Kawarau Gorge Trail
Opening 19th September - Book Now!
The Kawarau Gorge Trail is Central Otago’s exciting new Great Ride, stretching 32km from the Gibbston Valley through the dramatic landscapes of the Kawarau Gorge and creating a stunning new link between Queenstown and the wider Central Otago trail network.
Opening on 19 September, this remarkable trail unlocks previously inaccessible sections of the gorge, showcasing towering river canyons, spectacular suspension bridges, rich gold-mining heritage, and unforgettable views of the Kawarau River.
Kiwi Journeys is proud to be the only operator offering dedicated depots at both ends of the trail, located at Mt Rosa Winery in Gibbston and in Cromwell. With convenient parking, shuttle services, and flexible ride options, you can choose the direction that suits you best and enjoy a seamless cycling experience.
Along the way, you'll discover some of Central Otago’s most iconic attractions, including the renowned wineries of Gibbston and Bannockburn, as well as the historic Goldfields Mining Centre. Best suited to riders with a good level of confidence and cycling ability, the Kawarau Gorge Trail offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, scenery, history, food, and wine.
Be the Trailblazer Through Vineyards, Scenic Wonders, and Timeless History
Single-Day Sensations
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Kawarau Gorge Trail Blazer - Ride from Gibbston or Cromwell
Self-guided | 1 Day | 40km
Experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular Great Rides through Central Otago on an eBike. Ride through dramatic gorges, gold mining history, and sweeping river valleys with ease.
Linking Bannockburn and Gibbston, this journey blends stunning scenery, heritage, and food and wine into an unforgettable adventure.
NZD$120 per person Book Now
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Queenstown to Gibbston Explorer
Self-guided | 1 Day | 34-37km
Ride into Queenstown's epic trail network, where snow-capped peaks tower above and wild rivers roar alongside you.
The brand-new Shotover Gorge Trail blazes a path from Arthurs Point to Arrowtown, linking to the Countryside or Twin Rivers Trail across the basin. Push on through Arrowtown, past bungy jumpers and sun-soaked vineyards, to Mt Rosa on the Gibbston River Trail, with hidden gems waiting along the way.
NZD$179 per person Book Now
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Taste of Gibbston - from Arrowtown
Self-guided | 1 Day | 23km
eBike your way from Arrowtown to Gibbston! One of the most popular rides in the Queenstown region, this trail showcases the best of both Arrowtown and Gibbston. Set beneath the slopes of Arrowtown Hill and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, Arrowtown charms visitors with its historic character, the crystal-clear waters of the Arrow River, and picturesque countryside landscapes.
NZD$99 per person Book Now
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Taste of Gibbston - from Queenstown
Self-guided | 1 Day | 23km
Hop on the shuttle from Queenstown and eBike your way through the best of Arrowtown and Gibbston!
Among the most beloved rides in the Queenstown region, this trail captures the essence of both Arrowtown and Gibbston. Nestled below the slopes of Arrowtown Hill and framed by stunning mountain scenery, Arrowtown captivates visitors with its rich historic charm, the sparkling waters of the Arrow River, and breathtaking countryside views.NZD$109 per person Book Now
Multi-Day Tours
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Queenstown Kawarau Confluence
Queenstown Trails - Kawarau Gorge Trail
Self-guided | 2 Days | 64-102km
This two-day self-guided cycle adventure explores the Queenstown Trails from the middle of the Queenstown basin in Frankton to the heart of Gibbston wine country, before connecting to the Bannockburn wine region on the newest Great Ride - the Kawarau Gorge Trail.
NZD $649 per person
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The Jewel - Kawarau Gorge & Lake Dunstan Trails
Kawarau Gorge Trail - Lake Dunstan Trail
Self-guided | 2 Days | 68km
This two-day self-guided adventure combines the brand-new Kawarau Gorge Trail with the iconic Lake Dunstan Trail, offering exclusive access to dramatic gorge scenery, suspension bridges, gold mining history, and two celebrated wine regions.
