Biking the Gibbston Wine Trail: Queenstown’s Best Wine Tour by Bike

If you’re heading to the Otago region of New Zealand, especially around Queenstown, Arrowtown, or Lake Hayes, you absolutely must set aside a day (or two) for biking the Gibbston Wine Trail — also known as the Gibbston Valley Wine Trail. This scenic stretch is more than just a pleasant ride through vineyards; it’s one of the best ways to explore New Zealand wine country with a touch of adventure.

The Gibbston Valley is tucked between rugged hills and the sparkling Kawarau River, making it a prime destination not just for wine lovers, but for anyone craving fresh air, good food, and unforgettable landscapes. Whether you opt for a self-guided wine bike tour or a full-service Queenstown wine tour with transportation included, the experience is something special.

Find a place to stay near the Gibbston Valley Wine Trail on Trip.com!

What Is the Gibbston Wine Trail?

The Gibbston Wine Trail is a section of the broader Queenstown Trail, a popular cycling network that connects Queenstown, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, and Gibbston Valley. This particular section winds through the heart of the Gibbston Valley, New Zealand, offering riders a relaxed cycling route with vineyard views, cellar door tastings, and even some optional adrenaline stops like bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge.

The Gibbston Wine Trail is about 9 km one way, but can easily become part of a longer ride from Arrowtown (15 km) or even Lake Hayes (~23 km), depending on where you start.

Guided vs. Self-Guided: How to Bike the Gibbston Wine Trail

There are two main ways to experience the Gibbston Wine Trail:

1. Join a guided or semi-guided wine bike tour, or
2. Go the self-guided route with a rented bike or e-bike.

Option 1: Guided Bike Wine Tours from Queenstown

If you’re staying in Queenstown, this is the easiest way to enjoy the Gibbston Wine Trail without needing to worry about logistics. You can book your experience here! Several local companies offer Queenstown wine tours that include:

• Transport to the trailhead (usually starting near Gibbston Valley Winery or Kawarau Bridge)
• Bike or e-bike rental
• Route suggestions or a set itinerary
• Pick-up and drop-off service

Option 2: Self-Guided Wine Bike Tour from Arrowtown or Lake Hayes

If you’re a more confident cyclist or just want more freedom, go for the self-guided tour. You can rent bikes in Arrowtown or even Lake Hayes and connect directly to the trail.

When I stayed in Lake Hayes, my Airbnb host graciously provided free bikes, which was a total win. From there, we biked through the Queenstown Trail network into Arrowtown, and then continued on to the Gibbston Wine Trail.

Book your self-guided wine bike tour from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley here!

Pro-Tip: It’s Not a Flat Ride!

While this longer route was an incredible way to experience the region, it wasn’t easy. The journey from Lake Hayes to Gibbston Valley is about 23–25 km with a fair bit of incline and decline, especially between Arrowtown and the Kawarau Gorge area. Make sure you’re in good shape or opt for an e-bike to make the ride more manageable.

That said — the effort is absolutely worth it. The views of the Gibbston Valley from the high points of the trail are unreal. Snow-capped mountains, golden grasses, rows of grapevines, and the turquoise ribbon of the Kawarau River below — it’s one of those “this is why I travel” moments.

Must-Visit Wineries on the Gibbston Wine Trail

There are more than a dozen wineries and cellar doors in the valley, but here are my top recommendations — each one has something special to offer in terms of wine, scenery, or hospitality.

• Chard Farm Winery – Just across the Kawarau Bridge, Chard Farm is a little off the beaten path with a gravel road leading up to it, but once you arrive, the views and their Pinot Noir make it worth the detour. It feels like a well-kept secret. Easily my favorite winery in the Gibbston Valley of New Zealand.
• Gibbston Valley Winery & Restaurant – Probably the most iconic stop on the trail. Known for its award-winning wines and on-site restaurant, it also features New Zealand’s largest wine cave. It’s a polished experience but still approachable.
• Kinross Winery – A fantastic all-in-one stop, Kinross serves as a cellar door for multiple boutique labels. There’s a casual restaurant, cozy tasting area, and a lovely outdoor garden. It’s ideal if you want variety and a relaxed vibe. You can also stay here.
• Mt. Rosa Wines – Rustic and down-to-earth, Mt. Rosa has a warm, welcoming tasting room with incredible views of the surrounding hills. Their rosé and Pinot are favorites, and the setting is peaceful and unpretentious. They also have a great charcuterie board!
• Gibbston Tavern – Not a winery, but a classic mid-ride stop. This relaxed pub offers cold beers, wine by the glass, and some of the best wood-fired pizza in the region. It’s a great place to take a break between tastings.
• Peregrine Wines – Known for its sleek, award-winning architecture as much as its wine. The cellar door has a high-end feel, and their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir consistently stand out.
• Coal Pit Vineyard – A smaller operation with a beautifully designed tasting room. It’s intimate and refined, and their wines — especially the Sauvignon Blanc — are crisp and full of character.

