Trail Tipples

Part of the Queenstown Trail network, this easy 8.7km long trail begins at the Kawarau “Bungy” Bridge and follows the Kawarau River through Gibbston - the 'Valley of Vines' – with immersive wine tasting experiences throughout the valley.

Lots of people choose to start their ride in Arrowtown on the Arrow River Bridges Trail (13.7km one way) and then connect to the Gibbston River Wine Trail at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, which also happens to be a good stop for a coffee and to watch people bungy jump from the bridge. Together, the Arrow River Bridges and Gibbston River Trails make for an easy 22km one-way ride which will take about half a day - depending on how many wineries you visit, of course!

A short ride from the Bungy Bridge, Gibbston Valley Winery is home to the country’s largest wine cave and has an onsite cheesery, deli and a restaurant. The Gibbston Tavern is a must-do along the trail and has a new tasting room experience which includes local wine, gins, liqueurs, and ports. Further along the trail, Kinross offers one cellar door but the chance to try wine from five different wineries, plus a bistro for lunch and cosy vineyard cottage accommodation. Towards the end of the trail, Mt Rosa is a great option to sample five varietals over a lunch platter.

For a full list of wineries and cellar doors, check out the Destination Queenstown website – there are lots to choose from!

Ridden in its entirety, the spectacular Lake Dunstan Trail between Cromwell and Clyde is a challenging 55km day trip. However, a shorter loop ride between Cromwell and Bannockburn makes for a relaxing half day experience and is an easy way to sample some exceptional wines and enjoy a winery lunch.

You can organise to pick up rental bikes from Cromwell and begin with a leisurely coffee at one of the cafes, before riding around the lakefront to Cromwell Heritage Precinct (also a neat spot for a coffee). From the Heritage Precinct it’s an easy ride along the Lake Dunstan Trail (approx. 8km) following the Kawarau River to Bannockburn.

At the Bannockburn Bridge across the Kawarau River you have a choice to make: turn right to follow the new cycle trail along Felton Road – one of the most well-known wine roads in New Zealand. There are many cellar doors and restaurants to choose from, but here’s a top tip: start at Terra Sancta at the far end of the road and work your way back to Mt Difficulty for lunch making sure to visit Te Kano and its architecturally designed cellar door along the way.

The Felton Road cycle path is the first completed leg of the new Kawarau Gorge Trail. Due to open in summer 2025, it will eventually connect the Gibbston River Trail in Queenstown to the Lake Dunstan Trail and wider Otago trail network…. Which will make quite the impressive – and lengthy – wine trail!

Whilst affectionately known as the ‘ale trail’ due to the plentiful country pubs along the 152km journey between Clyde and Middlemarch, there are also options for visiting wineries along the Rail Trail, with most of the pubs and restaurants serving local wines too.

Not to be missed is the recently opened Monte Christo Winery in Clyde where the first vines in Central Otago were planted in the 1860s. Exclusive cottage accommodation, landscaped grounds, ‘Fritzy’ the food truck and of course wine tastings are all available.

About halfway between Clyde and Cromwell on the Rail Trail you’ll find Dunstan Road Wines. There’s a gate to the cellar door directly from the trail but look out for the flag on the post, which means that they’re open. A short distance further along the trail you’ll find Immigrant’s Vineyard / Ruru Wines (about 3.5km from Alexandra) where you can pre-book a beautiful platter for lunch (note: the cellar door is closed during winter).

If you like the idea of staying at a vineyard, the Judge Rock is geared up for cyclists and only a short ride from Alexandra.

Once in Alexandra there are numerous cafes and restaurants to choose from, Industry Lane Eatery located right on the trail is very popular with cyclists, although if you venture into town, check out The Finery which has recently opened.

From Alexandra, the Rail Trail continues into the heart of Central Otago with country pubs to satisfy your wine cravings, or you can connect to the Roxburgh Gorge and the Clutha Gold Trails, which offer a scenic journey through Central Otago and on to Clutha with a new trail that stretches all the way to Waihola on the East Coast.