Queenstown & Central Otago Explorer
Five of the South's great trails in eight days: Queenstown to Lawrence.
Self-guided
8 days, 7 nights
Queenstown to Lawrence, finishing in Queenstown or Dunedin
Grades 2 to 3
Spring to autumn, October to April
From $2,799 per person
The Explorer is the full immersion: eight days out of Queenstown across five of the South's great trails, from the vineyards of the Gibbston through the new Kawarau Gorge Trail, along the Lake Dunstan boardwalks, through the jet-boated Roxburgh Gorge, and then on, where the Highlights turns for home, down the Clutha Gold Trail to Lawrence, the town where Otago's gold rush began. Bags ahead, beds booked, bikes fitted, and at the end the bus to Queenstown or Dunedin, whichever suits your flights.
Day three rides the newly opened Kawarau Gorge Trail end to end. Know it before you come >
Which Queenstown & Central Otago tour suits you?
We ride this region two ways, and the honest difference is where you stop. Both tours ride the same first five days: Queenstown to the Gibbston, the Kawarau Gorge, Lake Dunstan to Clyde, and the Roxburgh Gorge with its jet boat. Then they part. The Highlights transfers you home to Queenstown that final afternoon: four trails, six days, one base to return to. The Explorer rides on: two more days down the Clutha Gold Trail to the gold-rush town of Lawrence, eight days and five trails in all, finishing by bus to Queenstown or Dunedin. If the idea of extending your adventure appeals you are on the right page. If a working week is what you have, the Highlights is your tour >
Day 1: Queenstown. No riding.
Arrive and settle in beside Lake Whakatipu, with the mountains doing what they do. Depending on your landing time: the lakefront stroll, the gondola for the big view, the galleries, or simply a table by the water. Rest well: the riding starts tomorrow.
Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront. Meals: none included today.
Day 2: Queenstown to Gibbston Valley · the Queenstown Trail. 38, 47.5 or 63 km, your choice. Grades 2 & 3.
The tour opens on the celebrated Queenstown Trail network, and today is built to be sized to your legs. The direct line follows the Twin Rivers Trail beside the Kawarau and Shotover rivers through the Wakatipu Basin. Want more? Add historic Arrowtown for lunch on its charming main street, or go the whole way: the newest section of the network, the Shotover Gorge Trail through the Hugo Tunnel, then Arrowtown, then on. All routes converge on the Arrow River Bridges Trail and cross at the Kawarau Bungy Centre, home of the world's first commercial bungy jump: watch, or leap, entirely your call. The day ends among the vines of the Gibbston, where your hosts at Kinross pour a hosted tasting of the valley's wines, with the evening for its celebrated tables.
Stay: Kinross Vineyard Cottages, Gibbston. Meals: breakfast.
Day 3: Gibbston Valley to Cromwell · the Kawarau Gorge Trail. 38 km, Grade 3.
The new one. The Kawarau Gorge Trail threads the gorge past gold-mining relics, stone ruins and dramatic schist cliffs, the turquoise river working below the whole way, before emerging into the orchard-and-vineyard country around Cromwell. It is the hardest day of the tour and the one you will talk about longest: real climbing, real exposure, and history at every second bend. The afternoon is Cromwell's: the heritage precinct, the cafes, and in season the famous stone fruit.
Stay: At Harvest Hotel at The Gate. Meals: breakfast.
Day 4: Cromwell to Clyde · the Lake Dunstan Trail. 39 km, Grades 2 & 3.
The famous one: cantilevered boardwalks bolted to the bluffs, the lake glittering below, the Cairnmuir climb earning the views. After an unforgettable ride through this remarkable landscape, you'll arrive in the charming historic township of Clyde for the evening. Know every section before you ride it >
Olivers Lodge and Stables, or The Lord Clyde, Clyde. Meals: breakfast
Day 5: Clyde to Roxburgh · the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. 35 km riding, plus 13 km by jet boat. Grades 2 & 3.
Breakfast at Olivers, then out through Alexandra and into the Roxburgh Gorge, where the schist walls close in and the Clutha Mata-au turns that improbable glacier blue. Halfway through, the land simply gives up: there is no trail through the heart of the gorge, so a jet boat meets you at the landing and carries you and your bikes 13 kilometres between the canyon walls, past the rock shelters the gold miners left behind, before setting you down to ride the far side into Roxburgh. This is the day the shorter tour turns for home; you, meanwhile, get to pour a drink in Roxburgh knowing the fifth trail starts tomorrow. Dinner tonight is on us.
Stay: The Roxburgh Lodge. Meals: breakfast, dinner.
Day 6: Roxburgh to Beaumont · the Clutha Gold Trail. 55 km, Grade 2.
The fifth trail begins: easy riding down the banks of the Clutha, with Pinders Pond a few kilometres in if a swim appeals, rolling through big country to the outdoor haven of Beaumont.
Stay: Mata-Au Lodge, Beaumont. Meals: breakfast.
Day 7: Beaumont to Lawrence, with Waitahuna Extension. 49km, Grade 2.
