Shotover Gorge Trail – Arrowtown Loop Adventure

Ride Specs

• Distance: Approximately 40–45 km for the full loop, depending on the route taken.
• Trail grade: Grade 3 – Intermediate, with an optional Grade 4 – Advanced section through the Hugo Tunnel for experienced riders only.
• Terrain: Mostly gravel trails, with narrow sections, steep switchbacks, exposed edges and spectacular suspension bridges.
• Time to allow: A full day, including photo stops, sightseeing and lunch.
• Start: Better By Bike, Dudley’s Cottage, Arrowtown.
• Finish: Better By Bike, Arrowtown, returning via the Wharehuanui Trail or taking an optional shuttle from Arthur’s Point.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, where our friendly team will fit you with your e-bike, explain the route, show you how to use your bike and cover everything you need to know for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Leaving Historic Arrowtown

Leaving Arrowtown, you’ll make your way through the beautiful countryside of the Wakatipu Basin, surrounded by spectacular mountain views, rolling farmland and grazing animals.

As you approach the Shotover River, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with rugged mountains and beautiful river valleys setting the scene for the adventure ahead.

The Kimi-ākau Suspension Bridge

One of the first major highlights of the Shotover Gorge Trail is crossing the impressive 90-metre Kimi-ākau suspension bridge, high above the Shotover River.

With incredible views looking into the gorge and the possibility of seeing jet boats speeding along the river below, this is definitely a spot to stop and capture some fantastic photos.

The Spectacular Shotover Gorge

After crossing the bridge, the adventure continues into the spectacular Shotover Gorge.

The trail winds through beautiful forest, with steep switchbacks and dramatic viewpoints overlooking the river far below.

Along the way, you’ll have the option to explore the historic 108-metre Hugo Tunnel, an incredible reminder of the area’s gold-mining past.

Important – Optional Grade 4 Section

The Hugo Tunnel section is Grade 4 – Advanced and is not part of our recommended ride for most cyclists. This section is suitable only for experienced, confident riders comfortable with steep, narrow and technically challenging terrain.

Due to the difficult access, if you experience a mechanical problem or other issue in this section, you may need to push your bike back out without assistance. Our team will explain this optional section during your ride briefing so you can make an informed decision.

For most riders, we recommend sticking to the Grade 3 route and enjoying the spectacular gorge scenery without taking on the additional challenge.

Tucker Beach and Arthur’s Point

After exploring the gorge, continue towards Tucker Beach, where the dramatic landscape opens into beautiful riverside scenery.

From here, make your way to Arthur’s Point, where you’ll find some fantastic places to enjoy a well-earned lunch and refreshments.

Choose from Gantley’s, Rakau, The General or Cargo Brewery down beside Shotover Jet. Each offers something a little different, and our Better By Bike team can help you find the perfect spot to suit your plans.

Returning to Arrowtown

After enjoying Arthur’s Point, the choice is yours.

If you loved the ride so much and just want to keep going, follow the beautiful Wharehuanui Trail back to Arrowtown.

Riding beneath Coronet Peak, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the Wakatipu Basin towards the Remarkables, passing through peaceful countryside and the beautiful Millbrook Resort before arriving back at our shop.

Alternatively, you can opt for our convenient return shuttle service from Arthur’s Point, allowing you to relax after an incredible day on the trails.

From spectacular suspension bridges and dramatic river gorges to incredible mountain views and fantastic food and refreshments, this is a truly memorable Queenstown e-bike 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!