cycling tour queenstown

Around the Mountains & Queenstown Trail

A 6-Day Cycle Tour Adventure -The ultimate package to explore the unforgettable scenery around Wakatipu, Te Anau and Manapouri, combining the top-rated sections of the Around the Mountains and Queenstown cycle trails.

A 6 day cycle tour adventure showcasing Southland and the Queenstown region’s most dramatic mountains, rivers, and lakes. This bike tour is the ultimate trip for people wanting to explore the unforgettable scenery around Queenstown, Te Anau and Fiordland, while enjoying boutique accommodation and fabulous food. We combine the best sections of the Around the Mountains and Queenstown cycle trails and link them together into a unique itinerary with 300km of incredible bike trails. The tour includes 2 spectacular boat cruises across Lake Wakatipu and Lake Manapouri, a wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley and jet boat ride on the Kawerau river.

Cycle Tour Highlights

• Combines the best sections of 3 spectacular cycle trails, 300km of riding over 6 days
• Cycle beside 3 of New Zealand’s largest lakes – Wakatipu, Te Anau and Manapouri
• Circumnavigate the Eyre Mountains through a series of ancient glacial valleys
• Stay at some unique and beautiful accommodation including a renovated convent, an fabulous vineyard and a high country station, all with fabulous food!
• Begin your adventure with an amazing boat cruise across lake Wakatipu with all bikes onboard
• Visit the magical Mavora Lakes, a film set for the Lord of the Rings.
• Enjoy a hot tub under the stars and private wine tasting of Central Otago’s finest wines.

Start / Pick-up

Finish – Drop-off

See below for dates and prices

• 6 days riding highlights of the Around the Mountains, Lake 2 Lake and Queenstown Trail.
• Your choice of a new high tech ebike or standard mountain bike.
• 5 nights’ accommodation at a selection of boutique B&B, convent and vineyard cottages.
• Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Queenstown and all transport on tour.
• Private wine tasting of Central Otago wines.
• Boat cruise across Lake Wakatipu.
• Day 1: Lunch and dinner
• Days 2-5: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Day 6: Breakfast and lunch
• We eat at the best restaurants and cafes. All meals are made from fresh local produce. Lunches include either top local cafés or our famous make-our-own picnics (weather permitting). We cater to all dietary requirements including vegetarians and vegan.
• Our expert local tour guides provide insight and background to the areas you visit and show you how to use all bikes and equipment.
• We brief you on each section of cycling then let you enjoy the trails at your own pace. On occasion your tour guide may ride at the back of the group to provide assistance on more remote sections where there is no road access.
• The tour guide provides vehicle support, setting up drinks breaks and picnics along the trail.
• If you want to take a break from riding, or the weather turns bad you are welcome to jump in the van and skip a section.
• Drinks breaks include a selection of teas, plunger coffee, soft drinks, juice and water.
• Unlimited snacks – mixed nuts, fresh seasonal fruit, oat bars and classic kiwi sweets and lollies.
• You are responsible for purchasing your own drinks and coffees at restaurants or cafés.

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 – The Around the Mountains cycle trail begins with a scenic boat cruise across a huge lake surrounded by epic mountains. Ride along the lake edge then head into golden tussock-covered mountain landscape. The area has a truly wild and remote feel, with spectacular scenery. Finish your ride on the edge of a secluded glacial lake then we shuttle you to dinner and accommodation at a converted convent.
• Day 2 – The Lake 2 Lake cycle trail follows a beautiful river through native bush between 2 giant lakes on the edge of Fiordland National Park. Stop for a coffee beside the river in one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand.
• Day 3 – Continue your journey Around the Mountains and head back into the mountains to stay at a high country station in an ancient glaciated valley, cut off from the modern world
• Day 4 – Complete your journey Around the Mountains riding across an ancient glacial moraine carved through mountains to finish back at the edge of Lake Wakatipu. Stay in a cottage set on a beautiful vineyard with an outdoor hot tub and a private wine tasting.
• Day 5 – The Queenstown Trail follows the lake edge beneath the Remarkables, with spectacular views. It then follows the mighty Kawarau river as it winds through a series of canyons and fissures. on your way back to your accommodation.
• Day 6 – On our final ride you will stop by the historic Arrowtown settlement for a picnic lunch then follow the lake to finish back in Queenstown where we will drop you off at your chosen accommodation around 4pm.

