Arrowtown River Bridges Trail – Gibbston Winery Ride

Ride Specs

• Distance: Approximately 20–25km one way, depending on your winery stops and finishing point.

• Trail grade: Grade 2 – Easy.
• Terrain: Mostly gravel trails, with gentle climbs, winding sections and suspension bridges.
• Time to allow: A relaxed full day, including photo stops, wine tastings and lunch.
• Start: Better By Bike, Dudley’s Cottage, Arrowtown.
• Finish: Gibbston, with an optional return shuttle, or ride back to Arrowtown for approximately 40–46km in total.

Your adventure begins at Better By Bike, Dudley’s Cottage, Arrowtown, right beside the Queenstown Trail network.

After getting fitted with your e-bike, our friendly team will talk you through the ride details, show you how to use your e-bike and cover everything you need to know to enjoy a safe and fun day on the trails.

The Arrow river bridge trail

Leaving historic Arrowtown, you’ll follow the stunning Arrow River Bridges Trail, winding through beautiful forest and alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Arrow River.

Keep your eyes peeled for animals along the way! There’s plenty for the kids to spot, making this a fantastic adventure for the whole family.

Feeling adventurous? You can even hire a gold pan and try your luck finding a little Arrowtown gold along the way!

The trail takes you through peaceful, shaded forest before opening up to spectacular mountain views and wide Central Otago landscapes.

One of the real highlights is crossing two impressive suspension bridges, offering fantastic views high above the river. There are plenty of beautiful spots to stop, take photos and soak up the scenery.

where two rivers meet

As you continue downstream, the crystal-clear Arrow River eventually meets the mighty Kawarau River, creating another spectacular change in scenery.

From here, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with rugged mountains, rocky gorges and sweeping views across the valley.

into gibbston valley

Your journey continues past the historic Kawarau Bungy Bridge and onto the beautiful Gibbston River Wine Trail.

Following the Kawarau River, you’ll cycle alongside vineyards, mountains and spectacular countryside as you make your way into one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions.

Gibbston Valley is famous for its award-winning wines, particularly Pinot Noir, and offers some fantastic places to stop, relax and enjoy the local hospitality.

Wine, Food and Good Times

One of the best things about this adventure is discovering the different wineries and experiences along the way.

Each winery has its own unique character, offering something a little different. From relaxed outdoor settings and beautiful vineyard views to incredible food, wine tastings and refreshing drinks, there’s something to suit everyone.

Whether you’re keen to sample some of Central Otago’s finest wines, settle in for a delicious long lunch or simply enjoy a refreshing drink surrounded by stunning scenery, Gibbston Valley is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

Our Better By Bike team knows the area well and will help you choose the best winery or destination to suit your interests, tastes and plans for the day.

explore at your own pace

This is your adventure, so there’s no need to rush. Stop for photos, explore the surroundings and take as much time as you like enjoying the beautiful scenery and fantastic hospitality along the way.

finishing your adventure

Once you’ve finished exploring Gibbston Valley, the choice is yours.

If you loved the ride so much and just want to keep going, you can jump back on your e-bike and enjoy the scenic ride back to Arrowtown.

Alternatively, you can opt for our convenient return shuttle service, allowing you to relax and enjoy your afternoon knowing we’ll take care of getting you and your bike back to Arrowtown.

From peaceful forest trails and crystal-clear rivers to suspension bridges, spectacular mountain scenery, award-winning wineries and incredible food, this is a day out you’ll remember long after the ride is over.

Better By Bike – Your Best Day Ever!