How long is the ride?

The full experience, including shuttle, cycling and jet boat transfer, is typically a 6–8 hour day depending on group pace and stops.

Is prior bike experience required?

Intermediate bike-handling on loose gravel is recommended; guides and quality hire bikes make it achievable for fit beginners.

What does the package include?

Bike hire, helmet and basic tools, shuttle to the trailhead, and a jet boat pick-up at the designated take-out are included in the standard package.

Are there age or weight limits for the jet boat?

Limits vary by operator; check when booking but most require riders to meet basic safety and seating requirements and children to be supervised.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes—bring your bike if you prefer; inform the operator when booking so shuttle space and loading can be arranged.

What if weather closes the jet boat?

Operators monitor river conditions and will rebook or refund based on safety; confirm cancellation and contingency policies at booking.

Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail: Bike Hire, Shuttle & Jet Boat from Queenstown

Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail runs along the Clutha River in Otago, New Zealand, and this Queenstown-based package bundles bike hire, a shuttle, and an adrenaline-charged jet boat transfer into a single, backcountry day. The route threads through narrow gorges, past sheer rock faces, historic huts and thyme-scented tussock country, offering a mix of smooth singletrack, gravel farm roads, and river-edge riparian corridor. Leaving from Queenstown, riders are transported by shuttle to the upper trailhead and dropped into remote scenery that feels far from the tourist hubs. The trail's key features include the Clutha River itself—fast, clear water carving a deep corridor—the steep rock cliffs that frame the gorge, and scattered historic huts that mark earlier eras of farming and river travel. Vegetation shifts from dry, low tussock to river-margin willows and wild thyme that perfumes the air on warm afternoons. The package finishes with a jet boat ride that threads the river's narrow sections, providing a high-energy finale and a unique way to exit the trail. What makes this offering stand out is the logistics: bike hire tuned to the trail, a return shuttle so riders can do a one-way ride without arranging two vehicles, and a jet boat transfer that turns a typical downhill cycle into a mixed-modality adventure. For riders who want a wilderness feel without multi-day planning, it's an accessible, full-day immersion in Central Otago's raw landscapes. Local operators know the route, manage gear, and time the jet boat pickup to fit river conditions and tide of summer flows. Expect a day of varied terrain - gravel grades, some technical river-side sections, and steady descents that reward cautious speed. Bring hydration and sun protection; services are sparse once the shuttle drops you in. This trip suits intermediate cyclists comfortable with loose surfaces and sustained distance, but guides and quality hire bikes make it feasible for fit beginners who prefer guided support. The experience highlights why Roxburgh Gorge is an essential part of Otago's outdoor scene: it connects river dynamics with human history, farm tracks with hidden corners of wilderness, and a uniquely Kiwi mode of transport—jet boating—with classic cycle touring. Whether you're chasing views, wildlife, or a fast getaway from Queenstown, this combined bike, shuttle and jet boat package turns a river corridor into a single, unforgettable outing. Practical notes: helmets and basic tools are included in the hire, and guides will brief riders on river crossings, steep sections, and jet boat boarding procedures. Weather in Central Otago can swing quickly - expect hot sun in summer and brisk breezes in shoulder seasons. Reservations fill in summer months; use the supplied booking link to secure your slot, and check cancellation policies and group size limits before arrival. Bring water and sunscreen.