*This itinerary is indicative only and subject to change.

• You can choose between a high tech ebike or mountain bike – both are included in the price. However, please only choose an non-electric bike if you are an expert rider with a VERY high level of fitness and regularly ride over 50km per day on gravel. The trails are much more challenging to ride on a non-electric bike. Many of our guests who choose a non-electric bike end up regretting their decision. We generally encourage everyone to choose an ebike.  They make your journey much easier and more comfortable. You can always choose to dial back the level of support on an ebike if you want more of a workout.
• Pick-ups and drop-offs from alternate places to Queenstown can be arranged, but may be subject to additional fees.
• If you would like to come on a tour but the dates don’t work for your group, please let us know – it may be possible to arrange alternate dates. Pricing will depend on availability of accommodation, and the number of people in your group.

IF THE SCHEDULED DATES BELOW DO NOT WORK FOR YOU, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH! WE MAY BE ABLE TO ARRANGE ALTERNATE DATES SUBJECT TO SUFFICIENT NUMBERS, AVAILABILITY OF BIKES, STAFF AND ACCOMMODATION.

Looking for something unique? Contact us about custom tours

Escape by cycle.

Address: Kingston, Queenstown 9748

Contact Details

Great Outdoors NZ Limited

trading as “Escape by Cycle”

Kingston 9748

New Zealand

Phone:  +64 3428 2912

Mobile: +642 2399 3768

© Escape by Cycle 2023

Thursday 9 am–7 pm Friday 9 am–5 pm Saturday 10 am–4 pm Sunday 10 am–4 pm Monday 9 am–7 pm Tuesday 9 am–7 pm Wednesday 9 am–7 pm

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Queenstown Bike Tours

Handpicked by a queenstown local expert, we bring you our guide to 'queenstown bike tours'..

Queenstown is a premier biking destination.  The alpine landscape and stunning vistas combined with the well designed biking trails make bike tours in Queenstown a popular activity.  We've picked out the best bike tours in Queenstown.

Around The Basin Bike Queenstown - Bike and E-bike Rides and Tours

Around The Basin is the most experienced bike hire operator on the Queenstown Trail network.  They offer quality mountain bike and E-bike hire, winery rides, self-guided ride packages and vehicle supported tours, all put together to deliver an epic day of riding.   Mountain bike and E-bike hire:  half-day, full-day or multi-day options available Bike The Win...

Off The Rails Cycle Tours

Eco-friendly, fully-supported cycle tours along the Otago Central Rail Trail and the other cycling trails of Otago e.g. The Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails. Suitable for all the family, with easy riding through the spectacular and historic gold-mining landscape of Central Otago. Accommodation included. Off The Rails provides premium cycling holidays for all the family on the wor...

Going Blue - Bike & Ebikes

Discover Queenstown's best bike hire and bike trail options with Going Blue!  Our wide selection of mountain bikes, electric bikes, and e-scooters cater to all levels, including families with kids. Booking is easy with our online platform, featuring convenient pick-up/drop-off locations, daily shuttle options, and add-ons like trailers, personal bikes, baby seats, and tag-alongs.  Eac...

Wanaka Bike Tours

Wanaka Bike Tours offers mountain biking options for all budgets and abilities, all year-round.  Experience some of Wanaka’s finest bike trails, from gentle lakeside trails to exhilarating backcountry singletrack. Enjoy stunning scenery and varied terrain at your own pace with Bike & Shuttle, E-Bike Hire, or Mountain Bike Hire options. Or, put yourself in the hands of one of ...

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Recommended Experiences in Queenstown

From Arrowtown: Scenic Valley of the Vines Bike & Wine Tour

Enjoy some local wine and a beginner-friendly bike ride on the Twin Rivers Trail. Take in beautiful scenery while enjoying wine and cheese and relax with shuttle transport to Arrowtown.

