Your Day Adventure Inclusions Add-ons
Kawarau Gorge Trail Blazer
Ride from Gibbston or Cromwell
The opening of this incredible trail has been slightly delayed, but the excitement is building! 🌿 In the meantime, you can still book your ride online to secure your spot and be among the first to experience the trail on one of our brand-new premium eBikes! 🚴♂️
As soon as the official opening date is confirmed, we’ll be in touch to confirm your booking. We can’t wait to welcome you and share this amazing experience with you!
1 Day Grade 2-3 (Intermediate) 40km
Experience one of New Zealand’s most exciting new cycle trails, on a journey that delivers far more than just spectacular cycling. The Kawarau Gorge Trail takes you through dramatic landscapes, remarkable engineering achievements, and the rich gold-mining history of Central Otago, all in a rewarding one-day adventure.
This unique trail provides access to previously inaccessible sections of the Kawarau Gorge, where towering rock faces, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and historic mining relics create an ever-changing and unforgettable backdrop.
Connecting the renowned wine regions of Gibbston and Bannockburn, the trail perfectly combines adventure with indulgence. Cross impressive suspension bridges, explore a landscape steeped in history, and finish your ride surrounded by vineyards, with the opportunity to enjoy exceptional local food and drink options at one of the many great establishments in Bannockburn.
Whether you’re drawn by the scenery, the history, or the chance to discover one of New Zealand’s newest cycling experiences, this self-guided journey offers the perfect balance of exploration, achievement, and enjoyable adventure.
Due to the backcountry nature of this trail, as well as its natural terrain and exposure in places, riders should have a reasonable level of cycling confidence and experience. This ride is not recommended for beginners.
NZD$120 per person
Highlights
- Follow the stunning Kawarau River through the dramatic gorge landscape
- Ride beneath the iconic Nevis Bluff, with towering rock faces and dramatic valley views
- Discover historic gold mining settlements along the way
- Cross exhilarating suspension bridges spanning the river
- Optional stop at Goldfields Mining Centre (Panner's Bar & Kitchen), entry not included
Kiwi Journeys is proud to offer dedicated depots at both ends of the Kawarau Gorge Trail – Gibbston and Cromwell. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred riding direction, while having access to convenient parking and shuttle services, for a seamless cycling experience.
Before You Ride
Whether you start in Gibbston or Cromwell, our friendly team will ensure you're ready for the day ahead. You'll receive a comprehensive trail briefing, professional bike fitting, detailed trail map, and a pannier & handlebar bag for your ride. All that's left for you to do is enjoy one of New Zealand's most spectacular cycling adventures.
Upgrade to a Premium Dual Suspension eBike
For the ultimate riding experience, we highly recommend upgrading to one of our premium full suspension eBikes. With increased comfort, powerful pedal assistance, and larger-capacity batteries, you'll enjoy a smoother ride, conquer climbs with ease, and spend more time taking in the spectacular scenery. Designed for a wide range of fitness levels, our premium eBikes provide plenty of power and range, so you can ride the entire trail with confidence and no range anxiety.
This tour is available from Gibbston or Cromwell, simply pick your option.
Your Day Adventure
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Gibbston to Cromwell
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Cromwell to Gibbston
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Premium Trail Bike hire
Shuttle between Cromwell and Gibbston, with morning or afternoon option depending on package selected
MIPS helmet
Trail briefing and bike fitting at the relevant Kiwi Journeys depot
Waterproof pannier bag and handlebar bag
Trail documentation including detailed map
Kiwi Journeys first class customer service
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Want to ride electric?
Upgrade to an eBike – Hardtail (additional $70pp)
Upgrade to a premium full suspension eBike (additional $95pp)
Bike accidental damage insurance ($10 per day per person)
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Self-guided experience
Distance 40 kms
Grade 2–3
Approximately 3–4-hours of riding
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We are currently taking bookings for travel from 1 January 2027. The possibility of cycling the Kawarau Gorge Trail prior to that date is currently unknown while a launch date is not available. Please contact our team in order to be waitlisted for travel prior to January.
12 months (with the exclusion of Christmas Day)
Inclusions, extras, and essentials
The launch date of the Kawarau Gorge Trail is currently delayed. Please ensure you have joined our mailing list to receive up-to-the-minute information about the opening of this much-anticipated cycle trail. If cycling the Kawarau Gorge Trail is on your list of "things to do", please do reach out to us so we can pop you on the waitlist - that way you'll be among the first to know when the trail is all systems go!