7 Day Queenstown & Central Otago Cycling Tour 

Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital and collect your Compact SUV rental car on arrival.

Once settled in, take some time to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Stroll along the vibrant lakefront and enjoy the views across Lake Wakatipu to the surrounding mountains, browse the boutique shops and cafés in the town centre, or wander through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens. This is a lovely opportunity to relax after your journey and soak up the atmosphere of New Zealand’s adventure capital.

For your first evening, you may like to add an optional experience. Head up to Skyline Queenstown and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner overlooking Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, take a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a memorable Gourmet BBQ Dinner experience, with a relaxed evening of great food and beautiful scenery.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables mountain range. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

Today, take an Around the Basin self-guided full-day cycling tour from the historic town of Arrowtown to Queenstown. Transport and bikes are provided, allowing you to begin your ride in Arrowtown and follow a series of scenic river and lakeside trails at your own pace. The well-maintained route passes historic bridges and offers stunning views across the Wakatipu Basin before finishing in Queenstown.

If you’d prefer a guided adventure, speak with your consultant about adding one of our suggested optional tours.

The drive from Queenstown to Wānaka is a beautiful journey through the Southern Alps, offering stunning views of rugged mountains, open valleys and picturesque landscapes along the way. The road winds through the Crown Range and past Cardrona before descending into Wānaka, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself

On arrival in Wanaka, take an EBT Easy Bike Tour with Discover Wanaka. This tour is a fantastic way for all fitness levels to enjoy Wanaka’s stunning scenery. Your guide will lead you on a gentle ride along the lake’s edge and through the surrounding countryside. The tour is on easy trails, and the e-bikes provide a power assist, making the ride effortless and fun, with plenty of stops for photos and to take in the breathtaking views.

WANAKA – faces north across Lake Wanaka, to views of the surrounding mountains, which are often reflected on the Lake’s surface on calm days. Poplars and willows grow around the Lake’s edge, affording a colourful show during autumn. Wanaka is best known for boating, fishing and skiing at the Cardrona and Treble Cone ski-fields.

Today, you’ll take the Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka Trail Ride with Wānaka Bike Tours. The day begins with a shuttle from downtown Wānaka to the neighbouring lakeside town of Hāwea. Grab a coffee before setting out along the Hāwea River Track, an easy riverside ride surrounded by mountainous scenery. Continue through Albert Town and along the mighty Clutha River towards Lake Wānaka, before following the picturesque lakeside trail back to Wānaka township. The 2.5–3.5-hour self-guided ride can also be upgraded to an electric bike if you prefer a little extra assistance.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Wānaka, with time to relax and explore at your own pace. For those looking to experience the region’s renowned wine culture, we suggest an optional boutique wine tour with Wānaka Wine tours offering the opportunity to discover local vineyards and sample some of the area’s wines.

Depart Wānaka early and travel towards Clyde, journeying through the scenic Central Otago landscape. The route takes you past dramatic mountains, open valleys and the shores of Lake Dunstan before continuing through Cromwell and Alexandra to the historic town of Clyde.

Take the Lake Dunstan Trail – One Day Wonder – Bike it Now! This is a fantastic cycling adventure for a day trip. Starting with a briefing and bike fitting, you’ll be transported to the beginning of the trail to begin your ride. The trail offers a journey through unique landscapes, including the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers, with breathtaking views, cantilevered boardwalks, and a chance to visit local wineries and cafes along the way.

CLYDE – is a charming historic town in Central Otago, known for its beautiful landscapes, gold-mining heritage and relaxed country atmosphere. Set along the Clutha River and surrounded by mountains, Clyde is a popular base for exploring the Otago Rail Trail and a network of scenic biking trails, enjoying local food and wine, and discovering the region’s history. With its heritage buildings, sunny climate and stunning cycling routes, Clyde offers a peaceful taste of Central Otago’s distinctive character.

For those wanting one more day of cycling, we suggest our optional Roxburgh Gorge One Day Wonder tour. Ride the River Track towards Alexandra before continuing into the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge.

Alternatively, return to Queenstown and settle into your accommodation at Kinross Cottages in the heart of the Gibbston Valley wine region. You could spend your final afternoon cycling between the neighbouring vineyards or simply relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Depending on your flight departure time, enjoy some final time exploring Arrowtown or Queenstown. Browse Arrowtown’s historic streets, enjoy a leisurely coffee or lunch, or simply soak up Queenstown’s spectacular scenery. Then return your rental car to Queenstown Airport and, sadly, bid farewell to the South Island, taking with you wonderful memories of an unforgettable cycling adventure.