Bike the New Kawarau Gorge Trail

On arrival at Kinross Winery, Gibbston Valley - Meet your nzbiketrails team. Your Guest Experience Manager introduces themselves and provides their direct mobile number for support. You will also receive your trail map with key points marked. Your bike is explained to you, fitted to your height, your helmet is sized and adjusted and you have a test ride to get confident. Time: approximately 20–30 minutes.

Stage 1 — Gibbston Valley to the Kawarau Gorge (approx. 15–20 min riding)
Roll east from Kinross Winery through the Gibbston wine country, following the Kawarau River as the canyon walls begin to close in. The transition from open valley to deep gorge is gradual and dramatic.

Stage 2 — Through the Kawarau Gorge to Nevis Ferry (approx. 30min riding)
The gorge deepens and the real trail begins. Ride through dramatic river canyon terrain — schist rock faces, turquoise water far below — to the first of the trail's two suspension bridges at Nevis Ferry. Cross at your own pace and stop for as long as the view deserves.

Stage 3 — Nevis Bluff and the Cantilevered Bridges (approx. 20–30 min riding)
The trail's most technically impressive section. Cantilevered platform bridges navigate around the sheer face of the Nevis Bluff, where the gorge walls leave no room for trail below. The engineering is remarkable; the views from the 3m wide platforms are better.

Stage 4 — Citroen Rapids Bridge to Cromwell Basin (approx. 30–40 min riding)
Cross the second suspension bridge at Citroen Rapids and ride into the opening landscape of the Cromwell Basin. The Goldfields Mining Centre marks the heritage of the Central Otago gold rush era. The gorge behind you; Bannockburn ahead.

Stage 5 — Bannockburn Arrival
The trail ends at Bannockburn — at the doorstep of Central Otago's most celebrated wine country and the trailhead for the Lake Dunstan Trail. Your shuttle return to the Kinross Winery is arranged and will be waiting.

Total riding time: approximately 2.5 hours. Total experience with stops: allow 5–6 hours with stops. Your Guest experience Manager will depart earlier if all riders have returned and have had time for a quick drink.