Included:

• • An experienced, local biking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 5-day Otago Rail Trail & Lake Dunstan bike tour
  • Accommodation for 4 nights in comfortable motel/hotel accommodation (double occupancy)
  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic and cafe lunches (x5), two-course restaurant dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks, and treats
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Return transport to Queenstown
  • Pre-departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Rider fees paid to the Department of Conservation and Trail Trusts for ongoing maintenance and improvements

Add-ons (add at checkout):

• • Bike rental
  • Single occupancy room

Not included:

• • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout

Overall, this trip is graded introductory to moderate, making it a great option for riders with a solid base of fitness and some off-road experience. The most you’ll cycle within a day is 79 km (49 mi), with up to +768 m (+2,519 ft) of elevation gain. Check the itinerary for day-by-day distances.

The Central Otago Rail Trail is introductory, featuring a wide, hard-packed surface with just one notable climb, tackled gradually along the route of the old railway line. In contrast, the Kawarau Gorge and the Cromwell Gorge section of the Lake Dunstan Trail are more moderately technical, with steeper climbs, narrower tracks, tight corners, and some exposed sections. A less challenging alternate route is available for riders who prefer it.

A reasonable level of fitness is required, and we recommend training with 2–3 rides per week of 2–3 hours in the three months leading up to the trip. Riding on gravel or off-road trails, practicing hills with switchbacks, and completing a multi-day ride beforehand will help you feel comfortable and make the experience even more enjoyable—especially for those keen to ride through the Cromwell Gorge.

For more biking adventures in New Zealand, click 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
  • 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.

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.

Premium e-bike:

• • Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ (subject to availability) — Our premium option for riders wanting maximum comfort and capability. This full-suspension eBike features a powerful Shimano motor, long-lasting battery, and relaxed geometry that flattens climbs and smooths rough terrain. Integrated lights, mudguards, and a rack make it ideal for multi-day touring. Available in selected sizes (subject to availability).

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.

As a general rule, November to April are the most ideal months for traveling in New Zealand’s stunning outdoors. One of the most important things travelers need to know about the New Zealand climate is that it’s a maritime climate, as opposed to the continental climate typical of larger landmasses.

• • The temperature during the South Island summers range from 10‐30 °C (50-86 °F), with a pleasant 40‐50% humidity.
  • Maximum temperatures we may encounter range up to 30°C (86 °F).
  • Minimum temperatures expected in the Southern Alps in Summer time are around ‐5°C (23 °F).

Group sizes and pricing

• • For this Lake Dunstan and Otago rail trail bike trip, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1.
  • If 8 or more people join the tour, 2 guides will accompany the group.
  • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants.

Biking in New Zealand 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 bike trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

The price for this New Zealand bike 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.

The starting point of your Lake Dunstan and Otago rail trail bike tour is Queenstown. To get there, most people fly into Queenstown (ZQN) Airport. You will need to fly into Queenstown the day prior to the tour departure. From the airport, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Queenstown.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to arrive at least a day prior to Day 1 of the tour as you will meet your guide on the first morning of the tour in central Queenstown. More information will be provided by the guides before the tour starts.

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.