Welcome to the adventure capital of the world: Queenstown! Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, Queenstown is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. If you're a mountain biking enthusiast, there's no better place to indulge your passion. Queenstown Mountain Bike Holidays promise epic trails, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences.
Why Queenstown for Mountain Biking?
Queenstown offers a diverse range of mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels. From scenic lakeside rides to challenging downhill tracks, the options are endless. The town’s vibrant biking community, top-notch facilities, and stunning natural beauty make it a premier destination for mountain biking holidays in New Zealand!
Getting to Queenstown
Flights and Transportation
Queenstown is easily accessible by air, with frequent flights from major cities in New Zealand and Australia. The Queenstown Airport is just a short drive from the town center. Once you arrive, you can use shuttles, taxis, or rental cars to get around.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for a mountain biking holiday in Queenstown is from late spring to early autumn (November to April). During these months, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities, and the trails are in top condition.
Mountain Biking Trails in Queenstown
The Queenstown Bike Park
The Queenstown Bike Park, located in the Ben Lomond Reserve, is a must-visit. With over 30 kilometers of trails ranging from beginner to expert, it's a paradise for mountain bikers. The Skyline Gondola provides easy access to the park, making it convenient to spend an entire day riding.
Rude Rock Trail
For a mix of breathtaking views and thrilling descents, the Rude Rock Trail is perfect. This intermediate trail offers stunning vistas of the Wakatipu Basin and exhilarating single-track sections, perfect for all levels of confident mountain bikers.
The Gorge Road Jump Park
World renowned for good reason, Gorge Road is the worlds best public dirt jumps. If you love jumps and tricks, head to The Gorge Road Jump Park. Known for its impressive dirt jumps and well-maintained tracks, it’s a playground for advanced riders looking to push their limits.
Cardrona Bike Park
Ride the gondola or chairlift between laps of Cardona Bike Park, this big mountain bike park offers over 30 technical and flow/jump trails and the huge “Peak2Pub” 15km descent into the Cardrona valley. Host of multiple crankworx events, this bikepark is a must do for any serious mountain biker.
Find out more with our Queenstown ride guide
Renting vs. Bringing Your Own Bike
Whether to rent or bring your own bike depends on your personal preference and budget. If you have your own bike then thats always a great option providing it is up to the job. We recommend at least a 150mm+ Dual suspension enduro bike, with descent dual ply tyres and strong modern brakes! Our accommodation has secure bike storage and bike workshops at standard.
If your bike isn’t up to the job or you want to try out some of the latest models. We offer the best in the business Santa Cruz bicycles as part of our rental fleet of Enduro bikes, downhill bikes & E-bikes. These are serviced by some of the best mechanics in the business and available to hire here:
Mountain Bike Guides & Shuttles
Get the most out of your Queenstown mountain biking holiday with our guided trip & shuttles. Riding the best trails in Queenstown isn’t as easy as just turning up, we highly recommend booking either a one-day session or a multi-day trip with our local Queenstown mountain biking guides. Our guides will put you onto all the best trails for your own personal abilities and preferences, whether its the trail center paradise of 7 mile, epic singletrack on Ben Lomond or the smooth flow tracks on Coronet peak.
Heli Biking NZ
Take your Queenstown MTB trip to the next level with our Queenstown heli biking trips. Breathtaking flights over the epic southern alps to drop you off at a backcountry peak, take in the epic vista of the Whakatipu basin before a once in a lifetime singletrack descent that can last well over an hour. You’ll remember these rides for the rest of your life.
Queenstown Mountain Bike Accommodation
Houses
Perfect for medium - large groups wanting the luxuries and privacies of their own self catered home. Our Queenstown mountain bike accommodation is super centrally located just a few minutes from the centre of town, offers breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and you can sit back and enjoy a drink whilst soaking in the hot tub after a great days mountain biking.
