Kawarau Gorge Trail
(COMING SOON!)
[ OVERVIEW ]
Joining Queenstown to Central Otago and beyond.
Following the footsteps of the Maori, Pioneers and Gold miners beside a majestic river. This trail with the numerous styles of bridges, ambitious engineering and courageous trail building is breathtaking, playful and a workout.
The middle 13km section of this trail is a backcountry trail. Users need to be confident and capable of looking after themselves.
Essential Insights
Cycling Trail Grade
2 - 3
34km - Oxbow to Cromwell
Trail Length
Trail Duration
4 - 6 hours (approx.)
Trail Difficulty
Challenging yet rewarding
800m
Total Climb
Two-way/Dual Direction trail - keep left
Direction
[ TRAIL MAP ]
[ INFO ]
Important Information
The Kawarau Gorge is a dramatic Central Otago canyon carved by the Kawarau River and joined by the Shotover, Arrow and Nevis rivers. The trail follows ancient Māori, routes used to reach the west coast for pounamu. The early pioneers used this treacherous trail in search of farming land. They were followed by the gold miners and then those who were planning early hydro development. A large section of this trail is back-country trail, there are warning signs but be prepared for the unexpected. The trail undulates and whilst all care has been taken to remove rocks there is always a possibility of unstable terrain above and below. Once in this back country section there is no easy "escape route" Be prepared and take self-responsibility. From Queenstown to Bannockburn to Cromwell, the route traces turquoise water through striking geology and links to vineyards and the 550km+ Great Rides network.
Parents / guardians please keep children close and ensure they have the skills and ability to complete the distance, particularly when entering intermediate sections – grade 2 – 3.
No motorised transport permitted. E-bikes to be <300w.
Ensure e-bikes are fully charged, as there are no chargers on trail.
Stay on the trail, keep left, look out for and be considerate to all other users.
Riders, ride within your ability, you may need to walk some sections.
Please respect and keep out of neighbouring properties, farms, vineyards and orchards.
NO DOGS are permitted between the Citroen Bridge and Felton Road.
Be aware of and considerate to farm animals at all times.
This trail may be closed for pest control = shooting of wild animals. Do not enter if the gates are closed.
Please leave farm gates as you find them.
NO DRONES are permitted on this trail as there is a flight path above.
Rubbish - take away with you.
Use the toilets for #2's, no human waste on the trail
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS CHECK OUT THE TRAIL SAFETY PAGE BEFORE EXPLORING ANY TRAILS, AS WELL AS CHECKING THE LATEST WEATHER UPDATES!
Your safety is our top priority, so please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the safety measures and protocols in place. By staying aware and following these guidelines, you help ensure a secure and comfortable experience for everyone.
The trails can be challenging at times, so you must be fully knowledgable and prepared for each trail. This means familiarising yourself with both the Trail Safety Information, and the individual trails themselves.
Photo Credit: Geoff Marks
Photo Credit: Geoff Marks
Photo Credit: Geoff Marks
Photo Credit: Geoff Marks
Back in the Day
In March 1903, 21 year old James Herries Beattie set off from Gore on a cycling adventure through Central Otago, embarking on a journey that would test both endurance and nerve. Riding with a friend from Queenstown toward Cromwell and Alexandra, the young explorer traversed rugged terrain at a time when roads were little more than narrow tracks carved into unforgiving landscapes.
One stretch left a lasting impression - the Kawarau Gorge. Reflecting on the experience in a letter, he wrote: “It needs strength of limb, straightness of eye and coolness of nerve to ride all the way thro’ Kawarau Gorge as the track is about a foot wide and at the outer edge of the track so that at places a slip would cost a fellow his life most probably”.
“I've ridden your magnificent trail many times. I don't take for granted the amount of mahi it takes to keep these taonga open, safe and accessible. Ngā mihi!”
— Tanya - Ōtorohanga, Waikato
[ JOURNEY ]
Discover the Kawarau Gorge Trail Journey
Like all of our trails, the Kawarau Gorge Trail was built from the ground up by incredibly hard-working and passionate people.
Click below to find out more about the trail’s history and what it took to become a reality for all.
Photo Credit: Geoff Marks
FAQs
-
The trail will be open when all elements are completed, the bridges, the trail surfacing and the safety elements. An announcement will be made when we are confident of the date.
-
The trail is a grade 2 trail with sections of grade 3 suitable for experienced and confident riders. This is a back country trail and not a ride with easy out options. You have 3 options - continue onwards, turn around and go back or call for help and go up in a helicopter.
-
While challenging, some sections are suitable for intermediate cyclists with proper preparation and guidance.
-
NO DOGS are allowed on this trail. It goes past and through farmland, vineyards and conservation areas.
-
Bring water, snacks, toilet paper and a repair kit. Wear appropriate clothing for all weather. A mountain or hybrid bike with good suspension is recommended.
-
Yes, several local operators offer guided tours with experienced cyclists who know the trail intimately.
-
Late spring to early autumn offers the best cycling conditions with mild temperatures and clear views.
[ APPROVED PARTNERS ]
Approved Partners supporting our Trail network
Our trusted partners are scattered across our full network, and each can help you get the most of your trail. Click on any of the tiles below to be taken directly to their respective websites.
[ GET INVOLVED ]Get Involved!
We’re all about making the most out of our landscapes, and encouraging people to go get amongst it! We’re proud of the work we do in bringing first-class journeys to the masses, and are always thriving to make our experiences better and better!
All About Us
We’re very much people-pleasers, always thriving to make our trails and experiences as great as we possibly can… Want to learn more about us? There’s lot to learn!
Join Track Pack!
Keen to become a part of the journey? You should join the Track Pack membership, so you’ll receive updates and a voice in all the projects we are currently working towards.
Our Approved Partners
We couldn’t do the work we do without our trusted Partners and Approved Operators. They play a key role in everything we do and hugely support us in bringing our trails to life.
News & Updates
There’s always plenty going on behind the scenes here at Southern Lakes Trails. Click below to check out our blog, where we document some of our latest updates and developments.
Donations welcome!
Want to donate to our wonderful cause? Click the button below to make a donation of your choice - no matter how small it might be, every donation is greatly appreciated, thanks so much!