Which Otago Cycle Trail Is Best For You?
Compare the Best Trails
A practical comparison guide to help you choose the best Otago cycle trail for your ability, riding style, available time and holiday plans.
With a 500km network of purpose-built cycle trails, stretching from Queenstown almost as far as Dunedin, and traversing a variety of landscapes and trail grades, it can be a wee bit daunting to know where to start planning a cycle holiday.
Use this trail comparison guide to help compare Otago’s Great Rides by difficulty, distance, duration, scenery, experience type and rider confidence to help find the best trail for your first ride, E-Bike holiday, family trip or multi-day adventure.
Best for a First Time Multi Day Ride - Otago Central Rail Trail
NZ's original Great Ride, a 152km (3-4 day) journey on an easy trail through classic Otago landscapes.
Best for Variety, Wine & Short Rides - Queenstown Trails
Queenstown's network of over 150km of trails connect to wineries, iconic views & attractions. Half day to multi-day rides.
Best Dramatic 1-day Adventure - Roxburgh Gorge Trail
A spectacular day ride through the wilderness of the Roxburgh Gorge. Best suited to intermediate riders (grade 2-3).
Best Relaxed River Journey - Clutha Gold Trail
An easy 2-3 day multi-day ride (grade 2) following the mighty Mata Au | Clutha River.
Best for Iconic Scenery and a Challenge - Lake Dunstan Trail
A challenging day ride (grade 2-3) of up to 55km for intermediate riders through the stunning Cromwell Gorge.
Best for an Adventure - Coronet Loop, Queenstown Trails
An epic 50km (4-8hour) backcountry adventure on single track for advanced mountain bikers.
What type of bike ride are you looking for?
Some people ride for the exercise, some for the scenery and fresh air. For others, it's about spending time with family or friends, riding to a country pub or winery for lunch, or learning about the local history or heritage.
To help you find the ride you're looking for, below are some of the most popular options.
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I'M A BEGINNER PLANNING A FIRST MULTI-DAY RIDE
RECOMMENDED: Otago Central Rail Trail or Clutha Gold TrailOtago Central Rail Trail
Distance: 152km | Grade: 1 Easiest | Duration: 3-4 DaysHighlights: iconic landscapes and scenery, cosy country pubs, wineries and unique off-trail experiences.Planning & Booking: experienced local bike tour operators, tailormade itineraries to suit your ability and experience, E-Bike hire, transport and daily baggage transfers.Distance: 135km | Grade 1-2 Easy | Duration 2-3 DaysHighlights: quieter trail experience, tranquil riverside scenery, rich history & heritage.Planning & Booking: experienced local bike tour operators, tailormade itineraries to suit your ability and experience, E-Bike hire, transport and daily baggage transfers. -
I WANT A SCENIC 1-DAY RIDE
RECOMMENDED: Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail or sections of Queenstown Trails
Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Distance: 21km Ride + 13km Jet Boat | Grade: 2-3 Intermediate | Duration: 4-5 Hours
Highlights: dramatic gorge landscapes, jet boat transfer, backcountry experience.
Planning & Booking: local bike hire and shuttle options widely available. Bookings essential for the jet boat transfer.Lake Dunstan Trail
Distance: up to 55km | Grade 2-3 Intermediate | Duration 4-6 Hours
Highlights: Bannockburn wineries, cantilevered bluff bridges, dramatic gorge scenery, visit historic Cromwell and Clyde.
Planning & Booking: numerous local bike hire companies offer day packages on the Lake Dunstan Trail.
NOTE: the Lake Dunstan Trail includes some narrow, exposed sections and long climbs. It's a challenging trail only suitable for more experienced riders. Not recommended for beginners or young children.Queenstown Trails
Distance: 10km - 100km options | Grade: 1 - 4, Easy - Advanced | Duration: 1 - 8 hours
Highlights: the beauty of the Queenstown Trails network is that is easy to link trails together to make your own ride to suit your mood, fitness or timeframe. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and with alpine lakes and rivers, there's no shortage of inspirational scenery. Scenic highlights include the new Shotover Gorge Trail, Wharehuanui Trail and for more exprienced riders Jacks Point Trail.
Planning & Booking: check out these recommeneded itineraries as a starter, and there are plenty of bike hire options in Queenstown, with most operators offering bike rental and shuttle deals. -
I'M LOOKING FOR A TRAIL WITH GOOD WINE, FOOD & TRAIL TOWNS
RECOMMENDED: Queenstown Trails, Otago Central Rail Trail or Lake Dunstan Trail (Bannockburn)
Top tip: read more about wine trails in Otago here.
