Adventure Collective
E-Bike Adventure in Whakatipu Basin by Whakatipu Explorer - Queenstown

E-Bike Adventure in Whakatipu Basin by Whakatipu Explorer

Gibbston

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview

Discover the thrill of self-guided e-bike riding through Central Otago’s stunning Whakatipu Basin with Whakatipu Explorer. Perfect for all skill levels, enjoy breathtaking views and a flexible, eco-friendly adventure.

Gibbston, Otago

Whakatipu Explorer

Arrowtown to Queenstown - 1 of 3 trails. Ride it your way

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About This Adventure

Embark on the Whakatipu Explorer, a self-guided E-Bike adventure through the stunning Whakatipu Basin! With three scenic trails to choose from, enjoy seamless transport to Arrowtown and breathtaking views of lakes and mountains. Experience the freedom to explore at your own pace, making unforgettable memories in Central Otago.

Time schedule

  • Pick up beginning at 9:20am
  • Returning from Wineries at 3:45pm

Start your day without hassle : Convenient pickup from your accommodation. Our pickups begin at 9:20am in the Queenstown area. Depending on your location, your pickup time will be communicated to you before our team sets off. In Winter (June - September) pickup times will be starting at10am.

!Arrowtown's main street

Comfortable transport to the start of the trail: Your full day adventure begins with a comfortable ride to the charming gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. Here you'll be given a safety briefing and introduced to your bike for the day. You can also take time before you leave to explore the town and maybe grab a coffee and pie at the famous Arrowtown Bakery.

!Whizzy shuttle at Kinross winery

Safety first : Once we've arrived we'll get the bikes ready for you and take you through a 10 minute safety briefing that includes how to get the best out of your bike, how to stay safe on the trails and what you need to do to stay in touch.

Adventure awaits : You'll be out on the trail at approximately 10:30am and free to explore as much or as little as you want.

Before the vino...Leaving Arrowtown & the ride to Gibbston. Your riding starts in Arrowtown on the gentle flow of the Arrow River Bridges trail. There's approximitely 60-70 minutes riding before you get to the Gibbston trail and nowhere to stop for refreshments. Make sure you grab some breakfast or a coffee in Arrowtown before you leave, especially if you're still in bed mode!

What's Not Included?

  • Bookings for wine tastings are not included with the tour. Chard Farm, Peregrine Winery and Mt Edward all require bookings to be made ahead of your trip. In some cases you may get away with booking on the morning of your trip but to ensure you get your place please try and book the day before.

  • Lunch is not provided. Most wineries offer food of some kind but many offer full lunch menus ranging from Pizza and chips to gourmet dishes, beautiful salads and much much more. If you think you will need a bite to eat before you get to Gibbston, please pack snacks for the ride. There could be a little more than an hour before you find a place once you leave Arrowtown.

  • A Guide will not accompany you. This tour is self guided and the trail is quite easy to follow. In summer months the trail is used by hundreds of tourists so there will always be someone to ask for directions, should you get lost.

  • Fare weather is not guaranteed and while we do our best to actively manifest sunny, warm weather, it does occasionally rain. If the weather forecast is particularly rough we may cancel the activities but in light rain we would expect customers to still ride. Rain jackets are essential and good times still roll.


What to bring!

Whilst we provide you with the essentials like an E-Bike and a helmet you'll need to bring along anything that you'd like with you on your adventure. Handy things to pack include :

  • Phone and camera
  • Suncream
  • Water and snacks
  • Sunglasses
  • Coins for the goat food!

Our larger bikes all have a bottle holder but regrettably the smaller bikes don't have space on the frame. If you need to pack things in a bag, a small backpack is recommended to keep everything safe and secure. There are water bottles available on request, we also have phone holders that can be great for recording those all important TikTok vids!

What to wear!

Comfortable clothes and footwear are essential for riding E-Bikes on the gravel trails around Queenstown. In summer the temperature can get up to the high 20's and riding in shorts and tees is all good but pants and extra layers are definitely needed in the winter. Regardless of the season, dress for the conditions and always keep in mind that the prevailing wind can take a few degrees off the forecast temperature. To be safe, we'd recommend always packing an extra layer and don't forget your rain jacket if showers are due.


From the top of the valley to the bottom, what's expected :

The '88 Cafe at the Kawarau Bungy Centre for coffee and snacks.

Gibbston Valley Winery is home to New Zealand's largest wine cave and is the name sake of the valley.

!Gibbston Valley's extensive wine cave

World renowned Peregrine Winery is the next en route. Bookings must be made prior to arrival.

The Gibbston Tavern is an ode to olden day pubs. Expect warm hospitality and amazing wood fired pizzas. They also operate the popular GT Tasting Rooms where you can taste delicious gins from around New Zealand.

!Gibbston Tavern

Rockburn Stables cellar door offer tastings ranging from $15-$25 per person.

Kinross. Great food and award winning wines, Kinross is our pick of the best for wineries in Gibbston. Their outdoor setting, amazing wine and 'out of this world' mushroom pizza makes for an unmissable experience.

!Kinross winery

The Church. Tastings for the local Mt Edward winery and enough games to keep even the seasoned professional happy!

At the bottom (or top, depending on how many wines you've had) of the valley there's Mt Rosa and Brennan. Enjoy your pinot noir from the warmth of the old iron farm stay at Mt Rosa. Play petanque amongst the vines and share a delicious charcuterie from the kitchen at Brennan. Our most beloved B2 Pinot lives here!

When you've had enough : At the end of your adventure you can give us a call and we'll pick you up from where you finish. Pickups begin at 3:45pm so make sure you've messaged us by then to ensure you don't get left behind...You wouldn't want to be left in a winery now, would you? 😉

Here's whats included :

  • Premium E-Bike (Either mountain bike or step through styles)
  • Helmet
  • Bike lock

!instagram photos by the wineries

Note : Regrettably, we cannot make bookings for you at any of the wineries. Most, except those mentioned above, can accommodate walk-in tastings or serve food and drink without bookings. For those wanting guided tastings at Peregrine, we advise booking in advance here

Book your E-Bike adventure now for an unforgettable ride through some of the areas most beautiful surroundings and grab an award winning Pinot as you do it!

Adventure Tips

Check Weather Conditions

Always review local weather before riding to ensure safety, especially in mountain areas.

Start Early in Summer

Begin your ride early in the day during summer months to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Wear Protective Gear

Use helmet and appropriate clothing to stay comfortable and safe on varying terrains.

Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer seasons, to keep energy levels high.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Black swans
  • Native tūī

History

Arrowtown, from where the trails start, was a bustling gold rush town in the 1860s, and remnants of its gold-mining past can still be seen.

Conservation

The trails are maintained with care to minimize ecological impact, encouraging sustainable tourism and respecting local flora and fauna.

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Adventure Hotspots in Queenstown

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Helmet

Essential

Protects your head during rides across varied terrains.

Water Bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during your journey, especially on warm days.

summer specific

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Essential

Layered clothing for changing weather conditions ensures comfort.

spring,summer,winter,fall specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin from UV rays during sunny days.

summer specific