NEW!! Kawarau Gorge Trail Blazer - Choose your direction

Kawarau Gorge Trail Blazer | 1 Day - Self-guided 40km (Grade 2-3, Intermediate) 

Gibbston to Cromwell or Cromwell to Gibbston

1 Day | Grade 2–3 (Intermediate) | 40km

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. 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.

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 relaxation.

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.

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

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: 9.00am)

·       Return shuttle departs Cromwell at 4:30pm

·       Arrives back at Gibbston at 5:00pm

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: 9.00 – 9.30am)

·       Return shuttle departs Gibbston at 5:15pm

·       Arrives back at Cromwell at 5:45pm

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.

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 before arriving in Gibbston. Riding from this direction offers a relaxed introduction to the trail, with elevated river views and spectacular scenery throughout.

This purpose-built trail takes you into previously unreachable parts of the Kawarau Gorge, creating a truly unique riding experience.

Tip: Consider a short detour to Carrick Winery for a wine tasting, pizza, and stunning views over the Bannockburn Inlet.

Your ride concludes at our Gibbston depot at Mt Rosa Winery by 5:00pm. If you arrive early, relax with a meal or a glass of wine while
enjoying the beautiful vineyard setting 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 Gibbston or Cromwell depots
• 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 Arrowtown iSite. Arrowtown   Pickup:  8.30am, Dropoff: 5.45pm

       - Queenstown, for an additional $45 per person (pickup outside The Station booking office, corner of Shotover & Camp Street).        Queenstown. Pickup:  8.00am, Dropoff: 6.45pm (earlier if no Arrowtown drops)

• Bike accidental damage insurance ($10 per day per person)

Grade & Distances

• Self-guidedexperience 
• Distance – approximately 40 kms, 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