QUEENSTOWN BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Shotover River Trail: A Self‑Guided Gravel Ride from Gorge Road to Hugo Tunnel
Self‑guided cycling from Going Blue beside the Shotover River with three route choices — including an optional Hugo Tunnel Grade 4 detour or the new Kimiākau Suspension Bridge — plus mapped support and flexible return options.
Shotover River Trail: A Self‑Guided Gravel Ride from Gorge Road to Hugo Tunnel.
Start at Going Blue’s Queenstown shop and follow mostly flat, scenic gravel trails beside the Shotover River, choosing between an easy riverside ride toward Frankton and Queenstown or an optional, technical detour through the historic Hugo Tunnel; the operator supplies bikes, helmets, route maps and local advice so you can ride at your own pace and finish in town or back at the shop.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Queenstown’s most scenic riverside trail
Forest, farmland, cliffs and clear river frontage combine on mostly flat gravel trails that run beside the Shotover River, with riverside viewpoints and a mix of sheltered and open sections along the way.
Hugo Tunnel: a wild, optional Grade 4 loop
For confident, experienced riders the Hugo Tunnel detour delivers steep climbs, switchbacks and dramatic valley views — a technical Grade 4 section that most riders can skip for the easier scenic route.
Kimiākau Suspension Bridge and brewery pick‑ups
Skip the tunnel and cross New Zealand’s newest Kimiākau Suspension Bridge to reach peaceful trails to Tuckers Beach, or plan a post‑ride stop at Altitude Brewery or Gantley’s with free 2:30pm shuttle options available.
What the day feels like
How the ride unfolds
Check in at the Going Blue shop for bike fitting and a personalised route briefing, then roll out along Gorge Road and the riverside trail toward Arthur’s Point. From there you choose: an easy scenic run across the Kimiākau Bridge into Frankton, a shorter intermediate loop via Gantley’s and the Hugo Tunnel, or a tougher ascent via Atley Road into the tunnel. Finish by riding back to HQ, locking your bike at Queenstown Gardens, or taking the operator’s free afternoon shuttle from one of the listed breweries.
THE LANDSCAPE
Queenstown’s most scenic riverside trail
Forest, farmland, cliffs and clear river frontage combine on mostly flat gravel trails that run beside the Shotover River, with riverside viewpoints and a mix of sheltered and open sections along the way.
THE DETOUR
Hugo Tunnel: a wild, optional Grade 4 loop
For confident, experienced riders the Hugo Tunnel detour delivers steep climbs, switchbacks and dramatic valley views — a technical Grade 4 section that most riders can skip for the easier scenic route.
THE CONNECTIONS
Kimiākau Suspension Bridge and brewery pick‑ups
Skip the tunnel and cross New Zealand’s newest Kimiākau Suspension Bridge to reach peaceful trails to Tuckers Beach, or plan a post‑ride stop at Altitude Brewery or Gantley’s with free 2:30pm shuttle options available.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who should choose a different option.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Operator supplies bikes, helmets and route maps; bring a jacket for changeable weather, snacks or drinks (no food provided), and any personal tools or spares you prefer.
Going Blue provides fitted bikes, helmets and local route advice; free bike‑only drop‑off at Queenstown Gardens uses secure Word Locks.
Start anytime from 9:00am (recommended); the operator will show route options at check‑in and offers reschedules or refunds if conditions make the trail unsafe.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I have to ride the Hugo Tunnel section?
No — the Hugo Tunnel is optional; Going Blue will show different route options at check‑in and help you choose what suits your ability and timing.
How hard is the ride?
Most of the trail is beginner to intermediate; the Hugo Tunnel section is Grade 4 (steep and technical) and only recommended for confident riders.
What’s the total distance for each route?
Gantley’s loop is ~15 km (~2 hrs); scenic ride to Frankton is ~22–25 km (~3 hrs); a full loop return to HQ is ~25 km.
Where can I finish the ride?
You can ride back to HQ for free, lock your bike at Queenstown Gardens (free), or book return transport from Altitude Brewery, Gantley’s, or Frankton Arm Tavern (group fee applies).
Are child trailers or tandems allowed on all routes?
No — trailers and tandems are not recommended for the Hugo Tunnel or Grade 4 trails but are suitable for the scenic route; ask at check‑in for advice.
What if the weather turns bad?
If conditions make the trail unsafe, the operator will offer a free reschedule or refund; bring a jacket as Queenstown’s weather changes quickly.
Do you provide food or drinks on the ride?
No — the operator does not provide food or drinks, but the route passes breweries, cafés and riverside picnic spots where you can stop.
Can I get picked up early?
Yes — early pick‑up from Canyon Brewing or Gantley’s is available for $30 per group if you notify the operator before you ride.