Your Day Adventure Inclusions Add-ons
1 Day Grade 2-3 (Intermediate) 40km
Kawarau Gorge Trail Blazer Gibbston to Cromwell
The Kawarau Gorge Trail is one of New Zealand’s most anticipated Great Rides, and for good reason. This experience offers far more than just a ride. It’s a journey through dramatic landscapes, engineering marvels, and rich Central Otago heritage, all in a single, achievable day.
Riding this trail gives you exclusive access to previously unreachable sections of the Kawarau Gorge, where sheer rock faces, turquoise river views, and historic gold mining remnants create a constantly changing backdrop. This ride requires a good level of confidence and ability.
With the support of our premium eBikes, you can focus less on effort and more on enjoying the scenery, making this ride ideal for a wide range of fitness levels.
The trail connects two of Central Otago’s most celebrated wine regions, Gibbston and Bannockburn (Felton Road), making this a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence. From crossing suspension bridges to finishing your ride with wine and food overlooking the Bannockburn Inlet, every part of the day is designed to be memorable.
If you’re looking for a unique, self-paced experience that combines nature, history, and local flavour, this tour delivers it all.
NZD$ 189 per person
Tour Info
1 Day
40 km
Grade 2-3 (Intermediate)
Highlights
Follow the stunning Kawarau River through the dramatic gorge landscape
Ride beneath the iconic Nevis Bluff
Discover historic gold mining settlements along the way
Cross exhilarating suspension bridges spanning the river
Visit Carrick WineryCellar Door & Garden, overlooking the beautiful Bannockburn Inlet
Optional stop at Goldfields Mining Centre (Panner’s Bar & Kitchen), entry not included
Your adventure departs from Gibbston, where our friendly team will provide a comprehensive briefing and a professional bike fitting. You’ll be riding one of our premium eBikes, making this ride accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of fitness levels.
From Gibbston, the trail winds alongside the spectacular Kawarau River, guiding you east toward Bannockburn and Cromwell. This newly engineered trail opens up previously inaccessible sections of the gorge, offering a truly unique cycling experience.
Tip: We highly recommend visiting Carrick Winery for a pizza and wine tasting and amazing views on their front lawn.
Your ride will conclude at our Cromwell depot, located in the Freeway Orchard complex, by 4:15pm at the latest. From there, your shuttle will be ready to take you back to Gibbston or Queenstown.
If you arrive early, you’re welcome to explore the Freeway Orchard complex, where you’ll find options like wine tasting at Cork & Cap, food at the Stoaker Room, or a classic real fruit ice cream.
Your Day Adventure
-
Premium eBike hire
Helmet and safety equipment
Trail briefing and bike fitting at Queenstown Depot
Waterproof pannier bag and handle bag
Trail documentation including detailed map
Kiwi Journeys first class customer service
-
Transport Service: Add return collection and drop-off from
Arrowtown, for an additional $30 per person
Queenstown, for an additional $40 per person
Bike accidental damage insurance ($10 per day per person)
-
Self-guided experience
Distance – approximately 40 kms, depot to depot
The Kawarau Gorge Trail is rated as an intermediate-level (Grade 2–3) cycling and walking trail
Approximately 3–5-hours of riding featuring spectacular, narrow sections with steep drop-offs, suspension bridges, and compacted gravel terrain following the river
-
12 months (with the exclusion of Christmas Day)
Inclusions, extras, and essentials
Talk to us
Have a question? Our team’s ready to help.
Call 0800 292 538