Your Complete Guide to Exploring Queenstown by Bike or on Foot
There’s something wonderfully liberating about exploring Queenstown at your own pace, whether on two wheels or on foot.
While the town’s reputation as New Zealand’s adventure capital often conjures images of bungy jumps and jet boats, some of the most rewarding experiences happen more gently, pedalling or walking through landscapes that shift from lakeside serenity to alpine grandeur with every turn.
The Queenstown Trail network offers precisely this kind of journey. Spanning over 150 kilometres of purpose-built, off-road trails, it’s one of New Zealand’s 22 Great Rides and arguably one of the most scenic experiences you’ll find anywhere in the country.
Whether you’re staying with us at The Glebe or planning your Queenstown adventure, the trail network offers an exceptional way to immerse yourself in the region’s beauty by bike, covering more ground, or on foot for a more intimate connection with the landscape.
Why the Queenstown Trail Network is Something Special
Unlike many routes that simply follow roads or converted railway lines, the Queenstown Trails was thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best of the region. The network connects Queenstown, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, and the renowned Gibbston Valley, weaving through landscapes that capture everything that makes this corner of Central Otago so compelling.
Picture this: you’re cycling or strolling alongside the crystal waters of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables rising dramatically in the distance. Within an hour (or perhaps a leisurely morning on foot), you might find yourself crossing suspension bridges over the Arrow River, passing through historic gold-mining sites, or meandering between world-class vineyards with a glass of Pinot Noir calling your name. The trails take you to places you simply can’t reach by car, revealing a different side of Queenstown that many visitors never discover.
The beauty of this network lies in its versatility.
Families can enjoy gentle lakeside paths perfect for young riders or pushchairs, while experienced cyclists can challenge themselves on longer circuits or venture onto more technical trails like the Coronet Loop.
Walkers can tackle shorter sections at a contemplative pace, stopping to photograph wildflowers or simply absorb the view. The trails are predominantly grade 2-3, meaning they’re accessible to most fitness levels while still offering enough variety to keep things interesting.
Planning Your Trail Adventure
One of the most appealing aspects of the Queenstown Trail network is how easy it is to tailor your experience. You can spend a leisurely hour riding from The Glebe along the Frankton waterfront, or commit to a full four-day journey exploring every corner of the network.
Half-Day Adventures
For those wanting a taste of the trails without committing an entire day, several shorter routes offer plenty of reward. The Lake Hayes Loop is a perennial favourite, circling the serene waters of Lake Hayes with The Remarkables providing a stunning backdrop. At just over 8 kilometres, it’s perfect for a morning ride or a leisurely two-hour walk, followed by brunch at one of the nearby cafés.
The Frankton Trail offers another excellent half-day option, following the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu from Frankton Marina to Queenstown Bay. The flat, well-maintained path makes it ideal for families, casual cyclists, and walkers of all ages, and the views across the lake towards Walter Peak and Cecil Peak are simply magnificent. Many visitors enjoy walking one direction and catching the local bus back, or cycling out and walking back for a change of pace.
Full-Day Journeys
With a full day at your disposal, the Queenstown Trail network truly comes into its own. The Arrow River Bridges Ride takes you from Queenstown to Arrowtown via a series of impressive bridges, including the historic Lower Shotover Bridge and the elegant suspension bridges built specifically for the trail. The ride showcases the region’s gold-mining heritage while delivering stunning gorge scenery. Walkers often tackle sections of this route, particularly around Arrowtown where the historic atmosphere rewards a slower pace.
For wine enthusiasts, the Gibbston River Trail is nothing short of perfection. This 9-kilometre stretch meanders through Central Otago’s premier wine region, passing celebrated wineries like Peregrine, Gibbston Valley, and Mt Rosa.
The beauty of travelling by bike is the freedom to cover the entire trail, while walkers might focus on a shorter section between two or three wineries.
Either way, you can stop as often as you like, whether for a wine tasting, a leisurely lunch, or simply to admire the vines against the rugged landscape. Many visitors book ahead at their chosen wineries and arrange transport back if they’ve enjoyed the region’s hospitality a little too well.
Practical Considerations for Your Adventure
The Queenstown Trail network benefits from excellent infrastructure that makes planning straightforward, even for first-time visitors, whether you’re cycling or walking.
