ridge Resort.
We pedalled past golf courses and vineyards and crossed historic bridges, passing multi-million-dollar mansions and homely cottages, barely breaking a sweat until we reached the Shotover Gorge Trail.
With the Shotover River raging below and the excited screams of jet boat passengers echoing along the gorge, we passed through a tunnel that had been built during goldrush days, then switched to Turbo mode for the final uphill section to Arthurs Point.
A winding section of the Shotover Gorge Trail.
Expanding trail network in Queenstown
The trail opened less than a year earlier, adding a further 5km to the Queenstown Trails network that 420,000 people rode during the last financial year.
That figure is set to grow after the Kawarau Gorge Trail opens later this year.
When that happens, it will be possible to cycle for 265km from Queenstown to Middlemarch, close to Dunedin.
The 32km Kawarau Gorge Trail will be the newest addition to the Great Rides network that includes the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and the Otago Central Rail Trail. A trail connecting Jack’s Point with Frankton is also pending.
It’s hard to fault their ambition.
Future mountain biking development
Further downhill trails will open at Coronet Forest in time for the next summer season, accompanied by one of the largest native revegetation programs in the country.
Final rides and reflections
On our final morning, we squeeze in a couple of hours of mountain biking at the 7 Mile Scenic Reserve, where a family-friendly trail following gorgeous Lake Wakatipu will eventually end.
Then we do one last run on the twisting, forested Fernhill Trails, a taster I suspect that’s designed to leave us hankering for more.
I have little doubt it will.
View over the Shotover River from Coronet Ridge Resort.
FAQ: Know before you go
When is the best time to go mountain biking in Queenstown?
Autumn and summer are ideal for mountain biking in Queenstown, with dry trails and optimal riding conditions.
Are there beginner mountain bike trails in Queenstown?
Yes, trails such as Wakatipu View at Coronet Peak are designed for beginners, with many options for all skill levels.
Do you need a car to explore Queenstown trails?
Not necessarily. Many trails are accessible by shuttle, bike hire, or guided tours.
Do you need to book mountain bike trails in Queenstown in advance?
It’s recommended to book lifts, shuttles and bike hire in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. While some trails are freely accessible, popular services like Coronet Peak uplifts and guided rides can fill up quickly.
Are e-bikes worth it in Queenstown?
Yes, e-bikes are a great option in Queenstown, especially for longer scenic rides like the Queenstown Trails. They make it easier to tackle hills and cover more distance, making cycling accessible for beginners and casual riders.
What should you pack for mountain biking in Queenstown?
Bring layered clothing, gloves, a helmet, and sturdy shoes, as weather conditions can change quickly. Even in warmer months, mornings can be cool, and protective gear is essential for downhill and trail riding.
Story by Mark Daffey
The writer was a guest of Destination Queenstown (queenstownnz.co.nz)
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