Discover the Thrill: Queenstown MTB Holidays for Every Rider

Introduction

Queenstown, located on New Zealand's South Island, is famously known as the adventure capital of the world. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and if you're into mountain biking, Queenstown MTB Holidays offer an exhilarating escape. The region boasts a variety of trails that cater to every rider, from beginners to seasoned pros, providing an unforgettable biking experience amidst stunning natural landscapes.

Why Choose Queenstown for MTB Holidays?

Queenstown’s unique blend of dramatic landscapes and world-class trails makes it a top choice for mountain biking holidays. The terrain ranges from rugged mountains to serene lakesides, offering a diverse riding experience. Additionally, the local biking community is vibrant and welcoming, and the facilities are top-notch, ensuring you have everything you need for a memorable biking adventure.

Getting to Queenstown

Travel Options

Reaching Queenstown is relatively easy. The Queenstown Airport has direct flights from major cities in New Zealand and Australia, making it convenient for international travelers. Once you arrive, you can use shuttles, taxis, or rental cars to get around. For those driving from other parts of New Zealand, the scenic routes to Queenstown offer a preview of the stunning landscapes you’ll explore on your bike.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to plan your Queenstown MTB Holidays is from late spring to early autumn (November to April). During these months, the weather is perfect for biking, with long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures. Spring and autumn also offer a chance to enjoy the trails with fewer crowds.

Top Mountain Biking Trails in Queenstown

Queenstown Bike Park

The Queenstown Bike Park is a must-visit for any mountain biker. Located in the Ben Lomond Reserve, it features over 30 kilometers of trails suitable for all skill levels. The Skyline Gondola provides easy access to the park’s downhill tracks, ensuring you can spend more time riding and less time climbing.

Moke Lake Trail

For a more scenic ride, the Moke Lake Trail is ideal. This trail offers moderate terrain and stunning views of Moke Lake and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great option for those looking to combine a workout with breathtaking scenery.

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak offers some of the best downhill biking in Queenstown. The trails here range from challenging single tracks to wide-open runs, making it a favorite among advanced riders. The views from the top are spectacular, adding to the thrill of the descent.

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.
 

Gear and Equipment

Renting vs. Bringing Your Own

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. 
 

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


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.
 

Tips for Mountain Bikers

Preparing for the Trails

Before hitting the trails, ensure your bike is in good condition. Check the brakes, tires, and gears. Always carry a map or GPS device, and let someone know your plans. It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with the trail difficulty and terrain.

Navigating Difficult Terrain

When navigating challenging trails, it’s important to ride within your limits. Don’t hesitate to dismount and walk tricky sections if needed.

First Aid Essentials

Carry a basic first aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief medication. Knowing basic first aid skills can be invaluable in case of an accident, ensuring you can address minor injuries until help arrives.

Sustainability and Trail Etiquette

Maintaining the Trails

Respecting the trails is crucial for sustainability. Avoid riding in wet conditions, which can damage the paths. Always pack out what you pack in and consider volunteering for trail maintenance days.

Respecting Nature and Wildlife

Stick to marked trails to protect the local flora and fauna. Give wildlife plenty of space and avoid disturbing natural habitats. These practices help preserve Queenstown’s beautiful landscapes for future generations.

Family-Friendly Biking Options

Trails Suitable for Kids

Queenstown offers several trails that are perfect for families with children. The Frankton Arm Walkway and Lake Hayes Circuit are gentle routes that provide a safe and enjoyable riding experience for young bikers.

Family-Friendly Bike Rentals

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. https://www.bikequeenstown.com/queenstown/queenstown-mountain-bike-hire

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.

 

Events and Competitions

Annual Mountain Biking Events

Queenstown hosts several mountain biking events throughout the year, including the Queenstown Bike Festival and Crankworx. These events attract riders from around the world. See a full list of events here: https://www.bikequeenstown.com/queenstown/information/queenstown-events-2024

 

Planning Your Visit

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.

Must-See Spots

Queenstown has many must-see spots for mountain bikers. Include the Queenstown Bike Park, Coronet Peak, Cardrona Bike Park and Glendhu Bikeparkwe recommend spending several days with our Queenstown MTB Guides, let us take care of the logistics and show you the best trails whilst you focus on enjoying yourself.

Packing Checklist

Pack layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. Essentials include biking gear, a helmet, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget casual clothes for off-the-bike activities and evenings out.

 

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 MTB Holidays offer a thrilling and diverse biking experience for riders of all levels. From world-class trails and stunning landscapes to vibrant local culture and activities, Queenstown is the ultimate destination for a mountain biking holiday. Plan your trip, pack your gear, and get ready to discover the thrill of Queenstown on two wheels!

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Queenstown for mountain biking? The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (November to April) when the weather is ideal for biking.

2. Can I rent a mountain bike in Queenstown?Yes, there are numerous bike rental shops in Queenstown, we offer high end Enduro bikes, downhill bikes, e-bikes, kids bikes.

3. Are there trails suitable for beginners in Queenstown? Absolutely, Queenstown has trails for all skill levels, including beginner-friendly options like the Frankton Arm Walkway.

4. Do I need to book guided tours in advance? It's recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.

5. What safety gear should I bring for mountain biking? Essential safety gear includes a helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads, and a first aid kit.
 

Some of my family don’t mountain bike, will they be entertained?

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.