Your Day Adventure Inclusions Add-ons
Kawarau Gorge Trail Blazer
Ride from Gibbston or Cromwell - 4 convenient options available
1 Day Grade 2-3 (Intermediate) 40km
Experience one of New Zealand’s most exciting new Great Rides, 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. Due to the trail’s terrain and exposure in places, riders should have a reasonable level of cycling confidence and experience. This ride is not recommended for beginners.
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 wine overlooking the stunning Bannockburn Inlet.
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 relaxation.
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.
NZD$120 per person
Tour Info
1 Day - self guided
40 km
Grade 2-3 (Intermediate)
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
Visit Carrick Winery Cellar Door & Garden, overlooking the beautiful Bannockburn Inlet
Optional stop at Goldfields Mining Centre (Panner’s Bar & Kitchen), entry not included
Kiwi Journeys is proud to be the only operator offering dedicated depots at both ends of the Kawarau Gorge Trail. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred riding direction, along with convenient parking, shuttle services, and seamless logistics.
Today you have four options: NB: Shuttles from Queenstown and Arrowtown available to book online under optional extra’s
Option A – Start in Gibbston
Begin your ride from our Gibbston depot at Mt Rosa Winery and cycle to Cromwell.
Ride: Gibbston to Cromwell (suggested arrival: 9.00am)
Return shuttle departs Cromwell at 4:30pmArrives back at Gibbston at 5:00pm
Option B – Start in Cromwell, Finish in Gibbston
Park at our Gibbston depot and take our morning shuttle to Cromwell.
Shuttle departs Gibbston at 9:15am
Ride: Cromwell to Gibbston
Finish at your vehicle in Gibbston
Option C – Start in Cromwell
Begin your ride from our Cromwell depot and cycle to Gibbston.
Ride: Cromwell to Gibbston (suggested arrival: 9.00 – 9.30am)
Return shuttle departs Gibbston at 5:15pm
Arrives back at Cromwell at 5:45pm
Option D – Start in Gibbston, Finish in Cromwell
Park at our Cromwell depot and take our morning shuttle to Gibbston.
Shuttle departs Cromwell at 8:30am
Ride: Gibbston to Cromwell
Finish at your vehicle in Cromwell
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.
Riding from Gibbston
Follow the stunning Kawarau River as the trail winds east through the spectacular gorge toward Bannockburn and Cromwell. This newly built trail unlocks previously inaccessible sections of the gorge, showcasing dramatic scenery, historic gold-mining heritage, and remarkable engineering. Emerging from the gorge, you'll find yourself surrounded by the renowned vineyards of Felton Road.
Tip: Stop at Carrick Winery for a wine tasting, woodfired pizza, and breathtaking vineyard views. From here, it's an easy 9km ride to our Cromwell depot.
Your ride finishes at our Cromwell depot in the Freeway Orchard complex by 4:15pm, where your shuttle will be waiting. If you arrive early, enjoy wine tasting, local food, or a famous real fruit ice cream.
Riding from Cromwell
Starting in Cromwell, you'll follow the Kawarau River west through Bannockburn and into the heart of the gorge before arriving in Gibbston. Riding from this direction offers a relaxed introduction to the trail, with elevated river views and spectacular scenery throughout.
This purpose-built trail takes you into previously unreachable parts of the Kawarau Gorge, creating a truly unique riding experience.
Tip: Consider a short detour to Carrick Winery for a wine tasting, pizza, and stunning views over the Bannockburn Inlet.
Your ride concludes at our Gibbston depot at Mt Rosa Winery by 5:00pm. If you arrive early, relax with a meal or a glass of wine while enjoying the beautiful vineyard setting before your return shuttle departs at 5:15pm.
Your Day Adventure
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Premium Trail Bike hire
Return shuttle - from either Cromwell or Gibbston
Mips helmet
Trail briefing and bike fitting at Gibbston or Cromwell depot
Waterproof pannier bag and handle bag
Trail documentation including detailed map
Kiwi Journeys first class customer service
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Upgrade to an eBike – Hardtail (additional $70pp)
Upgrade to a premium full suspension eBike (additional $95pp)
Gibbston Shuttle: Add return collection and drop-off from Arrowtown
- for an additional $30 per person (pickup by public toilets beside bus parking on Ramshaw Lane - rear of Arrowtown iSite. Arrowtown Pickup: 8.30am, Dropoff: 5.45pm
- Queenstown, for an additional $45 per person (pickup outside The Station booking office, corner of Shotover & Camp Street). Queenstown Pickup: 8.00am, Dropoff: 6.45pm (earlier if no Arrowtown drops)
Bike accidental damage insurance ($10 per day per person)
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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. NB: We do not recommend this ride for beginners
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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