THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Cycle through Central Otago’s scenic Wharehuanui Trail while visiting iconic local breweries on Going Blue’s Ale Trail adventure. This self-guided trip blends outdoor thrills with craft beer culture, starting from historic Arrowtown.
Cycle through Central Otago’s scenic Wharehuanui Trail while visiting iconic local breweries on Going Blue’s Ale Trail adventure. This self-guided trip blends outdoor thrills with craft beer culture, starting from historic Arrowtown.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Going Blue · Queenstown, Otago
Central Otago’s rugged landscapes offer more than just postcard-perfect mountains and turquoise lakes—they set the stage for an immersive biking and brewery experience unlike any other. Going Blue’s Ale Trail: Wharehuanui Adventure takes riders on a self-guided journey from historic Arrowtown through to Arthurs Point, weaving together scenic cycling with some of the region’s best craft beer stops. This 16.5-kilometer ride on the recently established Wharehuanui Trail is a fresh way to connect with New Zealand’s South Island outdoors while tasting local brews.
Starting with a convenient shuttle ride from Queenstown to Arrowtown, riders are dropped off near this gold rush-era town where time seems to slow. Arrowtown’s preserved streets and artisan cafes offer a rich introduction before hopping onto well-maintained bikes outfitted by Going Blue—options include e-bikes and pedal bikes tailored to a range of fitness levels. The trail offers gentle gradients and expansive views across the Whakatipu Basin, with native beech forests and tussock-dappled hills lining the route.
Along the way, the itinerary invites riders to stop at iconic breweries such as Gantley’s Tavern and Canyon Brewery, places where the valley’s alpine air meets vibrant local culture. For those with time and a thirst for adventure, Searchlight Brewery awaits further along the trail with hearty brews and stunning mountain vistas. Riders can tailor their pace and finish points, then catch a shuttle back to Queenstown or walk in from the Queenstown Gardens.
Going Blue brings something distinctive to the region’s adventure scene by merging active travel with a celebration of Central Otago’s flourishing craft beer community. The Ale Trail is an accessible day trip for all skill levels and a genuine introduction to the area’s heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or a seasoned rider, this trip blends outdoor recreation, local flavor, and flexible planning into one seamless experience.
easy.
4–6 hours.
Suitable for riders with basic bike handling skills and moderate fitness
No, the trail is rated easy and suitable for all skill levels. Basic bike handling and moderate fitness are recommended.
Yes, Going Blue supplies helmets and a choice of e-bikes or pedal bikes for your ride.
Yes, you can choose to finish at various breweries or at the Queenstown Gardens, with shuttle pick-up arranged accordingly.
Food is not included. Some breweries offer food options which can be pre-booked separately.
Going Blue monitors conditions; in case of unsafe weather, trips are rescheduled or refunded.
Yes, family-friendly options like child bikes and trailers are available through Going Blue.
Arrowtown was a gold mining hub in the 1860s, and its heritage remains visible through preserved buildings and museums along the ride.
Going Blue emphasizes minimizing trail impact by promoting responsible cycling and supports local initiatives to protect native flora and fauna.
Going Blue is a Queenstown, Otago based transport and adventure operator offering private shuttles, bike hire, self-guided rides, snow play transfers and vineyard tours across Queenstown and Central Otago. The company runs door-to-door private shuttles to Remarkables ski field, small-group Coronet Peak transfers for the Snow Touch Adventure, and one-way shuttles connecting Arrowtown and Queenstown. Self-guided cycling options include the Shotover River Trail, the Ale Trail from Arrowtown to Arthurs Point, the Valley of the Vines ride through Gibbston, and alternative routes that pass the Hugo Tunnel and Kimiākau Suspension Bridge. Vehicle fleets are equipped for all weather conditions and configured for flexible group sizes, including private transfers for up to 11 passengers. Bike hire covers e-bikes and mountain bikes with recommended trails such as the Kelvin Heights Loop, Arrowtown and Ayrburn Adventure, and the full-day Gold Miner’s Muscle route. The Central Otago Signature Vineyard Tour visits Gibbston wineries, pairs tastings with a gourmet lunch, and highlights local wine history. Going Blue focuses on convenience, safety and local knowledge to connect visitors from central Queenstown to ski fields, backcountry trails and vineyards. Booking options allow private departures, small-group shuttles and flexible returns. With an emphasis on family-friendly snow play and self-guided cycling, the operator makes mountain, wine and cycling experiences accessible and straightforward for visitors to the Queenstown region. Staff provide clear booking information, flexible pickup windows and on-route support, and vehicles meet local safety standards to ensure reliable transport for families, groups and independent cyclists exploring throughout the region.
Book with Going Blue