NEW!! Kawarau Gorge Trail Blazer - Choose your direction

KAWARAU GORGE TRAIL BLAZER

Kawarau Gorge Trail | 1 Day - Self-guided 39km (Grade 2-3, Intermediate) 

>> Gibbston to Cromwell or Cromwell to Gibbston

Experience one of New Zealand’s most exciting new Great Rides, on a journey that delivers far more than just spectacular cycling. The Kawarau Gorge Trail takes you through dramatic landscapes, remarkable engineering achievements, and the rich gold-mining history of Central Otago—all in a rewarding one-day adventure.

This unique trail provides access to previously inaccessible sections of the Kawarau Gorge, where towering rock faces, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and historic mining relics create an ever-changing and unforgettable backdrop. 

Connecting the renowned wine regions of Gibbston and Bannockburn, the trail perfectly combines adventure with indulgence. Cross impressive suspension bridges, explore a landscape steeped in history, and finish your ride surrounded by vineyards, with the opportunity to enjoy exceptional local food and wine overlooking the stunning Bannockburn Inlet.

Whether you’re drawn by the scenery, the history, or the chance to discover one of New Zealand’s newest cycling experiences, this self-guided journey offers the perfect balance of exploration, achievement and knockout sights.

Upgrade to a Premium Dual Suspension eBike

For the ultimate riding experience, we highly recommend upgrading to one of our premium full suspension eBikes. With increased comfort, powerful pedal assistance, and larger-capacity batteries, you'll enjoy a smoother ride, conquer climbs with ease, and spend more time taking in the spectacular scenery. Designed for a wide range of fitness levels, our premium eBikes provide plenty of power and range, so you can ride the entire trail with confidence and no range anxiety.

Your Day Adventure

Kiwi Journeys is proud to be the only operator offering dedicated depots at both ends of the Kawarau Gorge Trail. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred riding direction, along with convenient parking, shuttle services, and seamless logistics.

Due to the trail’s terrain and exposure in places, riders should have a reasonable level of cycling confidence and experience. This ride is not recommended for beginners.

Today you have four options: NB: Shuttles from Queenstown and Arrowtown available to book online under optional extras

Option A – Start in Gibbston
Begin your ride from our Gibbston depot at Mt Rosa Winery and cycle to Cromwell.

·       Ride: Gibbston to Cromwell (suggested arrival: 9am)

·       Return shuttle departs Cromwell at 4:30pm

·       Arrives back at Gibbston at 5pm

Option B – Start in Cromwell, Finish in Gibbston

Park at our Gibbston depot and take our morning shuttle to Cromwell.

·       Shuttle departs Gibbston at 9:15am

·       Ride: Cromwell to Gibbston

·       Finish at your vehicle in Gibbston

Option C – Start in Cromwell
Begin your ride from our Cromwell depot and cycle to Gibbston.

·       Ride: Cromwell to Gibbston (suggested arrival: 9-9.30am)

·       Return shuttle departs Gibbston at 5pm

·       Arrives back at Cromwell at 5.30pm

Option D – Start in Gibbston, Finish in Cromwell
Park at our Cromwell depot and take our morning shuttle to Gibbston.

·       Shuttle departs Cromwell at 8:30am

·       Ride: Gibbston to Cromwell

·       Finish at your vehicle in Cromwell

Before You Ride

Whether you start in Gibbston or Cromwell, our friendly team will ensure you're ready for the day ahead. You'll receive a comprehensive trail briefing, professional bike fitting, detailed trail map, and a pannier & handlebar bag for your ride. All that's left for you to do is enjoy one of New Zealand's most spectacular cycling adventures.

Riding from Gibbston

Follow the stunning Kawarau River as the trail winds east through the spectacular gorge toward Bannockburn and Cromwell. This newly built trail unlocks previously inaccessible sections of the gorge, showcasing dramatic scenery, historic gold-mining heritage, and remarkable engineering. Emerging from the gorge, you'll find yourself surrounded by the renowned vineyards of Felton Road in Bannockburn.

Tip: Stop at Carrick Winery for a wine tasting, woodfired pizza, and breathtaking vineyard views. From here, it's an easy 9km ride to our Cromwell depot.

Your ride finishes at our Cromwell depot in the Freeway Orchard complex by 4:15pm, where your shuttle will be waiting. If you arrive early, enjoy wine tasting, local food, or a famous real fruit ice cream.

Riding from Cromwell

Starting in Cromwell, you'll follow the Kawarau River west through Bannockburn and into the heart of the gorge as the trail winds above the Kawarau River. It's a stunning ride through the Nevis and past the Goldfields Mining Centre before continuing along the trail and arriving in Gibbston. 

Tip: You may like to call into a cellar door along Felton Road, or enjoy a scrumptious platter at Mt Rosa Winery at our depot in Gibbston to top off the day.

Your ride concludes at our Gibbston depot at Mt Rosa Winery by 5pm. The beautiful vineyard setting is a perfect place to celebrate your achievement before your return shuttle departs at 5:15pm.

This package includes:

• Premium Trail Bike hire
• Return shuttle – from either Cromwell or Gibbston
• MIPs Helmet
• Trail briefing and bike fitting at either the Gibbston or Cromwell depot
• Waterproof pannier bag and handle bag
• Trail documentation including detailed map
• Kiwi Journeys first class customer service

Optional extras       

• Upgrade to an eBike – Hardtail (additional $70pp)
• Upgrade to a premium full suspension eBike (additional $95pp)
• Gibbston Shuttle: Add return collection and drop-off from: 

       - Arrowtown for an additional $30 per person (pickup by public toilets beside bus parking on Ramshaw Lane - rear of Lakes District Museum; Pick-up: 8.30am, Drop-off: 5.45pm

       - Queenstown, for an additional $40 per person (pickup outside The Station booking office, corner of Shotover & Camp Streets; Pick-up: 8am, Drop-off: 6.45pm

Grade & Distances

• Self-guided experience 
• Distance – approximately 39kms, depot to depot
• The Kawarau Gorge Trail is rated as an intermediate-level (Grade 2–3) cycling and walking trail
• Approximately 3–5-hours of riding featuring spectacular, narrow sections with steep drop-offs, suspension bridges, and compacted gravel terrain following the river

Availability

12 months (with the exclusion of Christmas Day)

Accidental damage insurance:

Accidents do happen, we highly recommend you take accidental damage insurance. For example if the bike fell over and damaged a wheel, stand, derailleur or eBike computer, we will cover it! (new eBike computer = $250)

·    eBike insurance: $10 per person, per day