Going Bike Loopy in Queenstown

This full-day circumnavigation of the Whakatipu Basin can begin at any point along the described route or can be ridden in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, with the three main hubs – Queenstown, Arrowtown and Arthur’s Point – all offering great options for breakfast, lunch and après-ride liquid refreshments.

For the purposes of this itinerary, we’ll kick off our bike ride in Queenstown and head in an anticlockwise direction towards Arrowtown. However, one of the best things about the 140km+ Queenstown Trails network is that it’s easy to stitch together your own routes, with numerous bike tour operators offering both bike hire and transfer / shuttle services to make day trips easy.

QUEENSTOWN TO ARROWTOWN
Frankton Track | Twin Rivers Trail | Arrow River Bridges Trail
33km | 3-4hours | Grade 2-3

Central Queenstown is home to countless cafes and eateries for breakfast or brunch (you’re probably reading this as you plan for a holiday, so have a chilled start), and it’s easy to connect with the Frankton Track from anywhere in town. The track officially starts in the picturesque Queenstown Gardens and then makes its way along the Whakatipu lakefront to the Kawarau Falls Bridge. En route, the Boatshed Café is a neat spot for a second coffee, or if you’re finishing your loop here, it’s very hard to ride past Altitude Brewing for cold craft beer and to soak in more of those lake and mountain views.

At the Kawarau Falls Bridge, connect onto the Twin Rivers Trail which – as the name suggests – follows both the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers and includes a handful of idyllic summer swimming spots along the way.  Be prepared for a few good climbs on the Twin Rivers Trail and make sure you have plenty of drinking water as in the summer it can be hot.

At the trail junction on Morven Ferry Road, turn left and follow the Arrow River Bridges Trail. It’s now only about 8.5km to Arrowtown for lunch. On a hot day, this section of trail is nicely shaded by the trees which line the river and there are also a few more nice swimming holes if you fancy a dip. It’s a popular trail with both cyclists and walkers – including locals walking their dogs – so ride carefully and please respect other trail users.

The historic goldmining town of Arrowtown might feel like you’re stepping back in time, but the foodie scene is anything but, with a contemporary collection of cafes, pubs and restaurants. Popular choices for bikers include the Fork and Tap which boasts a wide selection of local craft beers, The Dishery or Postmasters Kitchen and Bar.

ARTHUR’S POINT TO QUEENSTOWN
Arthurs Point Link – Shared Pathway
6km | 30mins | Grade 2

Depending on your energy levels and perhaps whether you had just the one beer, or two, you can finish your ride in Arthur's Point and book a shuttle bus to take you and your bike back to Queenstown. Alternatively, it’s a 6km ride along the Arthur’s Point Link Trail back to Queenstown. This is a shared pathway and includes the one-lane Edith Cavel road bridge which should be crossed with caution due to traffic.

Back in Queenstown you’re spoilt for choice in terms of options for post ride refreshments with over 100 bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from! If craft beer is your thing, then check out this great bike n’ beers itinerary to find some of Queenstown and Otago’s best breweries.