The Queenstown Trail Great Ride is made up of 11 different trails that are classified between Grade 2 (Easy) and Grade 4 (Advanced).  The Trail Grading System is described below.

If you are new to riding, or returning to the bike after a break from cycling, start yourself off on a Grade 2 (Easy) trails to give yourself a chance to acclimatize, before working up to Grade 3 (Intermediate) trails. 

Remember to control your speed if you're riding down hill and to give other trail users a head-up that you are near by.

If a trail feels steeper, narrower or has tighter corners than you are comfortable with, hop off and enjoy that section as a walk.

Trail Grading System:

 The Queenstown Trail is graded using the New Zealand Cycle Trail grading system - this system is used across all of the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand.

EASY / GRADE 2: Off-road trails are usually wide and smooth (firm gravel or sealed), with some gentle climbs. These trails are predictable, i.e. have no nasty surprises. On-road sections of Great Rides generally follow quiet roads with little traffic. 

Suitable For: Beginners, occasional cyclists and families who have limited cycling experience. A multi-geared bike with medium to wide tyres is recommended, such as a comfort bike, touring bike or mountain bike. E-Bikes are also suitable as long as they are ridden appropriately.

Easy Trails Include: Arrow River Bridges Trail, Frankton Track & Kelvin Peninsula Trail, Gibbston River Trail, Wharehuanui Trail

 Grade 2 (Easy) Trails: Frankton Track, Wharehuanui Trail, Arrow River Bridges Trail 

INTERMEDIATE / GRADE 3: Off-road trails can be narrow and may include hill climbs, steep drop-offs and small river crossings. The trail surface is mostly firm, but may include muddy or loose sections. There may also be obstacles such as rocks or tree roots to avoid. 

Suitable For: Regular, experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness and over 12 years of age. Children should be accompanied by an adult. A mountain bike is recommended for off-road trails. Road racing tyres are not recommended.

Intermediate Trails Include: Countryside Trail, Lake Hayes Trail, Twin Rivers Trail, Shotover Gorge Trail

  Grade 3 (Intermediate) Trails: Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes Trail, Countryside Trail 

ADVANCED / GRADE 4: Off-road trails are narrow with steep climbs and unavoidable obstacles. The trail surface includes firm and loose sections, with lots of rocks and tree roots. There will be poor traction in places and some walking may be required. 

Suitable For: Fit and experienced cyclists with good off-road skills, a high level of fitness and over 12 years of age. Children should be accompanied by an adult. A quality mountain bike is recommended for off-road trails. Road racing tyres are not recommended.

Advanced Trails Include: Jack's Point Trail, Shotover Gorge Trail Hugo Tunnel Section

Grade 4 (Advanced) Trails: Jacks Point Trail, Hugo Tunnel Trail (Shotover Gorge Trail) 

CORONET TRAILS

The Coronet Loop Trail (including Coronet Face Water Race, and Bush Creek Trails) are back country mountain bike trails requiring moderate levels of skill and fitness.  These trails are well formed and marked, but are more challenging than the Queenstown Trail Great Ride.  The Coronet Trails are challenging with long, steep climbs, precipitous descents and dangerous drop-offs as well as rocks, roots, ruts and potentially hazardous river crossings.

Suitable for: Experienced cyclists with excellent off-road skills and a high level of fitness. Not suitable for children.

Back Country Trails Include: Coronet Loop, Coronet Water Race

Coronet Loop: Elephant Rock, Arrow River Gorge, Deep Creek

 Adaptive Trails:

Grade 2 (easy) trails are usually suited to adaptive cycling.  These trails are the widest, and have smooth surfaces including hard-packed trails, fine gravel or grit and sometimes paving.  Grade 2 Trails typically have gentle gradients and good sightlines. 

Queenstown Trails does not have squeeze-bars, but does include some narrower bridges, chicanes at road intersections and bollard-narrowed trail openings (to prevent vehicles driving on to the trails).  Notable features such as steep sections, narrow trails, bollards and bridges are noted as part of the trail description for each trail. 

Please get in touch with us if you would like more detail, or specific information about any of the Queenstown Trails.

Mountain Bike Trails

Queenstown is a mountain biking mecca, with a massive offering - from fun, flow trails, to steep descents, scenic forest trails and technical singletrack.

New Zealand MTB grading is different to the trail grading system used for the Queenstown Trail.  Be aware that a Mountain Bike Grade 2 Trail is significantly more challenging than a Grade 2 Queenstown Trail.

For those with the skills, fitness and the right bike, we highly recommend taking the time to explore the iconic flow trails, epic descents and technical single track.

Head to the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club website for the full list of trails, parks and ride options in the region.