The Queenstown Trail from Arrowtown: A Campervan Cyclist’s Guide

Quick summary: The Queenstown Trail is a network of mostly easy cycle trails linking Queenstown, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Gibbston and Jack’s Point, and Arrowtown is one of its best starting points. For campervan travellers, it means you can park at the holiday park and ride straight out of the village to the river gorges, lakes and vineyards, with shuttles to bring you back. This guide covers the sections that start from Arrowtown and how to ride them from a campervan or motorhome base.

At a glance
What it is	One of New Zealand’s Great Rides, a network of linked trails
Total network	Over 100 km of trails
Grade	Mostly easy, with some intermediate sections
From Arrowtown	The Arrow River Bridges ride, Lake Hayes, Gibbston and Queenstown
Bikes	Hire and e-bikes in Arrowtown; shuttles available
Tours	Bike tours

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Which sections start from Arrowtown?

Section	Distance	Grade	What you see
Arrow River Bridges	Around 13 km to the Kawarau bridge	Easy to intermediate	Gorges, river bridges, the bungy bridge
Gibbston River Trail	Around 11 km from the Kawarau bridge	Easy	The Kawarau River and the Gibbston cellar doors
Arrowtown to Lake Hayes	Around 6–8 km	Easy	Farmland, Millbrook and the lake
Lake Hayes loop	Around 8 km	Easy	The lake, reflections and wetland birds
On to Queenstown	Around 25–30 km	Easy	The Shotover River, Frankton and Lake Wakatipu

Which is the best ride for a first day?

The Arrow River Bridges ride, continuing to Gibbston if you have the energy, is the classic. It follows the river through a gorge and across a series of striking bridges to the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, where you can watch the bungy jumpers, then continues along the Gibbston River Trail to the wineries. A shuttle brings you back. See the Arrow River Bridges ride.

Can you ride all the way from the RV park to Queenstown?

Yes. From Arrowtown, the trail runs via Lake Hayes, the Shotover River and Frankton to Queenstown’s lakefront, around 25–30 km. It’s a full day with stops, and you can catch a bus, shuttle or water taxi back to Arrowtown. It’s a good way to visit Queenstown without needing to find parking for a large vehicle.

Do you need an e-bike?

Not for the easier sections, but an e-bike makes the climbs on the Arrow River Bridges ride and the longer rides much easier, especially for less experienced riders. E-bikes are widely available to hire in Arrowtown. See e-bike tours.

How do you plan a trail day?

1. Hire a bike in Arrowtown, or use your own. See bike hire and shuttles.
2. Choose a one-way route and book a shuttle back, or plan a loop.
3. Pack water, snacks, sunscreen and a jacket, as the weather can change.
4. Wear a helmet, which is required by law.
5. Leave the vehicle at the holiday park.

What about guided rides?

Guided bike tours and bike and wine tours take care of bikes, routes and transport, with local guides sharing the history and landscape along the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions