Bike and Wine from Arrowtown to Gibbston: A Campervan Day Out
Quick summary: Riding from Arrowtown to the cellar doors of the Gibbston Valley is one of the best days out in the Queenstown region, and the perfect way for campervan travellers to taste wine without driving. Leave the campervan or motorhome at the holiday park, ride the Arrow River Bridges and Gibbston River trails to the vineyards, stop for tastings and lunch, and take a shuttle back. Guided bike and wine tours take care of everything, including carrying your purchases.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Route | Arrowtown, the Arrow River Bridges, the Kawarau bridge, the Gibbston River Trail |
| Distance | Around 20–25 km one way, depending on the wineries |
| Wine | Central Otago Pinot Noir, plus Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay |
| Getting back | Shuttle, often included with hire or tours |
| Carrying wine | Panniers, or wineries that send purchases back |
| Tours | Bike and wine tours |
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Why combine a bike ride with wine?
Because it solves the campervan traveller’s biggest wine-country problem: how to visit cellar doors without driving. The ride itself is a highlight, through river gorges and over bridges, and the Gibbston Valley’s vineyards sit in a dramatic, narrow valley beneath steep schist mountains. Arriving by bike makes each tasting feel earned.
How does a bike and wine day work?
- Collect your bike in Arrowtown, a short walk from the holiday park.
- Ride the Arrow River Bridges trail to the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge.
- Follow the Gibbston River Trail to the cellar doors.
- Taste and have lunch, at one or two wineries.
- Take the shuttle back to Arrowtown with your bike and your wine.
Should you ride independently or on a guided tour?
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Independent hire with shuttle | Riders who want to choose their own wineries and pace |
| Guided bike and wine tour | Travellers who want a guide, pre-booked tastings and lunch |
| E-bike hire | Anyone who wants help on the climbs |
Browse bike and wine tours and wine tours.
Is it safe to cycle after tasting?
Alcohol affects your riding just as it affects driving, so pace yourself. Spit or tip at the cellar doors, eat a proper lunch, drink plenty of water, and plan to finish the riding before the last tastings, taking the shuttle from the final winery. Guided tours often build this in.
How do you carry the wine back to the RV?
Most bike hire operators provide panniers or baskets, and many wineries will hold your purchases for the shuttle or send them back to the hire shop. Pack bottles carefully once you’re back at the campervan, low down and wedged tight. See our sister site’s guide to carrying wine in a campervan.
What are the Gibbston Valley’s wineries like?
Gibbston is the coolest and highest of Central Otago’s wine areas, known for elegant Pinot Noir. Cellar doors range from small family wineries to larger estates with restaurants, and some have wine caves cut into the hillside. See Gibbston Valley, and for the wider wine region, our sister site’s Central Otago and Gibbston guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Arrow River Bridges and Gibbston River trails link Arrowtown with the Gibbston cellar doors, around 20–25 km one way.
By shuttle, which is often included with bike hire or tours.
Yes. Guided tours provide bikes, routes, tastings, lunch and the shuttle back.
Hire bikes usually have panniers or baskets, and many wineries will hold or send purchases back for you.
Gibbston is known for elegant Pinot Noir, grown in Central Otago’s coolest and highest wine area.