5 Day Cycle Kawarau Gorge, Dunstan & Otago Rail Cycling Tour

Begin the day with a briefing in Queenstown before a short transfer to Arthurs Point, where the ride starts on the Wharehuanui Trail—one of the newest and most scenic routes in the Queenstown Trail network. The path winds through wetlands and along the base of Coronet Peak, passing Millbrook Golf Resort and linking with the Countryside Trail.

Continue south through peaceful rural landscapes, tree-lined avenues, and past alpine views. The route meets the Shotover River and crosses the historic Old Lower Shotover Bridge, before joining the Twin Rivers Trail. Follow the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers to a lunch stop near the calm waters of Lake Hayes.

Afterwards, cycle along the lake’s edge to reach Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town and your overnight stop. There's time to explore before the group dinner.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Central Otago, the new 32 km Kawarau Gorge Trail connects Queenstown with the region’s wider cycling network. The day begins in Arrowtown, following the scenic Arrow River Bridges Trail—featuring two striking suspension bridges—before reaching the historic Kawarau Bridge, where you might spot bungy jumpers and zipliners in action.

The journey continues along the Gibbston Valley Trail, which climbs above the Kawarau River and winds through the renowned wine-growing area known as the 'Valley of Vines'. At the trail’s end, riders join the Kawarau Gorge Trail, a spectacular route that hugs Nevis Bluff and passes through once-inaccessible sections of the gorge.

The trail offers uninterrupted views of the Kawarau River, with suspension bridges and paths that track the gorge from the opposite side of the state highway—offering a rare perspective of this untamed landscape. Along the way, there are echoes of the past, from early Māori travel routes to 19th-century gold mining sites and early engineering feats.

The ride ends in Bannockburn, followed by a short transfer to Clyde, another charming historic town. Dinner is at your own pace this evening.

Today marks the first of two days riding New Zealand’s original Great Ride—the Central Otago Rail Trail. Opened in 2000, this 152 km trail follows the route of the former Otago Central railway line, which once connected Central Otago’s farms and orchards to markets in Dunedin.

Setting off from Clyde, the trail leads across open plains framed by dramatic mountain ranges. Beyond the small settlement of Chatto Creek, there's a gradual climb before an easy cruise into Lauder. This section introduces the first of the trail’s historic tunnels and bridges, weaving through the scenic Poolburn Gorge and into the Idaburn Valley.

If time allows, stops include the charming Hayes Engineering Works and Oturehua’s traditional grocery store. From there, it’s a steady ride up to the trail’s highest point, followed by a relaxing descent to either Wedderburn or Ranfurly—known for its art deco architecture.

Leaving Ranfurly, the trail heads towards Waipiata before skirting the remnants of an ancient lake and entering the scenic Taieri Gorge. This section features a gentle downhill ride, with more of the Rail Trail’s iconic tunnels and bridges, leading to a well-earned break at the historic Hotel Hyde.

The final stretch—27 km—includes a visit to the 1943 Hyde rail disaster memorial, then continues over rolling plains towards Middlemarch, the official end of the Central Otago Rail Trail. After a celebratory café lunch, it’s time to hop into the support vehicle for the drive to Alexandra—famous for being New Zealand’s hottest, driest, and coldest town, depending on the season!

Enjoy a relaxed final group dinner tonight ahead of tomorrow’s ride on the spectacular Lake Dunstan Trail.

Today brings a true highlight of the journey. Departing from Alexandra, we cross the Clutha/Mata-Au River and follow the scenic River Trail along the true right bank through to Clyde. From there, we board the Dunstan Explorer for a picturesque boat transfer across Lake Dunstan to the starting point of the Lake Dunstan Trail.

The ride begins gently along the lakeshore, leading to Cromwell’s charming Old Town. This restored gold rush-era precinct is the perfect place to pause for a coffee, browse local galleries, or pick up a final souvenir.

Continuing along the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan, the trail offers superb views across the water, passing vineyards and olive groves en route to Bannockburn Bridge. At Cornish Point, confident riders can carry on into the spectacular Cromwell Gorge—a dramatic section featuring elevated boardwalks, lake inlets, and steep rock faces, ending in Clyde.

For those preferring a gentler finish, an alternative option allows for a van transfer to Clyde, with the opportunity to ride the more relaxed final stretch of the trail from the far end of the gorge.

The journey wraps up at a lakeside beach—ideal for a dip if the weather’s kind—followed by a well-earned real fruit ice cream before returning to Queenstown by van. Drop-offs are available at Queenstown Airport and in the town centre. Please avoid booking international flights tonight or domestic flights before 7pm.