For Walkers: What to Know
The wide, well-maintained trails are perfect for walking, though covering the entire network on foot would require significant time and fitness.
Most walkers focus on shorter sections. The Lake Hayes Loop, portions of the Frankton Trail, or sections of the Gibbston River Trail make excellent walking routes.
The flat, even surfaces accommodate all fitness levels, and you’ll find the trails rarely crowded on weekday mornings.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are sufficient for most sections, though proper hiking boots provide extra support for longer distances.
Queenstown Bike Hire and Equipment
Quality bike hire is readily available throughout Queenstown, with numerous operators offering everything from traditional bikes to e-bikes.
E-bikes have become increasingly popular on the trails, and for good reason. They allow you to cover more ground without arriving exhausted, making longer rides and hillier sections much more accessible.
Several operators, including Better By Bike and Around The Basin, specialise in trail experiences and can provide detailed route advice alongside top-quality equipment.
Most hire packages include helmets, locks, and puncture repair kits. It’s worth requesting a pannier or backpack for carrying water, snacks, and layers, as the weather in Queenstown can shift quickly.
When to Explore the Queenstown Trails
The Queenstown Trail network is accessible year-round, though each season offers a distinctly different experience.
Summer brings long, warm days perfect for extended rides or all-day walks with wine-trail picnics, though it’s also the busiest period.
Autumn delivers spectacular golden colours, particularly around the poplars lining the trails near Arrowtown, and the weather often remains beautifully settled.
Winter exploration has its own magic, with snow-capped peaks providing a dramatic backdrop, though you’ll want to dress warmly and check trail conditions beforehand.
Spring sees the landscape burst into life, with wildflowers dotting the trails and lambs in the surrounding farmland. A particularly lovely time for walking.
Trail Etiquette
The trails are shared spaces enjoyed by cyclists and walkers alike. A friendly greeting and a gentle bell ring when passing helps everyone feel comfortable.
Stick to marked trails, particularly when crossing private farmland, and always take your rubbish with you.
The trails are meticulously maintained by the Queenstown Trails Trust and local council, and treating them with respect ensures they remain pristine for future visitors.
What to Bring
Even on shorter outings, it’s wise to pack thoughtfully. The essentials include plenty of water, especially on warm days, sunscreen and sunglasses, and layers for changing weather. A small first-aid kit and your phone for emergencies round out the basics. For longer journeys, pack snacks or lunch, though the network’s excellent café and restaurant infrastructure means you’re rarely too far from refreshments. Walkers might appreciate trekking poles for added stability, though the well-graded trails don’t require them.
Hidden Gems Along the Trail
While the major routes deservedly receive plenty of attention, the Queenstown Trail network harbours some lesser-known treasures worth seeking out.
The newly opened Shotover River Trail, completed in 2025, offers a quieter alternative to busier routes. Following the Shotover River from Arthurs Point to Tucker Beach, this 5.5-kilometre trail features dramatic switchbacks and the atmospheric Hugo Tunnel. The sense of being deep in the gorge country is palpable, and you’ll often have stretches of trail entirely to yourself.
For those willing to tackle something more challenging, the Coronet Loop provides a backcountry experience that feels worlds away from the gentle lakeside paths. This 50-kilometre mountain bike trail is best suited to experienced riders, but the rewards are significant. Traversing historic water races and offering panoramic views across the basin, it’s a full-day adventure that delivers a genuine sense of achievement.
Making the Most of Your Trail Experience from The Glebe
Staying at The Glebe places you in an ideal position to explore the Queenstown Trail network. The Frankton Trail passes within easy reach, providing direct access to the wider network without needing to navigate traffic. It’s remarkably convenient to wake up in your comfortable suite, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and be on the trail within minutes, whether you’re planning to cycle or walk.
After a day exploring the trails, returning to The Glebe’s spacious apartments and penthouses offers the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventure.
Soak in the view watching the sunset paint The Remarkables pink, or prepare a meal in your gourmet kitchen using produce picked up from Arrowtown or wine purchased along the Gibbston River Trail.
The self-contained nature of our accommodations means you can wind down at your own pace, perhaps planning tomorrow’s route over a glass of that excellent Pinot you collected earlier.
