Home / Kawarau Gorge Trail Day Cycle
4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • Self-guided cycle
Accommodation
Meals

Price

1 dayfrom

$245NZD

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View Inclusions
 
Trip Code: TJK
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Trip highlights

  • Be one of the first to experience New Zealand's newest cycle trail
  • Enjoy spectacular views of the turquoise Kawarau River winding through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge.
  • Discover remnants of Central Otago’s gold rush history, including old miners’ tracks, tunnels and historic sluicing sites
  • Postcard perfect views from every corner and through the gorge

The wait is over! New Zealand's newest trail has arrived!

The Kawarau Gorge Trail Day Cycle is a spectacular 38km cycling journey through one of Central Otago’s most dramatic and historically significant landscapes. Following the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River between Bannockburn and Queenstown, this remarkable trail combines breathtaking gorge scenery, impressive engineering and fascinating gold mining history into an unforgettable day on the bike.

Winding through rugged schist country, the trail follows the river deep into the heart of the Kawarau Gorge, where towering rock walls, historic bridges and sweeping views create a constantly changing backdrop. Purpose-built cycle paths, suspension bridges and carefully engineered trail sections make the most of the dramatic terrain, offering riders a unique perspective of a landscape that was once at the centre of the Otago gold rush.

Along the way, discover remnants of the region’s pioneering past, from historic gold mining sites and water races to stories of the prospectors who once sought their fortunes in these rugged hills. The trail also passes through renowned Central Otago wine country, where vineyards stretch across sun-soaked terraces beneath the surrounding mountains.

With its mix of dramatic river scenery, rich heritage and flowing riding, the Kawarau Gorge Trail is both rewarding and accessible. Whether you're pausing to admire the spectacular gorge views, crossing one of the trail's impressive suspension bridges or enjoying a stop at a local winery or café, every kilometre offers something memorable.

As one of Central Otago’s newest cycling experiences, the Kawarau Gorge Trail provides an incredible blend of adventure, history and scenery, making it a must-ride addition to any Central Otago cycling itinerary.

Itinerary

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Meet us at our depot in the Gibbston Valley this morning for your Kawarau Gorge ride. Starting in the heart of Gibbston Valley, this spectacular ride follows the Kawarau Gorge Trail through one of Central Otago’s most dramatic landscapes. Pedal alongside the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River, passing renowned vineyards, historic gold mining sites and rugged schist cliffs as the trail winds through the gorge. Featuring impressive suspension bridges, elevated boardwalks and breathtaking bluff-top sections, this 35km journey offers a rewarding mix of adventure and scenery. As part of the newest link connecting the Queenstown and Central Otago trail networks, the route delivers an unforgettable cycling experience before finishing at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell, surrounded by vineyards, mountain views and the relaxed atmosphere of Central Otago wine country.

Meals:  Nil

Inclusions

What's included

  • Dual Suspension E-Bike hire including helmet, repair kit and odometer (standard bikes available)
  • Detailed trip itinerary and map

  • Optional activities and upgrades
  • Meals
  • Accommodation (we can add this on for you)
  • Transfers to start of trail (unless selected as part of your package)
  • Transfer from trail end to Queenstown/Clyde or elsewhere. Can be added for additional charge.

Bike information

Standard Trail Bike

Our trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension and a gel seat for maximum comfort. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Low Step Trail Bike

Our low-step trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension, swept back handlebars and a gel seat for maximum comfort, and a low-step frame to make getting on and off easy. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Mountain Bike

Traditional mountain bikes are the bike of choice for more challenging terrain, or for those riders who prefer a more ‘aggressive’ riding position. Our mountain bikes feature 29” or 27.5” wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and front suspension.

Electric Bike

E-bikes have made cycle touring possible and pleasurable for a wide range of people. They are simple to operate, and eliminate much of the cycling strain from legs and knees. Our European-designed E-bikes are built with comfort and ease of operation in mind, and feature unisex frames, 29” wheels, front suspension and proven Bosch electronics.

Other bike options

Tandem mountain bike: A mountain bike built for two. Twice the fun? How good is your relationship?

Recumbent tandem: Another bicycle built for two, but in this case the front rider sits in a comfortable reclined seat and has the option to participate in the pedaling, but does not have to.

Childrens’ bikes: Small bikes, with 20” wheels (single speed) or 24” wheels (seven gears, twist shift).

Tow bike – A ‘third wheel’ trailer fitted with handlebars, pedals and seat for a small child.

Child’s trailer – A covered two-wheeled trailer, designed for 1-2 smaller children.

Child’s seat – Fitted in place of a carrier on one of our trail bikes.

Accommodation

Superior Level

Accommodation where location is everything, all the home comforts and more for you as part of your trip to indulge at the end of your day. Professional hospitality and local knowledge provided at these places.

Add on a night

Add an extra night relaxing by the beach in St Clair, Dunedin and many other options. Additional nights in to can be added onto any package just ask us.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate  
4

The Kawarau Gorge Trail has some difficult sections and is for experienced cyclists. Be prepared for sections with high bluffs, bridges and drop offs. The terrain is undulating with 'clip-on' boardwalks. Suitable for confident riders. Mix of introductory and moderate sections that include some narrow, hilly and remote sections with some tight turns. If you are not a regular cyclist or are worried about these features, we recommend practicing riding on similar features at home before your trip. The more training you have done on compacted gravel ad undulating hills the more enjoyable your trip will be. Confidence and previous experience on an e-bike is highly recommended.

Departure dates

Daily departures from 01 October.

Notes

Note:
Prices are based on minimum transfer numbers being met on the return shuttle.  Surcharges may apply if minimum numbers have not been reached.
Note:
Our winter shuttle (5th April to end of September 2026) requires a 9.00am check in at our Clyde depot.  Our summer timetable requires an 8.00am check in.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Trail Journeys.

Priceper person from

$245NZD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person and also from

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

First On The Trail

Trail Journeys is the largest and longest serving bike hire business on the Otago Central Rail Trail. We have helped more cyclists explore our region since the trail opened in 2000 than any other company.

EXPERT LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about the Central Otago Region and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for your needs.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. With regular bag, passenger and bike transport services, expert cycle mechanics and experienced consultants, enjoy a stress free cycling trip with Trail Journeys.

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