How to Get to the Gibbston Wine Trail

One of the best things about the Gibbston Wine Trail is its flexibility — there are multiple ways to get there depending on where you’re staying and how adventurous you’re feeling.

From Queenstown

If you’re staying in Queenstown, you have two main options:

• Guided Bike Wine Tours: This is the easiest and most popular option. Local companies provide transport to the Gibbston wine trail, along with bike or e-bike rentals, a map, and either a fixed itinerary or free time to explore the wineries at your own pace. After your tastings and cycling, they pick you up and return you to Queenstown. No need to worry about hills, distance, or logistics.
• Drive and Rent: You can also drive yourself to the Gibbston Valley (about 25–30 minutes east of Queenstown via State Highway 6), park at one of the wineries or bike hire shops, and rent a bike locally for a self-guided wine tour. This gives you more freedom to start and finish on your schedule during your visit on the Gibbston wine trail.

Book a rental car in Queenstown to drive to the Gibbston Valley Wine Trail!

From Arrowtown

Arrowtown is much closer to the Gibbston Valley — about 15 km by bike — and offers a more active, scenic way to access the trail.

• Bike the Queenstown Trail: From Arrowtown, you can connect directly to the Gibbston River Trail, which then merges into the wine trail itself. The route includes river crossings, beautiful gorge views, and a mix of flat and hilly terrain.
• Bike Rentals in Arrowtown: Several shops in Arrowtown offer bike and e-bike hire. Some even include shuttle services if you only want to ride one way.

Book a self-guided tour from Arrowtown to the Gibbston wine trail here!

From Lake Hayes

If you’re staying in Lake Hayes, like I did, you’re in a great position to link into the trail system.

I was lucky — our Airbnb host provided bikes, which let us ride from Lake Hayes to Arrowtown, and then connect to the Gibbston Wine Trail. The full ride was roughly 23–25 km one way, with a few steep climbs along the way. If you go this route, be prepared for a solid workout — or consider an e-bike if you’d prefer a more relaxed experience.

Get free Gibbston Wine Trail bike rentals at my Lake Hayes Airbnb here!

Tips for Biking the Gibbston Wine Trail

Here are a few key things to keep in mind if you’re planning to bike the trail, especially if you’re doing the longer self-guided route from Arrowtown or Lake Hayes:

• Bring more water than you think you’ll need. The Otago region can get surprisingly warm, especially in summer, and there are stretches of the trail without shade or water refill stations. Even if you’re stopping at wineries, having your own water is a must to stay hydrated between tastings.
• Dress in layers and wear strong sun protection. The weather can shift throughout the day — you might start out cool and end up in strong afternoon sun. Bring a lightweight jacket, breathable shirt, and a hat or buff.
• Get connected with an eSIM like Airalo. Having an eSIM means you can access trail maps, winery hours, or call for help if needed.
• Rent an e-bike if you’re unsure about your fitness level. Some of the inclines — especially between Arrowtown and Gibbston — are steeper than they appear on the map. E-bikes are widely available and make the ride much more manageable while still allowing you to enjoy the landscape.
• Start early in the day. The trail is most beautiful in the morning light, and starting early also gives you more flexibility with winery openings and pacing yourself throughout the day.
• Eat something before your first tasting. Even if you’re pacing yourself, wine tastings add up quickly — especially in the sun. Consider packing snacks or stopping for a full lunch at the Gibbston Tavern.

Where to Stay Near the Gibbston Wine Trail

While many travelers visit the Gibbston Valley on a day trip from Queenstown or Arrowtown, staying nearby gives you the chance to really settle into the landscape — and it’s a great option if you want to break up your biking over two days.

