The is a tour that really has a little bit of everything, bookended by the surreal scenery that surrounds Queenstown while taking in the best of the historic Otago Rail Trail. These tour trails link Queenstown, Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley, it really is the ultimate way to reach many of the region’s iconic attractions while soaking up its world-famous scenery. Rides range from easy lakeside jaunts to cross-country treks to winery tours. From there we head onto the trail that inspired the creation of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network, the Otago Central Rail Trail. It offers a classic blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, friendly towns, and fantastic local food and wine. With Ventouro's signature trail support you will be able to enjoy each moment of the ride. Your every need is catered for, whether it be a homemade snack while on the bike, tailored tips and information from your local guide or a perfectly selected meal to complete your day.Non-riding partners are also very welcome, at a discounted price you will get to explore Queenstown and Otago just as much as the riders, and have time to delve deeper into historic towns such as Arrowtown and enjoy other local activities. For more information on itinerary, dates, food and accommodation email [email protected] Trip Details Trip HighlightsStunning SceneryWineries and CafesPioneer historyDetails of the trip5 days, 4 nightsRides between 20 to 50kmMax group size of 14Non-riding partners welcomeGuided rides most daysCouples or shared roomsSingle supplement appliesAirport transfersAll food includedSports nutritionDaily laundryVentouro goodie bagVentouro T-shirtBike hire included Itinerary Arrival Day Queenstown - Kelvin Heights return Distance 25km, Grade 2 Easy Cycle the beautiful lake edge through Frankton to Kelvin Heights, and return to Queenstown by water taxi or ride. You will then have time to spend the remainder of the day exploring the town centre.Lodging: The SherwoodDay 2Queenstown - Gibbston Valley via ArrowtownDistance 55km, Elevation 100m Today we ride from Queenstown via the idyllic Lake Hayes into the Gold rush-era town that is Arrowtown. After lunch, we start with the Arrow River Bridges Ride that takes in photogenic bridges, country lanes and an old gold miners’ road to historic Kawarau Bridge. This signals the start of the Gibbston River Ride, an easy meander through the ‘Valley of the Vines’ and a brilliant way to explore the wineries lining this iconic Central Otago landscape. We then transfer through to Clyde for the start of the Otago Rail Trail.Lodging: ClydeDay 3Clyde to Lauder44km, Grade 2 Easy Clyde is the official start of the Otago Rail Trail, here we have picturesque flats that wind their way through Alexander and towards the historic Chatto Creek pub for lunch. A gentle climb up to Tiger Hill through Omakau and towards Lauder, our first stop for the trail.Lodging: Lauder Day 4Lauder - Ranfurly48km, Grade 2 EasyClimbing out of Lauder we reach the highest point of the trail at Wedderburn where you can take in some of the trail's iconic places- Hayes Engineering and Gilchrists Store as well as the Golden Progress Mine. You will ride through tunnels and over original rail bridges before finishing the day in the art-deco town of Ranfurly. Lodging: Ranfurly Day 5 Ranfurly - Middlemarch 60km, Grade 2 EasyThe final day is almost entirely downhill, riding lakeside from Waipaiti to the Taieri Gorge. Completing the full 150km of the trail. We finish the tour returning to Queenstown.