From Queenstown: 3 Winery Tour with Gourmet Wine & Lunch

Enjoy a half-day tour from Queenstown with wine tasting at 3 of Central Otago's wineries and a delicious wine and food paired lunch.

From Queenstown: Mount Cook and Hooker Valley Day Trip

Explore the Mount Cook area and hike the famous Hooker Valley Track on this guided day trip from Queenstown. Admire the stunning views as you drive through popular sites like Lindis Pass and Cromwell.

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Discover New Zealand’s best scenic highlight with a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown. Glide along the tranquil fjord, viewing amazing wildlife, dramatic waterfalls and the majestic Mitre Peak.

From Queenstown: Glenorchy and Paradise Scenic Half-Day Tour

Experience a magical half-day trip into Glenorchy and Paradise. View the Lord of the Rings movie locations, admire world-class scenery, and enjoy a Kiwi-style morning or afternoon tea.

Queenstown: Arrowtown Mountain Biking Adventure

Explore the scenic bike trails between Arrowtown and Queenstown with a regular bike or e-bike adventure day. Take in the alpine scenery on a 35-km-long route that follows rivers and lakes.

Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

Take in the stunning views and wonderful wildlife as you cruise around Milford Sound. Relax on board with tea and coffee, enjoying the commentary, and make the most of the photo ops as you go.

Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours

Discover Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Gibbston Valley at your own pace as you experience its scenic locations, iconic adventure activities, and the finest craft beers, wine, and cuisine in the region.

Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak w/ Gourmet BBQ

Cruise across Lake Whakatipu on the iconic TSS Earnslaw Steamship for a spectacular dining experience. Discover Queenstown’s incomparable fine dining destination, enjoy a leisurely cruise, and full gourmet BBQ buffet.

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Explore the region by bike

No boundary bike and sight tours are the #1 options to check out queenstown and the surrounding area..

Whether it be by bike, hike or a guided scenic trip, the choices are for everyone! We’ve teamed up with the best operators in town to maximize your variety to really give you the history of the Wakatipu Basin and allow you to enjoy everything Queenstown and the surrounding area has to offer.

Biking Packages

Take a beautiful trip around Wakatipu Basin on the comfort of a 2019 trail bike. Spectacular views, historic bridges, cafes with outstanding coffee, and wineries with crispness to satisfy your palate – Choosing to see the sights on a bike, is by far the best way to do it!

Sightseeing Packages

With so many incredible places to visit around the Queenstown Area, jumping onto a ½ day or full day tour gives you local knowledge that is priceless. Places like Cardrona, Glenorchy, or Skippers Canyon should not be missed! They are experiences that will blow your mind!

Our Bike Fleet

With the newest and latest 2021 geometry, our bikes will maximize your experience with every pedal stroke..

Our helmets don’t smell, and our hand grids are clean! Don’t get caught struggling with an old rental. Ride at your own leisure pace on a bike that is made for your size. Our expert shops located around town will size you perfectly on the bike that will fit you best.

Want to go further? We’ll happily upgrade you an E bike on any trip!

Do you have a large group, or want to customize a package?

We would love to hear from you to answer any questions you may have., your name *, your email *, your message.

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Phone: 03 442 5877 or from overseas call: +64 3 442 5877

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• Cycling Tours

Cycling Tours in Queenstown

Quality Experiences

Booking flexibility, nz owned & operated, friendly support humans.

A location as beautiful as Queenstown deserves to be explored in a manner that’s at peace with nature, and cycling is a perfect way to do it! Lake Wakatipu and the Wakatipu Basin are surrounded by purpose built bicycle tracks that will see you traversing river gorges and peaceful lakes, and will lead you through historic townships and wine regions surrounded by magnificent scenery. With trails designed for riders of all skill levels, you will soon be immersed in the peace and harmony of the spellbinding Basin. If you'd prefer the majestic views of the Von River, travel across Wakatipu Lake on a vintage steamship to Walter Peak, after which you will traverse the high country on rustic roads through breathtaking snow covered mountain peaks, and past sheep and cattle stations. With nothing but crystal clear air and magnificent views, cycling is the perfect way to explore Queenstown and surrounds.