Hotels
Queenstown boasts a variety of hotels catering to all budgets. Perfect for solo travellers or couples looking for a shorter stay in Queenstown, our Queenstown mountain bike hotels are completely hassle free, offering you the reliability of the larger chains at the best price and come with breakfast as standard, plus they all have secure bike storage.
Apartments
Super centrally located, modern and perfect for small groups our Queenstown MTB apartments provide a great affordable option for your Queenstown mountain bike holiday. All the modern amenities you need at an affordable price.
Family-Friendly Biking Options
Trails Suitable for Kids
Queenstown has several trails suitable for families with children. The Frankton Arm Walkway and Lake Hayes Circuit are gentle routes perfect for younger riders.
We have a wide variety of kids bikes and mountain bikes and our friendly staff will ensure that they are correctly fitted to your child and have all the relevant safety equipment
Local Attractions and Activities
Things to Do in Queenstown
Queenstown offers a wealth of activities beyond mountain biking. Known as the adventure capital of the World, your down days off the bike will be equally as exciting! Try bungee jumping, jet boating, or whitewater rafting. For those looking for a more relax stay, the town also has excellents spa facilities, some great shopping and amazing scenic tours.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Queenstown's culinary scene is vibrant and diverse. Try the World Famous Fergburger. Or treat yourself to Queenstowns wide selection of amazing restaurants such as Rata, Madam Woo or Botswana Butchery. Queenstown has a lively nightlife with something for everyone, The Bunker, Yonder or Sundeck is the perfect place to wet the whistle.
Local Guide
Seasonal Weather Guide
Peak summer is from December - March and expect hot temperatures, long days and dusty trails followed by a swim in one of our crystal clear lakes! Summer is the most popular time of year to visit, however Spring (Oct - November) and Autumn (March-May) provide the best times riding conditions, with slightly lower temperatures, tacky dirt and less crowds. Winter (May - Sept) sees a lot of the trails closed due to snow.
Packing Checklist
Pack light, breathable clothing for summer, and layers for spring and autumn. NZ weather can change every day so be prepared! Don’t forget sun protection (NZ sun is famously strong), a rain jacket, and all your regular biking gear.
Tips from the Locals
Insider Tips for the Best Experience
Locals recommend coming in Spring our Autumn to avoid the crowds and score the best riding. There is more regular rain keeping the dirt perfect for riding and allowing the trail crews to keep the trails running smooth!
Hidden Gems
There is so much to explore in Queenstown outside of the main bikeparks, hire a local guide for several days and you’ll ride completely hidden singletrails away from the bikeparks in the beautiful NZ backcountry.
Conclusion
Queenstown Mountain Bike Holidays offer an unparalleled adventure for biking enthusiasts. With its stunning trails, adventure packed town, and vibrant community, Queenstown is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, you’ll find plenty to love in this mountain biking paradise. So gear up, hit the trails, and let the adventure begin!
FAQs
What is the best time of year for a mountain biking holiday in Queenstown?
The best time for a mountain biking holiday in Queenstown is from late spring to early autumn (November to April) when the weather is ideal and the trails are in excellent condition.
Are there bike rental shops in Queenstown?
Yes, there are numerous bike rental shops in Queenstown, we offer high end Enduro bikes, downhill bikes, e-bikes, kids bikes and more here
Can beginners enjoy mountain biking in Queenstown?
Absolutely! Queenstown has trails for all skill levels, including gentle rides suitable for beginners and families.
What should I pack for a mountain biking trip to Queenstown?
Pack light, breathable clothing, a good helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads, a repair kit, hydration pack, sun protection, and a rain jacket.
Are there family-friendly biking trails in Queenstown?
Yes, there are several family-friendly trails in Queenstown, such as the Frankton Arm Walkway and Lake Hayes Circuit, which are perfect for riders of all ages.
Some of my family don’t mountain bike, is there stuff for them to do?
Absolutely, Queenstown is a hugely popular destination for people that don’t mountain bike with its huge selection of adventure sports, relaxing leisure activities, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Its impossible to be bored in Queenstown