New Zealand’s first gondola-assisted ‘bike lift’ has opened in the heart of Queenstown.
Bike riders can load their bikes onto the Skyline Gondola to connect with more than 30km of high country trails ranging from fast groomed tracks to rock gardens and natural single tracks.
The runs are graded green, blue and black for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders.
Back road cycling at Walter Peak has also been extended, running from October to April. The trip, which can be done independently or in small guided groups, begins with an 45-minute cruise across the lake aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship.
Riders can then cycle part or all of the 55km trail from Walter Peak high country farm to Mavora Lakes.
Central Otago’s vineyards also offer good bike trails, including the new 8.5km River Trail through the Gibbston valley, stopping off at award-winning wineries along the way.
At Easter, the Queenstown Mountain Bike Festival returns for its second year with a number of serious and fun events, including the new Orion Health GODZone Adventure race, April 7-14, a multi-day, non-stop, expedition-style adventure race for serious athletes.
