Twin Rivers & Countryside Loop – Arrowtown

Ride Specs

• Distance: Approximately 35km loop.
• Trail grade: Grade 2–3 – Easy to Intermediate.
• Terrain: Mostly gravel trails, with suspension bridges, rolling hills and some steeper climbs and descents.
• Time to allow: A relaxed 4–6 hours, including photo stops and a picnic or lunch break.
• Ride style: Self-guided e-bike adventure, with a route briefing and local recommendations from our team.
• Start and finish: Better By Bike, Dudley’s Cottage, Arrowtown.
• Suitable for: Confident riders comfortable riding on gravel trails, with hills and winding sections.

Your adventure begins at Better By Bike, Dudley’s Cottage, Arrowtown, right beside the Southern Lakes 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.

If you’re keen to spend more time riding and less time stopping for food and wine, this is a fantastic choice. With varied trails, beautiful scenery and plenty of ground to explore, this loop is all about enjoying the ride.

along the Arrow river

Leaving historic Arrowtown, you’ll follow the Arrow River Bridges Trail downstream, enjoying riverside scenery and suspension bridges before joining the Twin Rivers Trail at Morven Ferry Road.

The Twin Rivers Trail

From here, your adventure continues towards the Kawarau River, following the Twin Rivers Trail through some of the quieter parts of the Whakatipu Basin.

The landscape becomes more dramatic, with rugged hillsides, sweeping river views and mountains rising around you.

You’ll follow the Kawarau River before heading upstream alongside the Shotover River, enjoying a changing mix of riverside scenery, open countryside and rolling trails.

There are a few climbs along the way, where the extra assistance of your e-bike comes into its own. Take your time on the steeper sections and stop whenever you fancy a breather or a photo.

The Historic Shotover Bridge

One of the highlights of this ride is reaching the historic Old Lower Shotover Bridge.

With views across the wide, braided Shotover River and surrounding mountains, it’s a fantastic place to pause and take in the scenery.

From here, you’ll join the Countryside Trail for the next part of your adventure back towards Arrowtown.

The Countryside Trail

Leaving the river behind, the Countryside Trail takes you through peaceful farmland and the rolling landscapes of the Whakatipu Basin.Leaving the river behind, the Countryside Trail takes you through peaceful farmland and the rolling landscapes of the Whakatipu Basin.

The trail winds around Slopehill, with beautiful views across the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. A mix of climbs, descents and winding sections keeps the ride interesting as you make your way towards Arrowtown.

Your journey continues through the landscaped grounds of Millbrook Resort, offering another beautiful change of scenery before the final stretch into town.

explore at your own pace

This is your adventure, so there’s no need to rush. Stop for photos, pack a picnic and take time to enjoy the different landscapes along the way.

Our Better By Bike team will talk you through places to stop and help you plan the day to suit your interests and riding confidence.

finishing your adventure

Your loop brings you back to Better By Bike at Dudley’s Cottage, right where your adventure began.

After returning your bike, take some time to explore Arrowtown’s historic streets or settle into one of the local cafés or restaurants for a well-earned bite to eat.

From riverside trails and historic bridges to rolling countryside and mountain views, this is a rewarding day out with something new around every corner.

Better By Bike – Your Best Day Ever!