At a Glance
Discover the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand’s most popular 'Great Ride' - the Queenstown Trail on this full-supported, luxury cycling holiday that includes one of the country’s best wine regions: the Gibbston Valley.
On the shores of Lake Wakatipu starts a great journey, over 130kms of off-road trails taking you from Queenstown to Gibbston via historic Arrowtown.
Departing from Queenstown, ease into your adventure along the Frankton Track and Kelvin Peninsula Trail, taking in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu and the Frankton Arm. Breathe in the thyme-scented air along the Twin Rivers Trail and enjoy a lazy circuit of Lake Hayes, where the Remarkables mountain range can be seen above and reflected in the near-perfect mirror of the lake. Cycle to Gibbston via Arrowtown and discover a historic goldrush town ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 2-nights’ accommodation in a One-Bedroom Villa at the 5-star Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa
- Cycling equipment rental: Trail bike, helmet, panniers repair kit, odometer
- All transport to and from trail
- A supporting vehicle for on road support
- Queenstown return transfers
- All meals as specified in the itinerary, tasting some of best restaurants and cafes. 3 course set menu dinner at Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa
Itinerary
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Cycling distance: Frankton Track 16.4km/10.2mi | 2-3hr | Easy Morning Departing from your Queenstown accommodation, get kitted out with your very own trail bike, helmet and gear and receive a brief on the rides ahead. The first ride is an easy one: the “Frankton Track & Kelvin Peninsula Trail” to Kelvin Peninsula. Hugging the crystal-clear waters of the Frankton arm, the ride takes in the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge and the lakeside mansions and jetties that line the way to Kelvin Grove and the Queenstown Yacht Club. The Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail loops around the golf course, featuring numerous fantastic sculptures, some hidden among the trees. The trail finishes at Jardine Park, but those seeking a challenge can continue on the “Jack’s Point Trail” to Jack’s Point. With some steep climbs, descents and a couple of tight bends, this ride is not for the faint-hearted. However, your efforts will be rewarded with fantastic sweeping views over golden tussock and Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables mountain range adding just the right amount of drama. Use the support vehicle or backtrack the way you came to the “Twin Rivers Trail”, which starts from Kawarau Falls Bridge. Follow the willow lined banks of the Kawarau River towards the Old Lower Shotover Bridge, which offers breath-taking views up to Coronet Peak. As you continue winding your way along the river to Thompson’s Hill, you will be rewarded with a postcard view at every bend. Lunch Enjoy a 2-course meal at Amisfield’s acclaimed Bistro and Cellar Door. Set within a dramatic stone building overlooking rolling vineyards, this 3-hatted restaurant will take you on a culinary journey through the tastes of Central Otago. Afternoon Amisfield Bistro and Winery is a stone’s throw from the “Lake Hayes Trail” showcasing exquisite mountain and lake vistas and a close-up of some of the area’s most notable homes. As you cycle, keep an eye out for wild gooseberries and other fruit trees. You may even like to cool off with a swim, as Lake Hayes is significantly warmer than other lakes in the district. Evening Transfer to the your luxury accommodation in the Gibbston Valley where you will enjoy a delicious 3-course meal. |
Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa (5 star boutique)
Lunch, Dinner |
Cycling distance: Countryside Trail 13.5km/8.4mi | 2-3hr | Intermediate Morning After a delicious full breakfast, journey from your accommodation to the Old Lower Shotover Bridge, the starting point for the “Countryside Trail”. Follow the Shotover River and enjoy expansive views of the Wakatipu Basin and green pastures backed by dramatic schist peaks. One of the best views on the trail is from the top of Christine’s Hill. From here, Lake Hayes twinkles in the foreground, with the Remarkables mountain range in the distance. Lunch Enjoy lunch at Provisions of Arrowtown, Arrowtown’s favourite café serving fresh, modern food and sensational coffee at a historic miner’s cottage and garden. Afternoon After lunch, take the time to explore Arrowtown, a delightful goldrush town. Walk the heritage main street and discover a charming tree lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages, house shops, galleries, bars and restaurants – not one from an international chain. When you’re ready, hop back on your bike and set off on the “Arrow River Bridges Trail” to Gibbston. Follow the willow lined river to the awe-inspiring Southern Discoveries suspension bridge, which overlooks quaint cottages and grazing horses down Whitechapel country lane – a landscape painting straight out of a picture book. Further along, the graceful 80m Edgar Suspension Bridge and the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge are impressive feats of engineering. The Kawarau Suspension Bridge is home to the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre where you can witness thrill seekers leaping from heights of more than 130m! Your accommodation for this evening is just 10min ride from here. EveningTrust the chef and indulge in another delicious 3-course meal. |
Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa (5 star boutique)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cycling distance: Gibbston River Wine Trail 8.7km/5.4mi | 2-2.5hr | Easy Morning After a delicious full breakfast, set out on the “Gibbston River Wine Trail”, taking in Central Otago’s premier wine-growing region, Gibbston the “Valley of the Vines”. As you ride east, you will be spoilt for vistas – the mighty Kawarau River far below on your left and the Gibbston vineyards and architectural masterpieces all set within the iconic Central Otago landscape on your right. Stop in at the stunning, international award-winning Peregrine Winery, whose architecture – inspired by the native falcon – has won awards from London-based Architecture Review magazine and the NZ Institute of Architects. Continue on and stop in for tastings at other wineries including Kinross, Brennan and Mt Rosa. If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue on to Coal Pit Road where you can enjoy a long and fun downhill on a quiet, sealed road that will take you back to Gibbston Tavern. Lunch Enjoy a delicious 2-course lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery Restaurant, which merges the valley’s stunning surrounds with elegant wine and food. Afternoon Return your bikes and transfer back to Queenstown at your leisure. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
Departs daily on request. Please contact us for group bookings. Festival/holiday season surcharge may apply.
More Info
- The departure point is Queenstown
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Queenstown
We provide private car or helicopter transfer service. Please contact us to quote and arrange private transfer. E: travel@onlyluxe.com.au
Central Otago has the most distinctive climate in New Zealand, hot summers, cold winters and low rainfall. You can experience four seasons in one day on the Otago Central Rail Trail, so carry clothing sufficient to cope with a range of temperatures. Be sure to apply sunscreen no matter what the season as the sun can burn in even in colder months.
Check out the local weather forecast for Alexandra.
Day 1
Frankton Track 16.4km/10.2mi | 2-3hr | Easy
Jack’s Point Trail 7.1km/4.4mi | 2-3hrs | Advanced
Twin Rivers Trail 18.5km/11.5mi | 2-3hrs | Intermediate
Lake Hayes Trail 8km/4.97mi | 1hr | Intermediate
Day 2
Countryside Trail 13.5km/8.4mi | 2-3hr | Intermediate
Arrow River Bridges Trail 13.7km/8.5mi | 2-3hrs | Easy
Day 3
Gibbston River Wine Trail 8.7km/5.4mi | 2-2.5hr | Easy
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