COMPARE Cycling Tours in Queenstown.

Product Comparison

Riding level

Wine tastings

Bike Tours - Full Day Bike the Wineries

Price from $105

Riding level 1-3

Time (hrs) 4-8

Wine tastings Optional

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Price from $295

Riding level 1-2

Time (hrs) 5-6

Wine tastings Yes

Self Guided Explorer Bike Experience - Going Blue

Price from $99

Riding level 1-5

Time (hrs) 4-6

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Explore the magnificent Gibbston Valley wine region by bike. Visit 8+ wineries at your leisure before returning back to Queenstown.

Bike Hire - Going Blue

Going Blue provide the best biking experience for you to explore the surroundings of Queenstown. Door to door pick up & drop off.

Guided E-Bike Tours - Ride to the Sky

Cycle 800 metres above sea level for 360 degree views of the Wakatipu Basin on this Ride to the Sky guided e-bike tour in Queenstown.

See the sights at your own pace on a self guided bike tour from Arrowtown to Queenstown. 38km bike ride for intermediate riders.

Bike Tours - Arrowtown to Gibbston

View the stunning Wakatipu Basin region by bike. The purpose built trails include lakes river gorges, historic Arrowtown & Gibbston Valley wine region

Bike Tours - Arrowtown to Queenstown

Explore the Queenstown Trail by mountain bike or e-bike with Around the Basin, starting in Arrowtown and riding one-way to Queenstown.

Bike Tours - Half Day Bike the Wineries

Experience world-renowned Queenstown wineries by bike on a half day Bike the Wineries tour. Self guided tour with map provided.

Bike Tours - Valley of the Vines

Queenstown wine tasting at your own pace on the Valley of the Vines self guided bike tour with Going Blue Queenstown. Allow 7 hours.

Experience spectacular scenery and wine tasting at Queenstown vineyards on a Ride to the Vines guided e-bike tour from Arrowtown to Gibbston.

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Cruise on the Spirit of Queenstown then enjoy alpine views cycling from Mt Nicholas farm to Walter Peak Station. Return on the TSS Earnslaw.

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New Zealand Cycle Trail:

Queenstown cycle trail.

Queenstown to Queenstown

5 days / 4 nights

Activity Level Guide

The Queenstown Cycle Trail is graded Moderate: An above average level of fitness,   you should be comfortable biking 45km on formed tracks and roads with some average to steep inclines at times.

There is some low level mountain biking on this trail.

What’s Included

Testimonials, thinking ahead, book now for next summer, dates available now for next summer:.

• Start Date Status
• Tue 5 Nov 2024 Last 4 places
• Mon 11 Nov 2024 FULL
• Tue 19 Nov 2024 Last 4 places
• Mon 25 Nov 2024
• Tue 10 Dec 2024
• Tue 14 Jan 2025
• Tue 28 Jan 2025
• Tue 11 Feb 2025
• Mon 17 Feb 2025
• Tue 25 Feb 2025
• Mon 3 Mar 2025
• Tue 11 Mar 2025
• Mon 17 Mar 2025
• Mon 24 Mar 2025
• Mon 7 Apr 2025
• Tue 22 Apr 2025

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No bike? No problem!

We have a variety of e-bikes and manual bikes ready for hire.

The Queenstown Cycle Trail starts in Otago’s world-renowned Wakatipu Basin.

Queenstown’s reputation as one of the world’s favourite adventure and cycling destinations is enhanced with the addition of this New Zealand cycle tour. The new Queenstown Cycle Trail is part of the New Zealand Cycling Trails network and unveils stunning new vistas, hidden ruins, spectacular architecture and world-class food and wine.

