Queenstown Trails Trust
Tiaki Promise
About the Kawarau Gorge Trail
The Kawarau Gorge trail is a cycling and walking track that follows the Kawarau River through one of the most dramatic gorge landscapes in the South Island. Carved through ancient schist rock over millennia, the gorge features towering cliff faces, deep ravines, and a river that glows an almost unnatural shade of luminous green — a colour that comes from glacial flour suspended in the water from its source at Lake Wakatipu.
The trail runs east from the Kawarau Bridge (the same bridge where AJ Hackett launched commercial bungy jumping in 1988) through to the Gibbston Valley wine region. It forms part of the Queenstown Trail network, a purpose-built cycling infrastructure that's become one of New Zealand's premier recreational riding experiences. The surface is a mix of sealed paths and well-compacted gravel, suitable for all bike types including e-bikes.
For most riders, the Kawarau Gorge section is the scenic highlight of the Gibbston Valley winery ride. The trail threads along cliff edges, passes through gold-rush-era landscapes, and crosses multiple suspension bridges that offer heart-stopping views straight down into the gorge below. It's wild, beautiful terrain — the kind of riding that makes you stop every few minutes to take another photo.
The Arrow River Bridges Trail
The Arrow River Bridges trail is the most thrilling section of the wider Kawarau Gorge cycling route. This stretch features five suspension bridges that cross the Arrow River and its tributary gorges, each offering increasingly dramatic views of the landscape below. The bridges are purpose-built for cyclists and walkers, with wooden decking and wire-rope handrails that bounce gently as you cross.
The star of the sequence is the Edgar Bridge, which spans the Arrow River gorge at a height of roughly 80 metres. Riding across it is genuinely exhilarating — the gorge drops away steeply beneath you, the Arrow River glints far below, and the surrounding landscape of schist tors and tussock stretches to the mountains on every side. It's one of those moments that reminds you why you came to Queenstown.
The bridges are spaced along the trail between the Arrowtown end and the Kawarau River junction, making them a natural feature of any ride through the area. Each crossing takes just a minute or two, but you'll want to pause in the middle for photos — the vantage points are extraordinary.
A Brief History of the Arrow River
The Arrow River is steeped in gold-rush history. In 1862, prospector William Fox discovered gold in the river, triggering a rush that brought thousands of miners to the area. At its peak, the small settlement of Arrowtown had over 7,000 residents. Today, remnants of that era are still visible along the trail — stone ruins, old sluicing channels, and the beautifully preserved Chinese miners' settlement near Arrowtown.
Riding through this landscape adds a layer of historical depth to what's already a visually spectacular experience. The trail passes through terrain that hasn't changed much since the gold-rush days — the same schist cliffs, the same clear river, the same tussock-covered hills. It's a connection to Central Otago's past that feels immediate and real.
Riding Through the Gorge to Wine Country
The Kawarau Gorge trail connects naturally with the Gibbston Valley wine trail, making it possible to combine world-class gorge scenery with a winery tour in a single ride. This is exactly what the Whizzy Gibbston Valley Winery Ride offers — a shuttle to the top of the trail, then a ride through the gorge and bridges before arriving at the first cellar doors.
The experience unfolds beautifully. You start with the dramatic gorge and bridge crossings, riding through some of the most spectacular scenery Queenstown has to offer. The adrenaline and visual intensity of the gorge gives way gradually to the gentler, vine-covered landscape of Gibbston Valley. By the time you reach the first winery, you've earned your tasting — and you've got a head full of incredible scenery to talk about over a glass of Pinot Noir.
The riding itself is straightforward. The trail is well-signposted, the surfaces are maintained year-round, and on an e-bike, even the few uphill sections are effortless. You don't need to be a cyclist to enjoy this — you just need to appreciate big scenery and good wine.
Key Landmarks Along the Route
Kawarau Bridge: The historic suspension bridge where bungy jumping was born. The trail passes directly beneath it, and you can watch jumpers plummet towards the river from your bike.
The Kawarau River: Your constant companion through the gorge. The luminous green colour is mesmerising, and the river's power is evident in the carved rock formations along its banks.
Edgar Bridge: The highest and most dramatic of the suspension bridges, spanning the Arrow River gorge at roughly 80 metres. Not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely for the photo album.
Gibbston Valley Winery: The trail deposits you directly at the doorstep of Gibbston Valley Winery, home to New Zealand's largest wine cave. A fitting reward after the gorge.
Trail Conditions and What to Bring
The Kawarau Gorge trail is well-maintained and rideable year-round, though conditions vary by season. In summer (December to March), the trail is dry, warm, and at its most accessible. Autumn (April to May) brings cooler temperatures but also spectacular golden colours from the willows and vines that line the route. Winter (June to August) can be cold with occasional frost, but the gorge has a stark, dramatic beauty in the low light. Spring (September to November) sees wildflowers and warming temperatures.
Surface: A mix of sealed paths and well-compacted gravel. Suitable for all bike types including e-bikes. Some short sections can be loose gravel after heavy rain, but nothing technical.
Distance: The gorge section from the Kawarau Bridge to Gibbston Valley is approximately 12 kilometres, taking one to two hours depending on how many photo stops you make.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trail is predominantly flat to gently rolling, with a few short climbs that an e-bike handles easily. No cycling experience required.
What to Wear and Pack
Dress in layers. The gorge can be noticeably cooler than Queenstown due to the shade from the cliffs, especially in the morning. A light wind jacket is worth having even on a warm day. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential — when you emerge from the gorge sections, the Central Otago sun is intense.
Bring water (at least one bottle), your phone for photos, and a small pack or use the pannier bag we provide with every Whizzy e-bike. If you're continuing to the wineries, bring cash or a card for tasting fees and any bottles you want to purchase.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The trail surface is generally smooth, but you'll be hopping on and off the bike at viewpoints and bridges, and proper footwear makes that more comfortable and safe.
The Kawarau Gorge trail is one of those rides that delivers far more than you expect. You come for the wineries and discover a gorge that takes your breath away. Or you come for the bridges and find yourself lingering at a cellar door. Either way, it's an unforgettable day on the bike.