Mountain Biking in Queenstown

Queenstown has established itself as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. A combination of purpose-built trail networks, dramatic alpine terrain, and a well-developed hire and shuttle industry means riders of every level can find something worthwhile, often starting directly from the town centre. The trails around Lomond Crescent connect directly into some of the best riding above Queenstown, making our properties a natural base for a biking trip.

Skyline Bike Park

The Skyline Bike Park above Queenstown is the centrepiece of the town's mountain biking offer and one of the most visited bike parks in New Zealand. Accessed via the Skyline Gondola from Brecon Street, the park sits on the slopes of Bob's Peak with views across Lake Wakatipu and offers a range of trails from beginner-friendly flow tracks to technically demanding black runs.

The gondola uplift removes the climbing from the equation, meaning you can focus entirely on the descent. Bike hire is available at the gondola base for those who have not brought their own. The park is well maintained and suits families, beginners, and experienced riders equally well.

Difficulty: All levels 

Access: Skyline Gondola, Brecon Street, central Queenstown 

Uplift: Available via gondola

Rude Rock to Seven Mile

For experienced riders looking for a longer, more committing route, the traverse from the Lomond Crescent trail network towards Seven Mile Creek offers a full day of riding through varied terrain above the town. This route is best ridden with a local guide or someone familiar with the area, as route finding above the marked trails requires experience.

Several guiding and shuttle operators in Queenstown can organise full-day rides in this area with transport and local knowledge included.

Difficulty: Advanced Start: Lomond Crescent

Arrowtown Trails

The trail network around Arrowtown, 25 minutes from Queenstown, offers a different character to the riding above town. The Arrow River Trail is a well-graded easy ride along the river suitable for families and beginners, while the trails climbing above the town towards the Crown Range provide more technical options for experienced riders. The combination of gold rush heritage, autumn colour, and good cafe options in Arrowtown makes it a worthwhile day trip by bike or by car.

Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate Distance from Queenstown: 25 minutes by car

Tiki Trail

The Tiki Trail connects central Queenstown to the Skyline Bike Park via a sustained uphill climb through native bush. It is a well-worn trail popular with both walkers and riders and gives fit cyclists a way to access the park without paying for the gondola. The climb takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on fitness. For those warming up or looking for a shorter outing, the lower sections of the Tiki Trail and the trails around the Queenstown Hill area provide accessible riding close to town.

Difficulty: Moderate Start: Brecon Street, central Queenstown

Rude Rock and the Ben Lomond Trail Network

The trail network directly accessible from Lomond Crescent includes the Rude Rock trail and connecting routes that link into the Ben Lomond alpine terrain above town. These trails suit intermediate to advanced riders and offer a more natural, less-built feel than the Skyline Bike Park. The climbing is genuine but the descents are rewarding, with views across the Wakatipu Basin opening up as you gain height.

This network is best suited to riders with their own bikes or hire bikes confident on natural terrain. It is a significant advantage of the Lomond Crescent location that this riding is accessible directly from the front door without needing a car or shuttle.

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced Start: Lomond Crescent

Queenstown Bike Park at Coronet Peak

During the summer months, Coronet Peak operates as a bike park with gondola uplift and a range of trails from beginner to expert. The terrain here is more open and alpine than the Skyline Bike Park, with longer descents and a more exposed mountain feel. Around 30 minutes from Queenstown by car. Bike hire and lessons are available at the base. It is a good option for a full day out of town combining biking with the drive through the Arthurs Point gorge.

Difficulty: All levels Distance from Queenstown: 30 minutes by car. Bike Hire in Queenstown

Several operators in central Queenstown offer bike hire including full-suspension trail bikes and e-bikes. E-bikes are an increasingly popular option in Queenstown given the amount of climbing involved in accessing the best trails, and make the riding accessible to a wider range of fitness levels. Most hire shops can advise on trail selection based on your experience level and how much time you have.

Recommended hire operators are located on Brecon Street near the gondola base and in the town centre. Helmets are included with all hire and are compulsory in New Zealand.