The cycle trail meanders through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery, taking in the stunning landscapes of Lake Hayes, Frankton and Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, Clyde, Alexandra (Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail), Roxburgh (Clutha Gold Cycle Trail), The Dunstan Cycle Trail and Wanaka and brings to you 5 days of spectacular cycling and local experiences.

For the first time ever, you can cycle across unspoilt private land… over mighty suspension bridges, ride alongside six iconic rivers and six lakes… all set in dramatic landscapes, some used for the now famous Lord of the Rings films.

• Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail  – Discover another world. This cycle trail offers a wilderness experience through the remote and stunning Roxburgh Gorge. Sit back and become immersed in the splendid isolation that is the Roxburgh Gorge.
• Clutha Gold Cycle Trail  – A journey of discovery – Ride alongside the powerful Clutha Mata-au River, through a secluded valley and gorge network and into lush green farmland. It is an easy grade trail that is full of variety, from undulating to flat to meandering.
• Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail – You will be amazed at the skills of trail builders with sections built out around sheer rock faces. You will cycle at the base of the stonework faces of the Cairnmuir slide, a unique feature high on the slopes above the lake. It was designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clutha Dam, a short distance downstream. Also look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the hillsides of the gorge in the mid 1990’s. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River. A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail is New Zealand’s third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. This was one of the ‘’Think Big” projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. Started construction 1977. The first power was generated in 1992

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Queenstown to Arrowtown

You will be collected from your accommodation between 8:00 and 9:00am

We then travel to Kelvin Heights where your guide will fit you out with your bike. You will bike through the world famous Queenstown landscape sidling beneath the willow trees alongside the Frankton Arm on the Kelvin Peninsula of Lake Wakatipu taking in the views of the peaks – the Remarkable Ranges, Cecil & Walter Peaks as well as Ben Lomond – which are stunning and provide a wonderful backdrop to this ride.  

You then ride to the Shotover River past the airport and on to Lake Hayes. (24km)

On arrival at Lake Hayes you will complete a circumnavigation of this idyllic lake (8km)

After the ride around Lake Hayes you then ride on to finish the day in Arrowtown. (6km)

From here to you drive to your overnight accommodation.

Day 2 Arrowtown to Gibbston, Clyde and Alexandra

Today we drive from our accommodation to Arrowtown where Day 2 begins. You cycle from Arrowtown along the Arrow River crossing over two very impressive suspension bridges and over the historic Kawarau Bridge to the AJ Hackett bungy centre (13km).  

Take a break and watch tourists take their jumps, before we continue cycling into the Gibbston Valley, high above the mighty Kawarau River, to a boutique winery where we enjoy a picnic vineyard platter lunch (11km).  

After lunch relax on the bus for the scenic drive following the Kawarau River to Clyde.  

The afternoon cycle is a 14km ride beneath the willow trees, from Clyde to Alexandra, following the Clutha River.    

Day 3 Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Clutha Gold Trail

This morning we travel a short distance to Alexandra where the Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail begins. The trail through the Roxburgh Gorge is just stunning and will take your breath away. A 10km cycle is followed by a scenic jet boat transfer from Doctors Point to Shingle Creek, followed by another 10km cycle to the Roxburgh Dam.  

At the Roxburgh Dam we start the Clutha Gold cycle trail to Millers Flat (27km).  

This section features orchards as well as gold mining relics which makes for a very pleasant scenic ride.  

At Millers Flat we finish for the day, and then travel to our overnight accommodation in Roxburgh.

Day 4 Roxburgh to Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail

After breakfast we head away on the bus to start today’s journey which will take us back to Clyde where we head off on the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail.

Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail – You will be amazed at the skills of trail builders with sections built out around sheer rock faces. 

You will cycle at the base of the stonework faces of the Cairnmuir slide, a unique feature high on the slopes above the lake. It was designed to protect the river from a major land slide, which could overwhelm the Clutha Dam, a short distance downstream. Also look out for the drainage tunnels dotted along the length of the gorge. There are 13 tunnels (total 18.5km of tunnels) drilled into the hillsides of the gorge in the mid 1990’s. These tunnels are also used to mitigate against landslips into the Clutha River.

