Included:

• • An experienced guide-driver (or 2 guides for groups of 8+; one riding with the group, one supporting with the vehicle)*
  • 5-day Lake Dunstan, Kawarau, and Roxburgh Gores cycling adventure
  • Accommodation for 4 nights at historic hotels, lodges, and motels (double occupancy)
  • 4 café breakfasts, 4 gourmet picnic or café lunches, 3 two-course restaurant dinners
  • Snacks, drinks, and morning and afternoon teas throughout the tour
  • Full vehicle support along the trail, including luggage trailer
  • Rider fees paid to the Trail Trusts
  • Pre-departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Experiences as in the itinerary
    • Scenic jet boat ride on the Clutha River (Roxburgh Gorge)
    • Wine tasting at a boutique Central Otago vineyard
    • Return transport from Queenstown

Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

• • Single occupancy room
  • Bike rental (mountain bike or e-bike)

Not included:

• • Flights to Queenstown
  • Airport transfers
  • Bike hire (including helmet) — available to add at checkout
  • All beverages other than breakfast drinks
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, shopping, etc.)
  • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  • Guide gratuities — optional

*If your departure has up to 7 participants, there will be one guide-driver with you. They will be supporting you from the vehicle and also riding with the group at times, usually on more challenging trail sections. For groups of 8+, there will be two guide-drivers; one riding with the group, one supporting you from the vehicle.

To join this Lake Dunstan cycling tour, good fitness is required. The trails are graded moderate—generally well-formed with a compacted gravel surface, but with exposed sections, narrow switchbacks, and some rougher terrain along the gorges.

The most you’ll cycle in a single day is 73 km (45 mi). Your guides recommend doing 2–3 rides per week of 2–3 hours in the three months leading up to the trip, ideally on compacted gravel trails and including some hills. Completing a multi-day ride beforehand is strongly encouraged to get used to time in the saddle. Since the tour is fully supported, less confident riders can skip more difficult sections and hop in the vehicle.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more New Zealand bike tours here!

The tour is fully supported so you won’t have to carry anything. If hiring one of our bikes, it will have a rear saddle bag with enough space to put an extra layer, your camera, wallet, phone etc. We recommend you pack your luggage in a soft sports bag for easy stowing in the trailer/ vehicle. We urge you to keep your luggage to a minimum. If you have extra luggage you do not require for your holiday, we can arrange to store it until the end of the trip.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Bike & helmet — bike rental available
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Comfortable biking clothes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Sneakers or sport shoes
  • Breathable outside layer or jacket
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Fleece
  • Quality thermal wear
  • Casual clothes and sneakers for when you’re not cycling
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Biking gloves
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

Yes — bike rental is available, with several high-quality options to match different riding styles, comfort needs, and experience levels.

Mountain bikes (non-e-bike):

• • Avanti Discovery – Hardtail Mountain Bike — A simple, solid, and comfortable hardtail built for mixed terrain. It features front suspension, fast-rolling tyres, a 1×10 drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable control. A rear rack with a rack bag (included) makes it easy to carry layers, lunch, or a camera. Available in multiple frame sizes (exact sizing subject to availability).
  • Avanti Discovery – Low-Step Hardtail Mountain Bike — The same dependable setup as the standard Avanti Discovery, with a low-step frame for easier mounting and a more accessible feel. It offers a relaxed upright riding position, front suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes—ideal for riders prioritising comfort. Available in multiple frame sizes (subject to availability).

E-bikes:

• • Sinch e-bike – front suspension (mountain bike style) — Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand, these pedal-assist eBikes smooth out hills and longer days thanks to reliable Shimano motor systems. They feature front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a comfortable upright riding position. Available in sizes L and XL.
  • Sinch e-bikes – step-through options — These models offer the same pedal-assist support and trail-ready setup, with step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture. Available in sizes XS, S, and M, with L and XL step-through options available on request.

If you’re unsure which bike is best for you, we’re happy to help match you with the right setup based on height, experience, and riding style.

Group sizes and pricing

• • For this Lake Dunstan cycling tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1. 
  • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants.
  • If your departure has up to 7 participants, there will be one guide-driver with you. They will be supporting you from the vehicle and also riding with the group at times, usually on more challenging trail sections. For groups of 8+, there will be two guide-drivers; one riding with the group, one supporting you from the vehicle.
  • Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Lake Dunstan cycling tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Lake Dunstan cycling tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

The price for this Lake Dunstan cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

The starting point of your Lake Dunstan cycling tour is Queenstown, New Zealand.. To get there, most people fly into Queenstown Airport (ZQN). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Queenstown.

You will meet your guides at a central Queenstown meeting point on the morning of Day 1.

It’s recommended to fly in the day before the tour starts. At the end of the trip, your guides will drop you back at a central point in Queenstown around 6 pm. If flying home on the final day, ensure your domestic flight departs after 7 pm; international flights are not recommended on the same day the tour finishes.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.