Queenstown Trails
150+km trail network | Grade: 1-4 Easy to Advanced | Duration: Half Day to Multi Day
Highlights: visiting the vineyards on the Gibbston River Wine Trail, foodies will love exploring Arrowtown's eateries, swing bridges and mountain views on the Arrow River Bridges Trail.
Planning & Booking: plenty of experienced bike hire companies in Queenstown and Arrowtown offering E-Bikes and shuttle packages.Otago Central Rail Trail
Distance: 152km | Grade 1 Easiest | Duration 3-4 Day
Highlights: a welcoming trail town complete with a cosy country pub located roughly every 20km along the trail, visit wineries and vineyards between Clyde and Alexandra.
Planning & Booking: expert advice and tailormade itineraries from local bike tour operators. Multi-day or 1-day highlight packages widely available, incliding bike hire and transport.Lake Dunstan Trail (Cromwell to Bannockburn section)
Distance: 20-30km | Grade: 1-2 Easy | Duration: Half Day
Highlights: ride the easier sections of the Lake Dunstan Trail next to the Kawarau River from Cromwell Heritage Precinct to explore the wineries and vineyards of Bannockburn. (Note: beyond Cornish Point the trail becomes more challenging with grade 3 sections which are not recommended for beginners or young children).
Planning & Booking: half day or 1-day bike hire and shuttle packages offered by local tour operators.WATCH: Exploring the wineries of Bannockburn by bike.
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I'D LIKE A QUIETER JOURNEY
RECOMMENDED: Clutha Gold Trail or Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Distance: 135km | Grade 1-2 Easy | Duration 2-3 DaysHighlights: more off the beaten path and a quieter trail experience, tranquil riverside scenery, history & heritage.Planning & Booking: experienced local bike tour operators, tailormade itineraries to suit your ability and experience, E-Bike hire, transport and daily baggage transfers.Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Distance: 21km Ride + 13km Jet Boat | Grade: 2-3 Intermediate | Duration: 1-Day
Highlights: dramatic gorge landscapes, jet boat transfer, and a remote backcountry experience.
Planning & Booking: local bike hire and shuttle options widely available. Bookings essential for the jet boat transfer. -
WHAT'S A GREAT FAMILY RIDE?
RECOMMENDED: Otago Central Rail Trail, Clutha Gold Trail or Queenstown Trails
For details check out Trail Hub's best rides for young families here.
WATCH: A family ride on the on the Lake Dunstan Trail between Pisa Moorings and Bannockburn, Central Otago
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I WANT A CHALLENGE!
RECOMMENDED: Lake Dunstan Trail, Coronet Loop (Queenstown) or the Southern Way 1000
Lake Dunstan Trail
Distance: up to 55km | Grade 2-3 Intermediate | Duration 4-6 Hours
Highlights: Bannockburn wineries, cantilevered bluff bridges, dramatic gorge scenery, visit historic Cromwell and Clyde.
Planning & Booking: numerous local bike hire companies offer day packages on the Lake Dunstan Trail.
NOTE: the Lake Dunstan Trail includes some narrow, exposed sections and long climbs. It's a challenging trail only suitable for more experienced riders. Not recommended for beginners or young children.Coronet Loop, Queenstown Trails
Distance: 50km | Grade 4 Advanced | Duration: 4-8 Hours
Highlights: remote backcountry riding, epic scenery and flowing single track.
Planning & Booking: with over 1400m elevation gain, the Coronet Loop is a challenging mountain bike trail requiring high levels of skill and fitness. Riders also need to be fully self-sufficient and prepared for a day in a remote, backcountry environment. Advice and bike hire is available from local bike shops.Southern Way 1000
Distance: 1,000km | Grade: 1 - 4 Easy to Advanced | Duration: 10-14 Days
Highlights: a 1,000km bikepacking journey that traverses the most spectacular and diverse scenery in the South Island. The loop route incorporates 7 Great Rides between Queenstown and Dunedin.
Planning & Booking: check out the Southern Way 1000 website for full details.
Explore Otago's Great Rides
Otago Central Rail Trail
Distance: 152km | Grade 1: Easiest | Duration: 3-4 Days
Otago Central Rail Trail
Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Distance: 21km + 13km Jet Boat | Grade: 2-3 Intermediate | Duration: 1-Day
Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Queenstown Trails
Distance: 150km network | Grade: 1 - 4, Easy - Advanced | Duration: 1 - 3 Days
Queenstown Trails