In Pictures - The Shotover Gorge Trail
Images of the New Kimi-ākau | Shotover Gorge Trail in Queenstown
The new Kimi-ākau | Shotover Gorge Trail was officially opened at a ceremony on Sunday 13th April 2025 and connects Arthurs Point to Frankton. The new trail is a critical part of an expansion project by the Queenstown Trails Trust, linking the northern side of the Whakatipu Basin to the wider Queenstown Trails network and mountain bike tracks.
- photography by Geoff Marks and Will Nelson
The Shotover Gorge Trail is a spectacular 5.5km journey along the Lower Shotover Gorge, passing through the historic Hugo Tunnel (108m) and crossing the impressive Kimi-ākau Bridge (90m) which spans the gorge at Tucker Beach.
A big focus of the Shotover Gorge Trail for the Queenstown Trails Trust was closing a gap in the network by linking the northern side of the Whakatipu Basin with the residential suburbs, creating a seamless recreational link and integrating with the mountain bike trails on Coronet Peak and Mahu Whenua. A significant additional benefit is connecting Queenstown communities with active transport opportunities.
WATCH: Shotover Gorge Trail Video Highlights
Shotover Gorge Trail Video Highlights
Play Video
Dramatic scenery, a 90m long suspension bridge and the 108m long Hugo Tunnel await riders on the new trail.
A new 90m swing bridge - sponsored by members of the local community - spans the Kimi-ākau | Shotover River
60 years after it was abandoned, the newly named Hugo Tunnel has been restored for walkers and cyclists.
From Arthurs Point the trail meanders through woodland to the Hugo Tunnel on a wide trail.
Beyond the Hugo Tunnel, the grade 3 (intermediate) trail is narrow in places with some exposed sections.
Please ride with caution and be considerate to other trail users, especially in exposed areas.
After lying in ruin, restoration of the tunnel was funded with the generous support of the Hugo Charitable Trust.
The 108m long tunnel emerges on the Shotover River.
Trail essentials: pre-ride coffee at Gantley's Tavern in Arthurs Point
Trail essentials: post-ride beers and pizza at Canyon Brewing, Arthurs Point
The Shotover Gorge Trail connects to the Wharehunui Trail in Arthurs Point, which leads to Arrowtown.
At the other end the new trail links to the Tucker Beach Trail and onto Frankton.
Map of the Queenstown Trails network showing the new Shotover Gorge Trail.
Related Stories
-
RIDE! Don't Drive
6 Reasons why riding a bike is the best way to explore Otago, New Zealand.
Read more about RIDE! Don't Drive -
The Open Road
The best campgrounds for exploring Otago’s cycle trails.
Read more about The Open Road -
Discover the Great Rides of Otago
A practical guide to help plan your next Otago cycling holiday.
Read more about Discover the Great Rides of Otago -
One Day Winter Wonders
The best bike rides on the Otago cycle trails in winter.
Read more about One Day Winter Wonders -
Trail Tipples
Exploring Otago Wine Country on New Zealand’s Best Cycle Trails.
Read more about Trail Tipples -
Coronet Loop Lite
A shortened version of the Coronet Loop starting from Skippers Saddle and finishing in Arrowtown.
Read more about Coronet Loop Lite -
A Dedicated Farmer of Fashion
A new book and a 2-year exhibition in Dunedin celebrate the life of Eden Hore.
Read more about A Dedicated Farmer of Fashion -
Finding Balance
An inspiring short film about a community connected by bike trails.
Read more about Finding Balance -
Action Photography Guide
A guide for taking great action photos on the trails.
Read more about Action Photography Guide