Follow the Clutha Gold Trail through rolling farmland and open countryside as you ride from Beaumont to Lawrence, and then on to Waitahuna and back. Following the route of the former railway line, the trail offers gentle gradients, wide valley views, and a relaxed finish to your cycling adventure before returning to Lawrence. If you prefer a shorter day, you can simply finish your ride on arrival in Lawrence after passing through the impressive Big Hill Tunnel and enjoying the final sweeping descent into the town where Otago's gold rush began. Your bikes are collected from your accommodation and returned to our Alexandra depot, leaving the afternoon free to relax, explore the historic township, and enjoy a well-earned celebratory drink.
Stay: Lawrence Townhouse Accommodation, Lawrence. Meals: breakfast.
Day 8: Departure day.
Breakfast at the townhouse, then the InterCity bus to Queenstown or Dunedin, whichever you chose at booking.
Meals: breakfast.
Is this tour right for me?
Honest answer: this is the bigger ask of our two Queenstown tours, and it earns it. The riding suits confident riders comfortable with 35 to 55 kilometre days on Grades 2 to 3, and day three is the genuine article: the Kawarau Gorge Trail's own builders say plainly that anyone who found the Lake Dunstan Trail challenging should think twice, and this tour rides both, back to back, then asks it of you for three more days. Expect climbing, some exposure, and remote stretches no vehicle can reach, so you should be comfortable changing a tyre and making basic adjustments between you. The e-bikes are the honest recommendation rather than a luxury, and the final two days down the Clutha Gold are the gentle reward the first six earn.
More on fitness, confidence and what our trail grades mean >
The bikes
On this tour you ride our Otago partner's fleet for six days, fitted to you in Queenstown before day two: modern comfort hybrids and quality hardtail mountain bikes from Giant, Norco and GT, with lightweight alloy frames, front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, wide-range gearing and comfortable saddles, in 29 and 27.5 inch wheel sizes. A low-bar frame option is available: tell us at booking if that is your preference. Helmets and tools are included, and an e-bike upgrade is available for $300 per person.
What's included
Included:
Seven nights in quality accommodation.
7 breakfasts.
Daily luggage transfers: one bag per person, 15 kilograms maximum, per drop. Additional bags $25 per bag per drop.
Six days of bike hire with helmet and tools. E-bike upgrade available.
The jet boat transfer on the Roxburgh Gorge.
Bike collection from your Lawrence accommodation and return to the Alexandra depot.
The InterCity bus from Lawrence to Queenstown or Dunedin.
Top bag or pannier, trip itinerary, directions and trail map information.
Cycle trail donations and fees.
Not included:
Meals and food not listed in the itinerary.
Drinks and drink bottles, telephone and mini-bar costs.
Personal expenses such as laundry and internet charges.
Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend.
Price: $2,799 per person, twin share, two people minimum. E-bike upgrade $280 per person.
Travelling as an odd-numbered group? Each additional solo rider pays a single supplement of $885.
Deposit: A 10% per person deposit secures your booking. Prices valid until April 2027.
How is this different from the Highlights?
Same first five days, then the fork at Roxburgh: the Highlights transfers home to Queenstown that afternoon, while the Explorer stays the night and rides on, two more days down the Clutha Gold Trail to Lawrence, eight days and five trails in all, finishing by bus to Queenstown or Dunedin.
How hard is this tour, honestly?
This tour is designed for confident riders who are comfortable cycling 35 to 55 kilometres a day on Grade 2 and 3 trails. Day three is the most challenging, with sustained climbing, some steeper descents, and sections where confident bike handling is important.
The e-bikes take much of the effort out of the climbs, but you'll still need to be comfortable riding on gravel trails and managing your bike on descents and around corners. The final two days on the Clutha Gold Trail are more relaxed, providing a gentler finish to the tour.
If you're unsure whether this tour is the right fit, we'd much rather have a conversation beforehand and give you an honest recommendation >
How does the jet boat part work?
The middle of the Roxburgh Gorge currently has no trail. So you ride to the landing, a jet boat carries you and your bike 13 kilometres through the roadless heart of the gorge, and you ride on from the far side. It is included in the tour, it needs no booking on your part, and most guests call it the highlight of the trip. It’s an informative and interesting transport down the river, not a scary thrill ride.
What is the Waitahuna extension on day seven?
An optional extra for legs that want more: instead of stopping at Lawrence after the morning's 20 kilometres, ride on to Waitahuna for lunch and back, 50 kilometres all told. Decide on the day over breakfast: nothing needs arranging ahead.
Can we do it on e-bikes?
Yes, for an upgrade cost, and the climbs shrink accordingly. Say so when you book, since e-bike numbers are limited.
Where does the tour actually end?
The riding ends in Lawrence, where your bikes are collected from your accommodation while you celebrate. The next morning, the included InterCity bus runs you to Queenstown or Dunedin, whichever you chose at booking.
Ready to ride, or questions first?
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Where to next
Queenstown & Central Otago Highlights, self-guided
Otago Triple Treat, self-guided
Kawarau Gorge Trail guide
Lake Dunstan Trail guide
