Queenstown’s Must-cycle Trails
Author: The Good Guides Date Posted:18 November 2025
Few places in New Zealand rival Queenstown for RV-friendly cycling. Whether you’re cruising along the shores of Lake Wakatipu or tackling a rugged backcountry trail, every ride comes with breathtaking scenery. In this guide, we’ll explore the best cycling routes for all skill levels and share expert tips to help you make the most of your Queenstown cycling adventure.
Why Queenstown is perfect for RV travellers who love cycling
If you’re travelling by motorhome and love to cycle, Queenstown is about as good as it gets. This adventure capital isn’t just for thrill-seekers – it’s also a fantastic place to explore on two wheels at your own pace.
One of the best things about cycling in Queenstown is the sheer variety of cycling trails. Fancy a relaxed lakeside ride? There are scenic routes that hug the shores of Lake Wakatipu, perfect for soaking in the views without breaking too much of a sweat. Prefer something more challenging? There are alpine trails that take you high into the hills – rewarding you with panoramic vistas at every turn. Whether you’re an occasional rider or a seasoned cyclist, you’ll find a route that suits your style.
And for those travelling by RV, Queenstown makes things easy. Many holiday parks are located close to popular cycling trails, so you can park up, gear up, and hit the tracks without hassle. You’ll also find dedicated campervan parking spots around town, making it simple to stop, explore, and refuel before heading off on your next ride. With well-maintained paths, bike-friendly facilities, and stunning scenery at every turn, Queenstown is the ultimate destination for an RV-friendly cycling adventure.
Tips for cycling in Queenstown as an RV traveller
Cycling in Queenstown is an unforgettable experience, but a little planning goes a long way in making your trip smooth and stress-free. Here’s what you need to know before setting off on two wheels.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for cycling. Summer has long daylight hours but can be busy, while winter provides stunning snow-capped views, with lower-elevation trails still rideable.
- RV parking options – Holiday parks like Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park and Creeksyde Holiday Park offer secure parking with facilities, making them great base camps for your cycling adventures. There are also some great designated freedom camping areas to choose from like Twenty-Five Mile Stream (on the road to Glenorchy) allow self-contained vehicles to park overnight.
- Bike rentals and repairs: Before hitting the trails, make sure you’re stocked up on essentials. RV Super Centre’s Queenstown branch at 50 Lucas Place, Frankton has a great range of bike accessories to keep your ride smooth. Need a rental or a quick tune-up? Bikeaholic offers servicing, Vertigo Bikes specialises in mountain bike rentals, and ChargeAbout NZ has e-bikes for an easier ride.
- Route planning: Planning your ride is easy with Queenstown Trails. Their site has interactive maps, journey planners, trail conditions, and local event info, helping you find the best routes for your skill level and time frame. Perfect for making the most of your cycling adventure!
- Refuelling and sightseeing: Many trails pass through great spots for a break. Arrowtown has excellent cafés, while the Gibbston Valley offers bike-friendly wineries – perfect for a mid-ride treat.
Top cycle trails in Queenstown
Whether you’re after a relaxed ride or something more challenging, there’s plenty of RV-friendly cycling trails in Queenstown to suit every level. Here are some of our top picks:
Queenstown Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Length: 130 km network (various segments)
The Queenstown Trail is one of the most diverse and rewarding cycling routes in the region. This expansive network connects Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Gibbston Valley, offering a mix of lakeside paths, rolling countryside, and riverside tracks. Riders can take on shorter sections for a casual day ride or link multiple segments for a multi-day adventure.
Highlights include riding across the historic Kawarau Bridge, famous for its bungy jump, and cruising through the Gibbston Valley, where you can stop at vineyards for a well-earned break. The trail also offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and Shotover River, making it one of the most scenic rides in the country.
RV-friendly tip: Park your motorhome at Queenstown Holiday Park & Motels Creeksyde, which is close to several trail access points, making it easy to set off on your ride straight from your campsite.
Arrow River Bridges Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 16 km (one way)
The Arrow River Bridges Trail is a relaxed, family-friendly ride that follows the Arrow River, winding through stunning gorges and crossing multiple suspension bridges along the way. The gentle gradient makes it a great option for riders of all abilities, and the scenery – from rugged cliffs to rolling hills – is nothing short of spectacular.
The ride finishes in Arrowtown, a charming gold rush-era village known for its historic cottages, boutique shops, and great cafés. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or a bite to eat before heading back.
RV-friendly tip: Park your motorhome at Arrowtown Holiday Park. This lovely park offers plenty of space and great facilities. Plus, you’re just a short ride from the trail, so you can hop on your bike and get peddling without any hassle.
