The Open Road

In Otago - where the horizon changes more frequently than most – it’s easy to understand why exploring its diverse landscape by motorhome or caravan is so appealing. Coupled with easy access to a vast network of cycling trails, the campervan and bike combo might just be the perfect formula to discover one of the most spectacular parts of New Zealand.

Here’s a guide to the best motor camps and campgrounds to park up and pedal out - from Queenstown through Central Otago and Clutha and right across to Dunedin.

Stay: Driftaway Queenstown Holiday Park or Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park
Located just a stone's throw from the Queenstown Trail network these two holiday parks both offer everything you need to start your cycling adventure and, as official partners of the Queenstown Trails Trust, they help support the cycle trail network.

Driftaway is located right on the Frankton Track above Frankton Beach, and even has spas overlooking the lake. It offers plenty of campervan and caravan parking as well as cabins.

Queenstown Top 10 in Arthurs Point is conveniently located on the new Wharehuanui Trail at the junction with the soon-to-open Kimi-ākau | Shotover Gorge Trail, which is set to be a new highlight of the trail network.

Ride:
If you’re camped at Driftaway follow the Frankton Track to the Kawarau Falls Bridge to connect to the Twin Rivers Trail and from there you can either head for lunch in Arrowtown on the Arrow River Bridges Trail or follow the Gibbston River Trail to explore the wineries. For an easier ride, follow the Frankton Track into Queenstown for lunch stopping at the Boatshed Café for a coffee on the way there, and Altitude Brewing for a cool craft beer on the way home. For something a bit more challenging take the Kelvin Peninsula Trail and then the Jack’s Point Trail (grade 3, single track) around the lakefront, with a lunch stop at Jacks Point golf course.

Starting from the Top 10 in Arthurs Point, follow the new Wharehuanui Trail towards Arrowtown. You then have a difficult decision to make about where to have lunch – either Millbrook, Arrowtown or Ayrburn - Queenstown’s newest destination for foodies. Return to Arthurs Point via the Countryside, Tucker Beach and Shotover Gorge Trails to make a loop. (Note: the Kimi-ākau | Shotover Gorge is due to open March 2025).

Stay: Arrowtown Holiday Park
Hampshire Holiday Parks – Arrowtown (aka Arrowtown Holiday Park) is just a few minutes’ walk from historic Arrowtown with its restored heritage buildings, specialty restaurants and unique shops. Set up base at this tranquil spot with easy access to both the cycle trails and excellent walking tracks.

Ride:
From here, cycle the Arrow River Bridges Trail, across the Kawarau Suspension (Bungy) Bridge and onto the Gibbston River Trail. This is a relatively easy 22km ride (one way) where you can enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards, lunch at a winery restaurant or a platter at one of the cellar doors. Return the same way to Arrowtown or you can also book a shuttle transfer to take you safely back after lunch.

Stay: Bannockburn Domain Camping Ground
The Bannockburn Domain Camping Ground - admittedly - is a no-frills site, but it’s perfectly located for accessing the Lake Dunstan Trail, as well as some world-class gravel biking and Bannockburn’s world-renowned wineries. In addition to the Lake Dunstan Trail, the Nevis Heartland Ride (a challenging backcountry route) is also an option.

Cromwell and the Cromwell Heritage Precinct are less than 10 minutes’ drive away, and Bannockburn is well serviced by the Black Rabbit Café and Bannockburn Hotel – plus more than a few of those wineries!

Ride:
Option 1 - from Bannockburn it’s a challenging 38km (grade 2 - 3) ride along the Lake Dunstan Trail to Clyde. Most people will ride the trail one-way and organise a shuttle back either via road or by water aboard the Lake Dunstan Explorer. On day 2 in Bannockburn, you can explore the other end of the Lake Dunstan Trail, through Cromwell and on to Pisa Moorings with an opportunity to visit the orchards or fruit stalls along the way. A stop for a real fruit ice cream is mandatory!

Option 2 - an epic day ride from Bannockburn for experienced cyclists with good fitness and a sense of adventure is the 70km loop around the Cairnmuir Mountains on backcountry gravel roads and the Lake Dunstan Trail.

Option 3 - From Bannockburn numerous quintessential Central Otago vineyards and wineries can be explored by bike along both the Lake Dunstan Trail and the Felton Road cycle path. This is actually the first completed section of the Kawarau Gorge Trial which will connect Central Otago’s trails to those in Queenstown (due to open December 2025).

If you turned left in Alexandra...

Or, if you turned right in Alex…

Stay: Portobello Village Tourist Park
Whether you followed the Rail Trail and Central Otago Touring Route to Dunedin, or arrived via Waihola and the Clutha Gold Trail, wrapping up your Otago adventure with a stay on the beautiful Otago Peninsula is a great finale. The peaceful Portobello Village campground is ideally located on the Harbour Cycleway which is the perfect way to experience this coastal environment. The full cycleway is a loop from Portobello to Port Chalmers – with a connecting water taxi – and is known as Te Aka Ōtākou (The Otago Vine), referring to the winding path of the trail and the harbour.

Ride:
Following the water’s edge for most of the way between Portobello on the Otago Peninsula and Port Chalmers, this 32km-long loop ride is best enjoyed over a whole day. It includes a scenic water taxi, numerous opportunities for coffee stops at great cafes, several renowned craft breweries plus art galleries and museums for those seeking some culture. Opportunities for wildlife encounters are also a highlight.