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Queenstown, New Zealand, might sit on the quiet shores of Lake Wakatipu, but it is known to be the country’s adventure capital. Queenstown offers a range of adrenaline-pumping activities, from jet boating to canyoneering, making it the perfect destination for those who want to inject some excitement into their New Zealand trip.
One of the most popular ways to experience the area’s wild and rugged beauty is by going on a biking adventure. This resort town has several tracks and trails that not only challenge your riding skills but also give you a unique opportunity to soak in the gorgeous alpine scenery that surrounds Lake Wakatipu. If you’re itching to explore a bike track Queenstown locals swear by, here are the top trails you can try.
Frankton Track
The Frankton Track offers a scenic lakeside ride that’s perfect for easing into the region’s vibrant cycling scene. Hugging the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, this relatively flat trail is well-suited for casual riders and families, providing a smooth introduction to the area’s natural charm. As you pedal along the crushed gravel path, you’ll pass tranquil picnic spots, cheerful cafes, and uninterrupted views of The Remarkables mountain range. While the terrain itself is forgiving, the sensory experience is anything but dull—especially at golden hour, when the lake catches the evening light.
Lake Hayes Loop Track
If you’re after a trail that blends peaceful scenery with the right amount of challenge, the Lake Hayes Loop Track is a must. This circular route encircles the picturesque Lake Hayes, a lake that’s well-known for its mirror-like reflections on calm days. Compared to the Frankton Track, the Lake Hayes Loop presents a more varied ride that features gentle inclines, tight corners, and brief stretches of uneven terrain. These subtle shifts on the track keep things engaging without being too technical.
Apart from the satisfying ride itself, you’re also treated to panoramic views of surrounding peaks, farmland, and native flora. What’s more, the loop changes character with the seasons, making it a year-round favourite among locals and visitors alike.
The Shotover Gorge Trail
For those craving a deeper sense of adventure, the Shotover Gorge Trail—one of the newest bike trails—delivers a thrilling ride through one of Queenstown’s most dramatic landscapes. Winding its way above the roaring Shotover River, the trail offers riders a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Once a hub for gold mining, the area still bears the traces of its rugged past, with old tracks and the echoing trail through the Hugo Tunnel lending the ride a sense of timelessness.
The terrain is more demanding here, with steeper sections, narrow passes, and loose gravel underfoot. As such, this trail is better suited to experienced riders or those looking to push their limits. While the route requires a higher level of focus and control, the payoff is immense. Throughout the ride, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the gorge, where sheer cliffs and rushing water create a raw, untamed atmosphere few other tracks in the region can match.
Twin Rivers Trail
Linking the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, the Twin Rivers Trail offers a varied ride through some of Queenstown’s most dynamic terrain. The track moves between open farmland, pine forest, and riverbank, with long stretches that give a real sense of progression. You can expect a mix of gravel paths, short climbs, and flowing descents—enough to stay engaged without becoming overly technical.
Suspension bridges are a feature of this trail, which offers not only river crossings but also wide views of the valleys below. Because of the constant shift in surroundings and trail conditions, the route feels active and continually evolving, which is ideal for those who enjoy variety in their ride. While it requires a moderate level of fitness, the trail’s design makes it manageable for most riders with a bit of experience.
Moke Lake Loop Track
Tucked in a quiet alpine basin just a short drive from Queenstown, the Moke Lake Loop Track offers a tranquil alternative to the region’s more high-energy rides. The loop follows a well-formed gravel path that gently traces the lake’s shoreline, making it suitable for most riders. Though not technically demanding, the trail delivers a different kind of reward: an uninterrupted ride through a remote and visually striking setting. Whether you’re cycling at a leisurely pace or pausing along the way to take in the views, Moke Lake offers a moment of quiet beauty, one that lingers long after the ride is over.
Queenstown Trail Network
Spanning more than 130 kilometres, the Queenstown Trail Network offers riders the opportunity to explore a wide stretch of Central Otago without ever leaving the saddle. Linking Queenstown, Arrowtown, and the Gibbston Valley, the network threads through a mix of lakefront, vineyard, and river corridors, connecting several of the region’s standout trails into one continuous system.
What makes this trail network a popular option is its practicality. Entry points are easy to access, the signage is clear, and the surfaces, which are mostly compacted gravel, are suited for a range of fitness levels. You can complete short sections in under an hour or spend a full day moving between townships, wineries, and remote backroads, giving you the freedom to shape your ride to match your preferences.
From lakeside loops to riverside climbs and challenging terrains, Queenstown’s bike tracks offer a way to experience the town’s varied geography up close. Each route delivers a distinct journey that lets you take in the region’s natural beauty while also discovering its changing character at every turn. Whether you ride for the scenery, the solitude, or simply the joy of it, exploring these paths will definitely leave you with a clear and lasting impression of Queenstown.