Lake Hayes Circuit
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 8 km loop
If you’re after a relaxed, scenic ride, the Lake Hayes Circuit is a perfect choice. This gentle loop circles Lake Hayes, a spot famous for its still waters that reflect the surrounding mountains like a mirror. It’s an easy ride with a mix of gravel and boardwalk sections, making it great for beginners or those looking for a cruisy afternoon cycle. Along the way, you’ll pass wetlands, rolling hills, and plenty of picnic spots – ideal for a break to soak in the views.
RV-friendly tip: Park up at the Lake Hayes Pavilion car park, which has space for campervans and easy access to the trailhead.
Moke Lake Trail
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 15 km return
For a ride that feels truly off the beaten path, Moke Lake Trail is a must. Tucked away in a stunning alpine valley, this trail leads you to Moke Lake, a peaceful and secluded spot surrounded by rugged peaks. The ride itself is mostly on gravel roads with some undulating sections, making it a great option for intermediate riders. Once you reach the lake, you can take a break, snap some incredible photos, or even dip your toes in the cool water.
RV-friendly tip: Stay overnight at the Moke Lake Campground, a scenic and RV-friendly spot right by the water. Wake up to incredible lakefront views and hit the trail first thing in the morning.
Seven Mile Track
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced (varied loops)
Length: 2 – 10 km loops
If you’re into mountain biking, Seven Mile Track is a must-ride. This purpose-built trail network has something for everyone – from flowing single tracks for beginners to more technical descents for experienced riders. The trails wind through native bush, with glimpses of Lake Wakatipu adding to the scenery. With multiple loops to choose from, you can keep things cruisy or push yourself on more challenging sections.
RV-friendly tip: Park at the Wilson Bay picnic area, which has plenty of space for campervans and direct access to the trails.
Ben Lomond Track
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 11 km (return)
For those up for a serious climb, the Ben Lomond Track delivers. This challenging ride takes you high above Queenstown, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and beyond. The steep ascent requires solid fitness and technical skill, but the effort is well worth it. If you’d rather skip the lower section, you can take the Skyline Gondola with your bike and start the ride higher up.
RV-friendly tip: Park at the Skyline Gondola car park – a convenient spot whether you're riding from the base or catching the gondola to gain some altitude before hitting the trail.
Keen to explore more of New Zealand by bike?
Queenstown is just the beginning – New Zealand is packed with incredible cycling trails, from coastal pathways to rugged backcountry tracks. Whether you’re looking for an easy lakeside ride, a multi-day adventure, or a thrilling mountain descent, there’s a trail to suit every rider and every level of experience.
If you’re planning to take your motorhome on a cycling road trip, check out our round-up of top cycle trails across New Zealand. You’ll find must-ride routes in both the North and South Islands, along with handy tips on where to park your RV and how to make the most of each ride.
Must-have RV-friendly bike accessories
Having the right gear can make all the difference when combining RV travel with cycling. From secure storage solutions to on-the-go maintenance, these essential bike accessories will help keep your bike safe, protected, and ready to ride wherever your journey takes you.
Bike racks
A sturdy, RV-compatible bike rack is a must for keeping your bikes secure while on the road. Whether you need a rear-mounted or towbar option, the right rack will ensure your bikes travel safely without taking up valuable space inside your motorhome. Not sure which one to choose? Check out our guide on choosing the right bike rack for your RV, plus step-by-step instructions on how to install a motorhome bike rack.
Bike rack parts
Keeping your bike rack in top condition is just as important as choosing the right one. From replacement straps to mounting brackets, having a few spare parts on hand means you won’t be caught out if something needs adjusting or repairing on the road.
Bike locks
Whether you’re stopping for a coffee or setting up camp for the night, a high-quality bike lock is essential for peace of mind. Look for a sturdy, weather-resistant lock that’s tough enough to deter opportunistic theft, so you can explore without worry.
Portable repair kits
Even well-maintained bikes can run into issues, and when you're out on the trails, a compact repair kit can be a lifesaver. A good kit should include a multi-tool, tyre levers, patches, and a spare tube – small enough to carry, but packed with everything you need to fix a minor problem and get back on the road.
Bike seat covers
Long days in the saddle are much more comfortable with a quality bike seat cover. Whether you’re after extra cushioning for a smoother ride or a weatherproof cover to protect against rain, it’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
Bike covers
Keeping your bike protected from the elements is key, especially when travelling. A durable bike cover shields your bike from dust, dirt, and rain while it’s mounted on your RV, ensuring it stays in great condition between rides.
Gear up for your Queenstown cycling adventure
With incredible trails, RV-friendly facilities, and breathtaking scenery at every turn, Queenstown is the perfect place to explore on two wheels. Before you set off, make sure your motorhome is equipped with RV-friendly bike racks, locks, covers, and repair kits – everything you need for a smooth and hassle-free ride.
Ready to hit the trails? Check out our full range of bike racks and accessories and start planning your next cycling road trip today.