A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail is New Zealand’s third largest hydro-dam, the Clyde Dam. This was one of the ‘’Think Big” projects driven by the Muldoon led Government to diversify the economy and drive growth. Started construction 1977. The first power was generated in 1992  

As the trail continues past Cornish Point it passes by vineyards and olive groves – with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. Along the way there are sections where the land has been reshaped in the search for gold and then again when the lake was formed.  

Following the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to the Bannockburn bridge, you will have amazing vistas across the lake to Bannockburn vineyards and the next section of trail which loops back round on the opposite side.  

The Trail then wends its way alongside Lake Dunstan from Cromwell via Pisa Moorings to Smiths Way the final stop of your Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail journey.  

For the balance of the afternoon relax at your Lakeside accommodation.

Day 5 Lake Hawea and the Hawea River Trail to Wanaka

Today we head away on the bus and drive to our starting point on the shores of Lake Hawea.

Our ride takes us along the shores of this remote and spectacular lake.

The first part of our ride finishes in the small lakeside settlement of Lake Hawea.

Here we join the picturesque Hawea River cycle trail. The track is well maintained with a few uneven patches as it travels through kanuka groves, woodland and along river terraces where it joins the Newcastle and Upper Clutha tracks to Albertown. From here we ride along the Outlet Track beside the Clutha River to Lake Wanaka.

An excellent relaxing ride alongside this crystal river to finish off our riding tour around this world renowned outdoor paradise.

From Wanaka we journey back to Queenstown and the finish of the tour.  

You will arrive in Queenstown at approximately 4 to 4:30pm.

Accommodation

Each night you will stay in comfortable hotel, motel or bed and breakfast accommodation.

Rooms are double (one queen or king bed) or twin (2 separate beds). If you have a preference for a twin room, please let us know when you make your booking. All rooms have their own ensuite bathroom.

If you are a single traveller, you can nominate to share a room with another single of the same gender or pay an additional single supplement to secure a private room for the duration of the tour.

The single room supplement for this tour is $545

An experienced guide

Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.

You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings. If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking. Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights.

Safety and Risk Management

To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.

Luggage & Transfers

Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour.

Tour Kit Bag Exclusive to Tuatara Tours

To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a bag of useful goodies. This will be given to you at the start of your tour.

All transport

Access and concession fees paid to the department of conservation, nz goods and service tax (gst).

Very good – a well organized tour through some very beautiful parts of the country

A great time. Amazing bike trails and scenery. The meals were wonderful!

I rate the Queenstown tour – perfect in every way. Bike performed extremely well, panniers were very useful & comfortable seat.

Pamela - Australia

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Phone: 03 442 5877 or from overseas call: +64 3 442 5877

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Destinations

Experiences, help & info.

• 03 442 5877 within NZ
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• Cycling Tours
• Queenstown Activities

Cycling Tours in Queenstown

Quality Experiences

Booking flexibility, nz owned & operated, friendly support humans.

• Displaying 11 results

Bike Tours - Full Day Bike the Wineries Queenstown

Explore the magnificent Gibbston Valley wine region by bike. Visit 8+ wineries at your leisure before returning back to Queenstown.

Self Guided Explorer Bike Experience - Going Blue Queenstown

See the sights at your own pace on a self guided bike tour from Arrowtown to Queenstown. 38km bike ride for intermediate riders.

Bike Hire - Going Blue Queenstown

Going Blue provide the best biking experience for you to explore the surroundings of Queenstown. Door to door pick up & drop off.

Bike Tours - Arrowtown to Gibbston Queenstown

View the stunning Wakatipu Basin region by bike. The purpose built trails include lakes river gorges, historic Arrowtown & Gibbston Valley wine region

Bike Tours - Arrowtown to Queenstown Queenstown

Explore the Queenstown Trail by mountain bike or e-bike with Around the Basin, starting in Arrowtown and riding one-way to Queenstown.

Bike Tours - Half Day Bike the Wineries Queenstown

Experience world-renowned Queenstown wineries by bike on a half day Bike the Wineries tour. Self guided tour with map provided.

