Your Perfect Queenstown Trail Guide 🚴♀️
Not sure which Queenstown trail suits your style? Whether you’re a first-time rider or an adrenaline-hunting legend, our Trail Difficulty Guide helps you pick the perfect ride.
Explore Queenstown your way. Whether you're after a breezy vineyard cruise or a high-adrenaline mountain mission, our Trail Guide makes it easy to choose the ride that fits your style.
⭐ What Do the Stars Mean?
Our system uses a simple 1–5 star rating to show the challenge level:
Stars | Difficulty | Who It’s For
⭐☆☆☆☆
Very Easy
Newbies, families, and relaxed cruisers
⭐⭐☆☆☆
Easy
Casual riders and groups looking for a fun day out
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Moderate
Riders with some experience, up for a bit of a challenge
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Hard
Fit riders are ready for varied terrain
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Advanced – confident riders only
Experienced riders who want a physical and technical ride
🎯 How to Pick Your Trail
When booking, look for the ★ rating next to each trail option. It’s your quick-read on how gnarly (or chill) the ride will be. Not sure what suits you? Our team is happy to guide you based on your experience and energy levels.
⭐ Very Easy Trail
Frankton Track (1★)
This lakeside trail is flat, scenic, and perfect for beginners or families. Cruise along the water's edge with zero technical sections, plenty of photo stops, and café options nearby. Ideal for first-timers or a chilled afternoon ride.
⭐⭐ Easy Trail
Valley of the Vines (2★)
This relaxed ride follows the Kawarau River through Gibbston’s wine country. Smooth gravel paths, a few gentle climbs (e-bike friendly), and winery stops like Kinross, Mt Rosa, and The Church. Perfect for cruisers, first-timers, and anyone chasing wine with a view.
⭐⭐⭐ Moderate Trail
Shotover River Trail (via Tucker Beach) (3★)
A scenic but more varied ride with a mix of wide gravel paths, short climbs, and fast descents. Ride past the Shotover River, cross bridges, and pass Gantley’s Brewery. Best for confident riders keen for a bit more pace and terrain variation — still totally manageable on an e-bike.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hard Trail
Coronet Face Trail (via Bush Creek or Sawpit Gully) (4★)
A big step up in elevation and terrain. Expect tight switchbacks, steeper climbs, and rocky sections with epic alpine views. This one’s for fit riders who want a proper workout and don’t mind a bit of grunt. E-bikes recommended — but you’ll still earn the views.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced Trail
Coronet Loop Track (5★)
This is for confident riders only. The Coronet Loop includes steep climbs, rocky descents, and exposed alpine terrain. You’ll need solid bike handling skills and a good fitness base. The reward? Epic views and a full-send adventure.
🌿 What You’ll See on the Trails
⭐ 1–2 (Very Easy / Easy) – Scenic Cruisers
Perfect for wine rides, relaxed family outings, and e-bike first-timers.
- Lake Wakatipu: Calm waters with Remarkables views
- Kawarau River: Crystal-clear blue waters and picnic spots
- Vineyards: Gibbston Valley, Mt Rosa, Kinross & more
- Suspension bridges: Cross the iconic Kawarau Bungy Bridge
- Wildlife: Fantails, tui birds, and maybe a cheeky sheep or two
- Historic Arrowtown: Cobbled streets, gold mining relics
⭐3-4 (Moderate to Hard) – Explorers’ Choice
Ideal for riders who want to go further or pick up the pace.
- Shotover River Gorge: Dramatic cliffs and turquoise rapids
- Wooded trails: Wind through shady pine forests and native bush
- Panoramic lookout points: Catch your breath and snap the view
- Hidden cafes and breweries: Like Altitude Brewery or Gantley’s
- Tunnel sections: e.g. Hugo Tunnel on Shotover River Trail
⭐ 5 (Advanced) – Full-Send Adventurers
For skilled riders chasing challenge and elevation.
- Alpine ridgelines: Views from Coronet Peak and Skippers Saddle
- Rocky switchbacks: Fast descents and hairpin corners
- Backcountry trails: Remote sections with no traffic or crowds
- Sheep stations & farm gates: True Otago rural vibes
- Seasonal snow: Sometimes still lingering on higher routes
Still Deciding?
Come chat with us at the Going Blue HQ (yes, there’s free parking all day). Or drop us a message with your height, fitness level, and how much adventure you’re after — we’ll match you to the perfect route.
Ride your way. Ride Going Blue.