NZD $579 per person
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Three Gorges
Queenstown Trails - Kawarau Gorge Trail - Lake Dunstan Trail
Self-guided | 3 Days | 99-127km
This three-day self-guided cycle adventure explores the Queenstown Trails from the heart of Queenstown into Gibbston wine country, before connecting to Bannockburn - another renowned wine region, on the newest Great Ride, the Kawarau Gorge Trail. Then it's off on another Great Ride - heading south along the western bank of Lake Dunstan towards Clyde.
NZD $1129 per person
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Golden Gorges
Queenstown Trails - Kawarau Gorge Trail - Lake Dunstan Trail - Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Self-guided | 4 Days | 130-160km
This phenomenal four-day self-guided cycle adventure takes the amazing sights of four Great Rides - the Queenstown Trails, the Kawarau Gorge Trail, the Lake Dunstan Trail and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.
NZD $1599 per person
Add the Kawarau Gorge Trail to Your Central Otago Tour
Whether you're looking to extend your stay or seamlessly integrate it into your existing journey, the Kawarau Gorge Trail is the perfect addition to your Central Otago cycling adventure. It can be included as part of the Central Otago tours below from Queenstown or Cromwell, offering a great way to connect rides and experience more of the region. across the region.
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Central Otago’s Latest & Greatest
Otago Central Rail Trail - Lake Dunstan Trail
Self-guided | 5 Days | 195km
As the name suggests Kiwi Journeys have combined the Latest with the Greatest. This 5-day ultimate adventure takes you from Cromwell to Middlemarch on the stunning Lake Dunstan Trail and New Zealand’s original "Great Ride", the Otago Central Rail Trail.
NZD$1299 per person
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Go With The Flow
Lake Dunstan Trail - Roxburgh Gorge Trail - Clutha Gold Trail
Self-guided | 4 Days | 151km
This 4-day adventure has you cycling from Cromwell to Lawrence on the Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge & Clutha Gold trails following the mighty Clutha Mata-au River, becoming immersed in the splendid isolation like no other world. The landscape changes every day along with the amazing history of Central Otago.
NZD$1149 per person
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The Classic
Otago Rail Trail
Self-guided | 4 Days | 152km
This Otago Central Rail Trail adventure takes you from Clyde to Middlemarch on one of the most popular great New Zealand rides, which was an old railway line. You cycle through some outstanding tunnels and viaducts in Ida Valley with amazing landscapes whilst enjoying great southern hospitality each day.
NZD$1099 per person
Cycling Adventures Made Easy with Kiwi Journeys
BIKE HIRE MADE EASY
Whether you choose an e-bike or a standard bike, our high quality rides are carefully maintained and fitted for all ages, including child seats and trailers, so you can enjoy the trail in comfort and safety.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER
No need to carry a thing. We move your bags between stops so you can ride light and free. Your gear will be waiting for you when you arrive; simple, secure and stress free.
ACCOMMODATION
After a great day on the trail, unwind in hand selected local accommodation. From cosy lodges to boutique stays, we ensure your rest is just as enjoyable as the ride.
SHUTTLE SERVICES
Start, finish or skip a section, our shuttle services make it easy. We get you where you need to be, on time and without the hassle. We also offer Queenstown airport and hotel pickups for a smooth, stress-free start to your journey.
Ride the Kawarau Gorge Trail with Kiwi Journeys
Kiwi Journeys has multiple depots across the South Island. In September, we’re planning to open our Queenstown depot, which will link up perfectly with our Cromwell depot and will be your gateways to the Kawarau Gorge Trail.
We offer tours for all ages, ideal for families and groups, with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. Choose from top-quality Bosch eBikes, mountain bikes, tandems, and family gear.
Our friendly team provides expert advice and support to ensure your ride is smooth and enjoyable along one of New Zealand’s iconic Great Rides.