Bike Tours - Valley of the Vines Queenstown

Queenstown wine tasting at your own pace on the Valley of the Vines self guided bike tour with Going Blue Queenstown. Allow 7 hours.

Guided E-Bike Tours - Ride to the Sky Queenstown

Cycle 800 metres above sea level for 360 degree views of the Wakatipu Basin on this Ride to the Sky guided e-bike tour in Queenstown.

Guided E-Bike Tours - Ride to the Vines Queenstown

Experience spectacular scenery and wine tasting at Queenstown vineyards on a Ride to the Vines guided e-bike tour from Arrowtown to Gibbston.

Bike Tours - Station 2 Station Cycle Trail Queenstown

Cruise on the Spirit of Queenstown then enjoy alpine views cycling from Mt Nicholas farm to Walter Peak Station. Return on the TSS Earnslaw.

Other Queenstown Experiences

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Explore Queenstown's stunning network of bike trails at your leisure.

Experience Queenstown at a more relaxed pace. Our sunny alpine climate is ideal for bike rides and there’s no better way to sightsee. H ire a bike and explore our glorious natural scenery and historic sights on two wheels.

Our stunning network of bike trails has rides for all ages and abilities and can be accessed from just about anywhere. Start with an easy lakeside ride past Queenstown Gardens, try the undulating Frankton Trail to the Kelvin Heights sculpture trail, or tackle steeper climbs through mountain vistas to Arrowtown. The Queenstown Trail offers 130kms of magnificent off-road trails on your doorstep, so there's no shortage of choice and you can tackle it in short chunks as you please. There are plenty of bike-friendly hotels too, located along the trail and some offering bike hire and storage.

Go at your own pace and choose a ride that suits you. Embark on a fully guided trip with one of our bike tour operators or if you opt for a self-guided ride, Queenstown bike transport operators can take you to the start of a bike trail or pick you up at the end if you don’t feel like peddling back. Bike hire options include e-bikes and half-day hires for self-guided tours.

Make time to stop at the craft breweries, browse boutiques and cafes, or sip a superb Central Otago wine paired with local cheese. Local bike tour operators can hook you up with an e-bike to tour the wineries or drop you in backcountry with a mountain bike guide for a truly memorable adventure.

Plan Your Biking Adventure

The queenstown trail, bike shuttles & transport, queenstown bike trails, spectacular bike trails and must-stops along the way.

The Whakatipu Basin is full of breath-taking scenery, unique landscapes and fascinating historical sites just waiting to be discovered by bike. This is your guide to Queenstown's trails and the must-sees along the way.

/ 6 Min Read

Bike the Wineries in Gibbston

Explore the Gibbston region, its wineries, eateries and historic sites by bike. Find out how to get there and plan your Gibbston biking adventure with a round-up of bike wine tours from Queenstown and bike hire options.

Top Tips For Planning Your Perfect Queenstown Bike Holiday

Queenstown is home to some of the best bike trails in the South Island, from short scenic rides to longer multi-day adventures. No matter your ability, here’s your guide to planning your next biking holiday in Queenstown.

/ 5 Min Read

Five of the Best Family Bike Rides in Queenstown

The best Queenstown bike rides for families. Stress-free family adventures for exploring the region. Trails for all ages. Fun cycling journeys for kids.

/ 4 Min Read

Queenstown Biking Stories

All stories, our stories, your stories.

Bike Centre

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Since the  Queenstown Trail opened in 2012, we have been a key operator on this spectacular trail network. Now into our thirteenth year of business, and with years of riding around the Whakatipu Basin behind us, we are the most experienced team at getting riders onto the trail.

We pride ourselves on offering a personalised Kiwi-flavour to turn your Queenstown riding experience from good to great.

Learn the story behind our business.

"At Around The Basin, our aim is to give every type of rider the opportunity to experience the stunning Queenstown Trail network."

Community involvement.

Over the years we have partnered with groups and individuals across the Queenstown region. Being a locally owned and operated business, we understand the value of supporting local and the benefits and enjoyment that comes from community engagement.

