Do I need to bring my own bike?

Yes, you must bring a mountain bike with at least front suspension to participate.

What skill level is required for this class?

Riders should be comfortable with intermediate-level trails up to grade 3.

How long is the class?

This coaching session runs approximately 3 hours.

What safety gear do I need?

A helmet and protective pads are essential to reduce injury risks on technical terrain.

Where does the class meet?

Meetings take place at Wilsons Bay car park in Queenstown.

Is there an age requirement?

Participants must be at least 8 years old to join.

Master Steep Drops & Rock Rolls with TreadmarkNZ in Queenstown | Bike Tour | Guided Tour

Queenstown, Otago, is renowned for its rugged alpine terrain and world-class mountain biking trails that challenge riders of every skill level. Here, TreadmarkNZ offers the GRADIENT: THE ROCK ROLLS AND DROPS CLASS, a focused, hands-on coaching experience tailored for riders aiming to master steep gradients and technical drops. This unique class splits into two parts: first, riders learn to execute rock rolls—an essential skill involving controlled, stable movement over uneven, rocky surfaces that often intimidate even experienced bikers. By mastering body positioning and balance on changing gradients, participants gain the confidence to tame the hilliest, rock-strewn tracks the region is famous for.

The second half hones the ability to manage pressure and speed on drop-offs of various sizes and shapes. TreadmarkNZ instructors teach riders how to use active compression techniques, timing their movements to maintain control and fluidity. This dual-focus approach ensures that riders don’t just survive these demanding features—they ride them with intention and ease.

Situated near the Shotover River and surrounded by the dramatic Southern Alps, Queenstown’s landscape includes unique schist rock formations that shape the trails’ many technical elements. This geology gifts riders with terrain that demands both rugged adaptability and precision. TreadmarkNZ's local insight and hands-on guidance make this course stand out, offering gear, safety focus, and progression suitable for intermediate trail riders comfortable on grade 3 tracks.

Beyond skill-building, TreadmarkNZ integrates respect for the environment, emphasizing sustainable riding practices that protect the fragile hill slopes and native plant life. The company’s commitment to quality instruction and the spectacular setting cements its place as a must-visit for anyone serious about advancing their mountain biking skills in New Zealand’s adventure hub.

About TreadmarkNZ

TreadmarkNZ is a Queenstown‑based mountain biking operator delivering guided e‑bike adventures, private coaching, youth lessons and shuttle transport across Central Otago.
The business runs a varied schedule of half‑day and multi‑session experiences, including high‑end e‑bike rides toward lakeside routes and Arrowtown, skills sessions on trails like Bush Creek, shuttle services for Coronet Peak, and venue‑based lessons at Cardrona Alpine Resort and 7‑Mile Recreation Reserve.
Coaching covers beginner to advanced topics, with structured focus on body positioning, cornering, jump technique and downhill gravity skills. Women’s courses and progressive multi‑week programs include video feedback and tailored lesson plans. Youth sessions emphasise safety, gears, braking and terrain reading and are designed to build confidence and teamwork during school holiday programs.
Private lessons provide one‑on‑one instruction, route selection and take‑home resources such as skills PDFs; some sessions include unlimited chairlift access where available. Shuttle and transport offerings include custom pickups, premium bike handling and local trail advice to simplify the riding day.
TreadmarkNZ works with experienced local guides and instructors who focus on clear communication, professionally maintained equipment and rider safety. As a Queenstown operator featured on The Adventure Collective, TreadmarkNZ provides tailored experiences for casual riders, families, groups and committed cyclists seeking coached progression on Queenstown trails. Flexible group and private options. Booking details, availability and equipment inclusions are listed online; secure reservations recommended during peak seasons to guarantee preferred dates and guide availability.