This ride covers the best components of the Great Ride (92kms) in just two days. This option is best suited to those with intermediate riding abilities as you'll be covering more ground in less time.
Day 1 starts at Queenstown Gardens, continues to Frankton Beach to connect with the Twin Rivers Trail. Follow the trail alongside the Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve
Following the banks of the Kawarau River you will follow the trail to make your way towards the (restored) Old Lower Shotover Bridge. Take a moment to appreciate the view of Coronet Peak. This is a wonderful place to stop for lunch and take a moment to appreciate views of the gorge.
After lunch, cross the bridge and follow the trail down to Old School Road past the Shotover Country and Lakes Hayes Estate communities.
The Twin Rivers Trail ends and you’ll be joining up on the Arrow River Bridges Trail. Make your way over the historic Kawarau Bridge and follow the signs to the Gibbston River trail (Wine country!) ending the days riding in Gibbston.
Day 2 will have you retrace your path back you took yesterday to re-join the Arrow River Bridges Trail towards Arrowtown, past the start of the Twin Rivers Trail till you get to the Southern Discoveries suspension bridge.
The trail heads east along the banks of the Arrow River (with some incredibly photogenic spots) heading towards historic Arrowtown – the home of the gold rush in the 1800s and steeped in history where we recommend you stop for lunch.
Continuing on, find the start of the Countryside Trail and follow it on past Millbrook Resort. A few more quiet sections (with fabulous views of the Remarkables) and you’ll wind up back alongside the Shotover River, back on to the Twin falls trail ultimately joining up with the Frankton Track for the final leg back Queenstown.
