Coronet Face Water Race Trail
Distance 6km one way
Time 1-1.5hr bike, 2-3hr walk
Level Intermediate Mountain Biking Trail
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Coronet Face Water Race Trail

A reclaimed historic water race trail traversing the southern slopes of Coronet Peak.

 

The Coronet Face Water Race trail follows an historic water race that carried water collected from tributary creeks running off Coronet Peak, and transported it to gold workings at Arthurs Point.  The water race was constructed in 1860's and operated until the 1940's.  The Coronet Face Water Race is historically significant due to the large remaining portions of the original race, and remaining historic artefacts associated with the water transportation.  Alongside the trail you will see aqueducts, fluming, iron pipes and revetted weirs.

Morning Glory

If you're starting from Coronet Peak Road, parking is available just beyond the Skippers Road intersection.  Morning Glory is an Intermediate MTB trail - fun and flowy with berms and jumps - everything is rollable.  Morning Glory joins the Coronet Face Water Race trail.

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Dan O'Connell Climb

Starting from Coronet Peak Station Road, the Dan O'Connell Climb is a steady pedal that joins the Coronet Face Water Race, as well as offering access to the Coronet Loop and the MTB trails on Coronet Peak.  Enjoy expansive views across the Whakatipu Basin to the Remarkable's as you gain altitude.

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Beech Forest

The trail winds through pockets of remnant beech forest - beautiful examples of the native forest that once cloaked these hills, and the only remaining areas of beech that survived the fires that were used, by first hunters, and later farmers to open up the land.

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Creek Crossings

Several streams and creeks cross the Coronet Water Race Trail.  Some riders may prefer to walk their bikes through the stream crossings.

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Narrow Trail - Expansive views!

As the Coronet Face Water Race trail winds towards Bush Creek Saddle, the trail is narrow and exposed.  This section has dramatic and beautiful views of the Whakatipu Basin - pause to soak in the landscape, and give your full attention to the trail while you're riding.

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Bush Creek

The Coronet Face Water Race Trail finishes at the Bush Creek Saddle, from here you can continue down to Arrowtown, or return to Coronet along the water race trail

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Raceman's Chimney

The chimney of the Raceman's Hut was restored in 2021 thanks to the generous support of Raymond and Joy Keys.  The raceman's job was to control the water through the water race - checking for blockages, and ensuring the banks were in good repair.

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1 Million Native Trees

An ambitious and incredible landscape restoration project began in 2022, to re-cloak the slopes of Coronet Peak in native forest.  Led by local iwi, the planting will eventually comprise of more than 1 million natives, largely planted by volunteers and community groups.  Queenstown Trails is proud of the role that the trails play in facilitating these incredible conservation initiatives.

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By Bike

Trail Description

6km one way

Intermediate Mountain Biking Trail

If your are starting from Coronet Peak Road, Morning Glory MTB trail will take you to the Coronet Face Water Race Trail.  Morning Glory is a fun, flow trail that winds its way down the face of Coronet. You don’t need to be an expert mountain biker as it’s all rollable with lots of spots to pull in and take a breather if you need to.   

The bottom of Morning Glory intersects the Coronet Face Water Race Trail, turn left and head past Hot Rod MTB Trail.  Expect to see walkers and runners, as well as other mountain bikers enjoying this trail.  

The tussock lined trail winds in and out. crossing several small streams.  (Water levels in the streams can increase after heavy rain.)

The trail passes through rare and beautiful pockets of remnant beech forest, negotiates schist bluffs and across wild tussock meadows.  Expansive views of the Whakatipu Basin, and surrounding mountain ranges can be enjoyed along the entire length of the trail.

There are exposed sections of trail, particularly on corners, so take extra care with kids and control your speed to stay safe.   

Travelling from Coronet Road to Bush Creek Saddle takes about 45 minutes - allow more time to take in the view and enjoy snack stops. The trail is exposed and narrow as it approaches Bush Creek Saddle.  From the saddle you can continue down Bush Creek track to Arrowtown, or may your way back to Coronet Peak Road along the water race trail.

Bush Creek Track is an Intermediate Mountain Biking Trail, mostly down-hill but with a few steep pinches and tight corners.

