Around The Mountains

All things BIKING in Queenstown

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A 187km epic journey that showcases the finest that Otago has to offer.

LOCALS SAY

Ride it your way! You can start in Kingston or you can begin this incredible tour from Walter Peak. If you cycle like a demon, you can knock it out in 3 days or amble and take in the sights and sounds, spreading the journey over 5 days.

Around the Mountains Cycle Trail on Trailforks.com

Trail Notes

This trail has it all. From back country and wilderness stretches that give you solitude and beauty and can’t be reached by road, to the party atmosphere of Queenstown – New Zealand premier alpine town. You’ll be pedalling through a combination of terrain, working farms, back roads, historic townships, forests, lakes and mountains and more – you won’t be getting bored with the endlessly changing perspectives. You’ll be able to admire secluded beech forest scenery and then have a beer after a hard day peddling at one of the many historic pubs on the route since you’ll be passing through Mossburn, Lumsden, Garston, Athol and Kingston. Some of the highlights: You’ll be passing through some Lord of the Rings Country where some of the most iconic scenes for the movie were shot. You’ll also be cruising across the stunning Lake Wakatipu on the on the genteel lady of the lake, the fully restored 100-year-old steamer, the TSS Earnslaw. You’ll also be passing through some true New Zealand back country vistas so expect incredible mountains, forests, lakes and rivers.

If you start at Walter Peak, you can make the most of the terrain and prevailing winds will be on your side. Day 1 sees you cruising across the stunning alpine lake of Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to make your way to Walter Peak. Take the time to appreciate the stunning Otago scenery and perhaps investigate Walter Peak Historic Homestead. After that, you’ll set out on the track heading for This section is 50km and a Grade 3/intermediate ride. You can expect it to take around 5–6 hours for the average rider.
You’ll make your way past Mt Nicholas station (while admiring the Richardson Mountains in the distance), climb the tussock bedecked hills to Von Hill and then cruise down to Mavora Lakes.

On day 2, you’ll leave Mavora, heading 29kms in towards Centre hill, joining up to the purpose-built off-road trail. Epic LOTR scenery awaits. Make your way towards Mossburn and consider having a pint in the Historic Mossburn Railway Hotel.

On Day 3, depart Mossburn and cycle to Lumsden. You’ll be making your way through pastures and tussock. Sections is this area follow the Otago rail trails – the original path of the historic rail lines. The Mossburn to Lumsden section is a mere 20km and a nice easy section.
You can explore the history in Lumsden or enjoy one of the many cafes or dine at the pub/restaurant.

On Day 4, leave the lovely little town of Lumsden and head for Athol. This is a relatively easy section 33km long and you can expect it to take the average rider some 3 – 4 hours.

Day 5 sees you depart Athol, to head for Kingston. Pedal through Garston (stop for refreshment if that takes your fancy and then head on to your final stop of Kingston, this beautiful little town is at the end of Lake Wakatipu and is where those who caught the train, once disembarked to catch the Ferry to Queenstown, (long before the road was built). now the home of the restored steam engine, the Kingston Flyer.

All things BIKING in Queenstown