We are an Official Partner with the Queenstown Trails Trust , the organisation responsible for the development, maintenance and promotion of the trail network. The Trust does fantastic work in creating a world-class trail, NZ’s most popular Great Ride. By partnering with the Trust, we offer our ongoing support as the trail expands and the benefits this has for the wider community.  

For many years Steve (our General Manager) has dedicated much of his spare time to local community groups like the Queenstown Kayak Club. When not at work or riding on a bike, Steve can often be found coaching on the lake. In 2019 he was shortlisted for the ‘Spirit of the Wakatipu’ Award, partly because of his commitment to local community groups like the kayak club.

We are proud to be affiliated with multisport athlete and all-round wonder woman Simone Maier. She is a fantastic role model, particularly in getting young girls interested in an active lifestyle, and a great ambassador for our brand.

We’re also involved with Wakatipu High School, running a free bike maintenance workshop to get the kid’s bikes in good working order.

If you’re a local group or individual and have an idea about partnering with Around The Basin, please do reach out, we’d be keen to hear your ideas.

Queenstown Kayak Club

Steve  is a renowned kayak coach and dedicates much of his spare time to the club, caring for boats and athletes alike. He runs training sessions every Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Here’s a video of one of his kayak mission on the Clutha River: ‘300 in 3’

Simone Maier

Ambassador of Around The Basin

2x Coast to Coast Champion

Super strong, humble and passionate about sports, Simone is an inspiration to others.

Staff Wellbeing

We have created a work environment with a strong focus on the wellbeing of our staff. If they are happy in their workplace that will reflect onto the business in everything that we do. Staff are encouraged to shape their roles around their interests and skillsets, stimulating an open and inclusive work culture.

A big drawcard of the Queenstown region is the active lifestyle that comes with it. Offering flexibility around work schedules enables our staff to make the most of the incredible landscapes we get to call home. And they’re an adventurous bunch! We may be up skiing before breakfast in winter, or doing a few laps of a bike trail on a summer’s evening. Click here  to find out more about the team.

Safety Comes First

We’ve been nailing things in the safety game since way back!

For us it all starts with the equipment that we hire out. All of our bikes are maintained and serviced in-house at our purpose built bike workshop. Our bike mechanics have years of experience fixing things with two wheels. You can trust that your bike will be in excellent working order. Before we set any rider onto the trail we always identify potential trail hazards with actions to mitigate them, and advise to ride ‘in-control’ at all times. We supply helmets for all riders to wear.

But accidents happen. There are inherent risks associated with mountain biking that no amount of preparation can eliminate. If an accident does happen, all of our drivers/guides are First Aid certified and can usually be on the scene to help in a short time.

We have been awarded a Gold Qualmark Award in recognition of our ongoing commitment to business health and safety practices.

At the heart of everything we do is a mindset of safety comes first. Trust us, you’re in safe hands.

Environmental Sustainability

We’re proud of what we do in the sustainability space. Queenstown is fortunate to be surrounded on all sides by incredible landscapes: mountain vistas, pristine waterways, and native bush. As a business we operate in ways to keep Queenstown in this natural state, so future generations to enjoy the landscapes as we do.

We aim to minimise waste generated wherever practical across our work sites. There are recycling schemes at both our bike-workshop and retail shop, which we encourage both staff and customers to use.

We are proud supporters of Bee The Change , an initiative set up by Neal McAloon. Its aim is to restore bee populations to the Whakatipu Basin, thereby aiding in the pollination of native plant species. Our sponsored beehive will play a vital role in maintaining a healthy balance for the local ecosystem.

When we are ready to part with our ex-rental bikes, we sell them on to the local community. This prolongs the usable lifespan of the bikes, making them available for others to ride for many more years and avoids them going to landfill. See our latest listings here .

And after all, riding a bike is a fundamentally good activity for the planet!

A healthy dose of Kiwi-humour!

Everyday we get to showcase the stunning Queenstown Trail network to happy customers.