 

What to expect

- Coronet Face Water Race is closed throughout winter: generally from May - October (keep an eye on the website for more info)
- Front country, single track, remote
- Narrow trail, some climbing, exposed sections, tight corners
- Variable trail surface including mud, rock and tree roots
- Multiple creek/stream crossings
- Changeable alpine weather conditions - weather extremes including very hot and very cold, wind and wet/snowy weather
- Trail subject to land-slips/flood damage after heavy rain/storm events
- Expect to see walkers, runners and bikers travelling in both directions along this trail
- Wind can be strong and gusty, be aware in exposed sections

Skills/Experience Needed

Coronet Face Water Race trail is an Intermediate mountain biking trail.  Riders need to have experience, skill and fitness to tackle this trail.  The trail is well formed and marked, but it s amore challenging ride than the Queenstown Trail.

Intermediate Mountain Biking Trails are classified as including narrow track, poor traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid.  Expect to experience some exposure at the track's outside edge.

Know before you go

  1. Coronet Peak is famous for it's downhill mountain biking trails - check out Morning Glory, Hot Rod, and Carry on (below Coronet Peak Road) and for more advanced options Pack Track and Sac, Rude Rock and Dirt Serpent can all be accessed on the upper mountain.  Check out the QMTBC website for more info.
  2. You can ride the Coronet Face Water Race Trail as a loop - link Morning Glory, Coronet Face Water Race, Bush Creek to Arrowtown, then head back along the Countryside Trail and take the Wharehuanui Trail to Coronet Peak Station Road, before taking the Dan O'Connell Climb back to the start of Morning Glory.
  3. Arrowtown and Arthurs Point are both packed with great cafes, restaurants and breweries for stocking up before your ride, or re-fueling when you are finished.  Check out our trail services page.
  4. The weather can change quickly at altitude, ensure you have warm and waterproof options to layer up if the weather changes.

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About this Trail

  • Getting there
  • Plan & Prepare
  • Code of Conduct
  • SUPPORT THE TRAILS

Getting there

The Coronet Face Water Race can be ridden in either direction, and there are several ways to reach the trail:

  • Coronet Peak Road - parking is available just beyond the Skippers Road intersection.  From here, there are two options to descend to the Coronet Face Water Race Trail - Morning Glory (Advanced MTB Flow Trail - all rollable), or the Coronet Water Race Connector Trail (Intermediate MTB Flow Trail - all rollable)
  • Dan O'Connell Climb - From Coronet Peak Station Road and the Wharehuanui Trail, up-hill only trail, heavily used by horse riders, long steady climb
  • Bush Creek Trail - From Arrowtown, Bush Creek Trail forms the first section of the Coronet Loop Trail, climbing through beech forest to the Bush Creek Saddle where it joins the Coronet Face Water Race trail.

 

Plan & Prepare

Coronet Peak Trails are closed during the winter months (generally from May - October), keep an eye on the Queenstown Trails website for more info, or check Trail Forks for trail status.

The trail crosses varied terrain and includes some steep and exposed areas, and moderately technical sections, recommended for experienced riders.

The trail traverses through an alpine environment and weather can change rapidly.  Check the forecast, bring extra layers and tell someone when you expect to return.

Code of Conduct

Respect Others

  • Keep left
  • Signal your approach to other trail users
  • Be courteous and give way to pedestrians
  • Slow down and stay in control of your bike
  • Keep dogs under control

Respect the Rules

  • Stay on the trail, do not enter private property
  • Leave gates as you find them
  • Do not disturb livestock

Respect the Trails

  • Don't skid, cut corners or make new lines
  • Take your rubbish home
  • Be prepared (carry food, water, first aid, tools and warm clothes)

Share the Road

  • Stay left and follow the road rules
  • Ride predictably and signal your intentions

MOTORBIKES & E-MOTORBIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRAIL

SUPPORT THE TRAILS

If you've experienced our trails and loved them, please support us with a donation. As a registered charity, we rely upon donations to enhance and expand our trail network. 

DONATE TO QUEENSTOWN TRAILS

The Coronet Trails are administered and maintained by Queenstown Mountain Bike Club - Queenstown Trails loves the collective work we all do to make Queenstown an incredible biking destination.  If you love the QMTBC Trails - share some love with them!

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