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One Day Winter Wonders

The best bike rides on the Otago cycle trails in winter.

Otago Central Rail Trail
Will Nelson

Inspiration One Day Winter Wonders

As the old saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes”, and this is certainly true for winter riding on Otago’s network of Great Rides.

The Otago region is blessed with a continental climate, which generally means cold, crisp and dry winter days with any precipitation usually confined to the mountains as snow. Consequently, the walking and cycling trails in the valleys remain dry and in excellent condition during winter. Bike hire (including e-bikes) and transfer services are available across the entire trail network year-round.

So, outfitted with the right layers of clothing and properly prepared for a winter ride, here’s a selection of the best day rides on offer in Otago this winter.

Otago Central Rail Trail Winter 18 Otago Central Rail Trail Winter 18 Otago Central Rail Trail Winter 18

WATCH: Winter in Central Otago

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Cyclists on the Otago Central Rail Trail in winter.

Queenstown Trails

Looking down into the Whakatipu Basin from Coronet Peak or The Remarkables ski areas, you can make out the Queenstown Trails network and the patchwork of vineyards and wineries which make both the perfect après-ski venue, but also an ideal destination at the end of a winter bike ride.

The Arrow River Bridges Trail (14km) which begins in historic Arrowtown is a lovely winter ride and connects to Gibbston River Trail (9km) where there are numerous opportunities to visit wineries and cellar doors. For a quick pre or post ski loop ride, then look no further than the Lake Hayes Trail (8km) or take your time and stop in at Amisfield Winery or Ayrburn (Queenstown’s newest destination for foodies) for lunch or an après-bike tipple - both venues are a stone's throw from the Lake Hayes Trail.

The Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail is a short, easy loop and ideal for a family ride or walk in winter. The trail has some spectacular views and a series of impressive art pieces integrated into the landscape. You can then join the Frankton Track & Kelvin Peninsula Trail to ride back into Queenstown or head south onto the Jack’s Point Trail for a more challenging grade 4 mountain bike adventure.

There are numerous Queenstown companies which offer one-day tours including bike hire and transfers.

Queenstown has a 130km network of trails which can be ridden year-round, with the snow generally confined to the high mountains in winter.

Lake Dunstan Trail

At the opposite end of the Gibbston Valley and Kawarau Gorge from Queenstown is the Lake Dunstan Trail. The trail which opened in 2021 has quickly become one of New Zealand’s most popular day rides, but at 55km it’s a big day out if you plan to ride the whole trail, especially in winter with shorter daylight hours. So, for the winter months, there are some excellent short ride options (approx. 20-25km return) between Cromwell and Bannockburn which can incorporate wine tastings along Felton Road and Cairnmuir Road or lunch at a cosy country pub. Find out more about Otago's wine trails here.

Or for families, check out this easy ride around the Lake Dunstan shore from Pisa Moorings to Carrick Winery via Cromwell which has plenty of opportunities along the way for hot chocolates and treats as reward for braving the winter weather. 

For bike hire or shuttle services for the Central Otago trails, including the Lake Dunstan, Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails click here.

Gloving up for a winter ride with the family on the Lake Dunstan Trail.

Have puffer jackets, will ride.... Exploring the Bannockburn vineyards off the Lake Dunstan Trail.

Wine tasting in the winter sun - Terra Sancta Vineyard on Felton Road (off the Lake Dunstan Trail)

Otago Central Rail Trail

New Zealand’s original Great Ride is 152km long and usually takes 3-4 days to complete. However, there are lots of opportunities for winter day rides which usually conclude at a country pub in front of a roaring log fire for lunch.

A favourite locals ride is the 22km loop between Clyde and Alexandra which can be ridden in either direction. Starting at Clyde – where there are lots of options for a pre-ride coffee – cross the bridge and follow the Clyde to Alexandra River Trail downstream. Cross the Clutha River again in Alexandra for lunch or another coffee before connecting on to the Rail Trail and riding back to Clyde. A stop at Monte Christo Winery as you roll back into Clyde is highly recommended.

Another popular option, and one which is well serviced by tour companies with bike hire and transfer services, is a day ride from the Ida Valley through the Poolburn Gorge which takes in some of the scenic highlights of the Rail Trail including old railway tunnels, viaducts, and bridges. A great place to finish this winter ride is at the Chatto Creek Tavern (30km one-way from Auripo Road in the Ida Valley), or if you’re feeling fit and it’s not too cold continue to Alexandra to make a 46km ride.

One of Central Otago's unique winter highlights, just off the Rail Trail, is the winter luge and curling at Naseby, which is just 15km from Ranfurly. There’s also a great network of backcountry gravel roads to explore here, although check the forecast before you go. Naseby might be "2000 feet above worry level", but its altitude (600m above sea level) does make it prone to snow in winter.

For more ideas for one day rides on the Otago Central Rail Trail in any season, click here.

A crisp winter's day in Alexandra. It's the ideal hub for day trips along the Rail Trail or Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

Winter riding on the Otago Central Rail Trail usually leads to a cosy country pub....

...a roaring log fire and a hearty pub lunch await at the end of a winter ride on the Rail Trail.

The winter ice luge track in Naseby - "2,000ft above worry level"...

Curling is fun for all ages, but can get extremely competitive! Curling's available in Naseby year-round & Alexandra in winter.

Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails

The Teviot Valley offers numerous opportunities for winter exploration of both the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail, with Roxburgh a convenient hub for accessing both trails and offering a variety of excellent options for coffee and lunch, including the world-famous-in-NZ Jimmy’s Pies.

A fantastic but challenging 44km out-and-back winter ride for experienced cyclists is from the Roxburgh Dam and follows Lake Roxburgh ‘upstream’ (west) and deep into the heart of the Roxburgh Gorge – NZ’s version of the Grand Canyon. The trail currently ends at Shingle Creek where you need to turn around, or alternatively arrange for a jet-boat pick up for a 13km transfer to Doctor’s Point and continue along the trail to Alexandra.

NOTE: Make sure you factor in the available daylight hours and weather if you’re considering this route as it includes some grade 3 riding and remote, wilderness sections with no alternate access once committed to the trail between the Roxburgh Dam and Shingle Creek.

From Roxburgh you can also follow the Clutha Gold Trail downstream and a 40km return ride to Millers Flat for lunch at the pub is a nice option for a winter excursion. Extending your ride from Miller’s Flat downstream for another 8.5km to Horseshoe Bend Bridge and the site of the historic Lonely Graves is well worth the pedal.

An extension to the Clutha Gold Trail opened in 2023 and it now continues from Lawrence all the way to Waihola on the east coast with numerous out-and-back day ride options from all its Trail Towns. Of note is the short ride from Lawrence out to explore Gabriel’s Gully where gold was first discovered in 1861 and it provides a fascinating insight into the region’s rich goldmining heritage, including short walks with detailed interpretation panels. For a shorter ride or walk, the boardwalk around Lake Waihola and the wetlands is perfect for families - with fish and chips on the lakefront a must do after any trip.

Cyclists cast long shadows on a winter ride along the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

A jet boat / water taxi connects two ends of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

Following the Mata-Au | Clutha River on the Clutha Gold Trail on a crisp winter morning.

A ride around Lake Waihola on the Clutha Gold Trail is not complete without fish and chips at the end.

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