Here are some top accommodation options in or near the Gibbston Valley:

• Kinross Cottages – This is one of the most popular stays in the valley, especially if you want to be close to wine (and I mean right next door to it). Each cottage is modern, cozy, and set in a vineyard landscape. Plus, staying here means you’re steps from a cellar door and great food.
• Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa – If you’re looking to splurge a little, this luxury option is located right next to Gibbston Valley Winery. It includes private villas, a spa, and guided wine experiences — perfect for a romantic getaway or a special trip.
• Stoneridge Estate – A little further out but still wine country adjacent, this luxury accommodation spot is well positioned for exploring both Gibbston and Central Otago’s broader wine scene.
• Arrowtown Boutique Hotels or Airbnb in Lake Hayes – Like I did, you could stay in Lake Hayes or Arrowtown, and use that as a scenic jumping-off point to bike into Gibbston. Look for places that offer bike access or are near the Queenstown Trail system.

If you can, stay at least one night in or near the valley. Waking up surrounded by vines and golden hills, without the pressure to rush back to town, really elevates the experience.

Find more options for where to stay in the Gibbston Valley on Expedia!

Best Time of Year to Bike the Gibbston Wine Trail

The Gibbston Valley is beautiful all year, but certain seasons bring their own character to the trail.

• Summer (December to February) – This is peak season. Expect warm temperatures, clear skies, and all wineries open. It’s the most popular time for Queenstown wine tours and bike experiences, so book early. Bring sun protection — it can get hot.
• Autumn (March to May) – My personal favorite. The vines change color, the crowds thin a bit, and the weather is still mild. It’s perfect for photography and slow travel.
• Winter (June to August) – The valley gets quiet in winter. Some cellar doors reduce hours, and it can get chilly, but if you don’t mind the cold, you’ll have the trail almost to yourself. Dress in layers and check winery hours in advance.
• Spring (September to November) – A lovely shoulder season with new vineyard growth and milder temperatures. Ideal for those looking to avoid the summer rush.

If you’re planning a bike wine tour in Queenstown, late summer to early autumn (Feb–April) strikes the best balance between weather, scenery, and availability.

Other Things to Do in the Gibbston Valley (Besides Wine)

Even if wine is the main event, there’s more to Gibbston Valley than Pinot Noir.

• Kawarau Gorge Bungy Jumping – Right on the edge of the trail is the famous AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge, home of the world’s first commercial bungy jump. Whether you jump or just watch, it’s a thrilling detour.
• Cheese & Food Pairings – Several cellar doors (like Gibbston Valley Winery and Kinross) offer cheese boards or full food-and-wine pairing menus. Perfect for a long lunch.
• Walking and Hiking Trails – Beyond biking, the area has plenty of short walking trails that let you explore the riverbanks and forested slopes.
• Scenic Photography – This is one of the most photogenic regions in New Zealand. Bring your camera or drone — especially around golden hour.

What Wines Is the Gibbston Valley Known For?

The Gibbston Valley, part of the wider Central Otago wine region, is most famous for its world-class Pinot Noir — and it’s easy to see why. The area’s high altitude, cool climate, and long ripening season create Pinot Noirs that are elegant, fruit-forward, and full of character.

But Pinot isn’t the only star here. Many wineries along the Gibbston Wine Trail also produce:

• Aromatic whites like Riesling and Pinot Gris — crisp, dry, and refreshing on a warm summer day.
• Rosé — especially from wineries like Mt. Rosa, which make excellent, dry-style rosés perfect for sipping after a ride.
• Sauvignon Blanc — especially from Coal Pit and Peregrine, offering a leaner, more mineral-driven take than the Marlborough style.

Tasting these varietals right at the cellar door, often with a view of the very vines they came from, adds a whole new layer to the experience. It’s a rare chance to get to know a wine region through your pedals and your palate.

Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely! Biking the Gibbston Wine Trail was one of the highlights of my month in Queenstown. It pushed me physically at times, but the reward — the landscapes, the wine, the quiet country roads — was unforgettable. The moment I coasted down the trail and the valley opened up around me, with vines stretching out in all directions, was one I’ll always remember.

If you’re into slow travel, into really experiencing a place with all your senses, this is your kind of trip. Whether you’re sipping Pinot Noir in a rustic tasting room or pedaling past cliffs and rivers, this is the kind of day that sticks with you — long after the wine has worn off.

FAQ: Biking the Gibbston Wine Trail

Wrapping it up, check out this helpful FAQ section that addresses common queries travelers often have, particularly those gearing up for their initial Gibbston Wine Trail adventure.

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