THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride through Queenstown’s wild backcountry on the Shotover River Trail with Going Blue. Choose a scenic route or tackle the historic Hugo Tunnel, then unwind at local breweries with flexible return options.
Ride through Queenstown’s wild backcountry on the Shotover River Trail with Going Blue. Choose a scenic route or tackle the historic Hugo Tunnel, then unwind at local breweries with flexible return options.
Book with Going Blue
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Going Blue · Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, Otago’s adventure capital on New Zealand’s South Island, offers an unparalleled gateway into rugged wilderness and sparkling waterways. Just beyond the bustling lakefront and peaks lies the Shotover River Trail, a fresh addition to Going Blue’s active lineup. This self-guided cycling experience takes riders along the Shotover River’s wild backcountry, far from congested tourist paths, weaving through forested valleys, farmland, and cliffs with wide-open river vistas.
Going Blue crafts a personalized approach here, empowering cyclists to select their route based on skill and appetite for challenge. A standout is the historic Hugo Tunnel — a relic from the gold-mining era — that cuts through towering rock walls and features thrilling switchbacks. This segment rates as advanced (Grade 4), rewarding confident riders with dramatic views into the canyon below. For those seeking a more cruisy ride, the scenic new Kimiākau Suspension Bridge offers a gentler route across the river, connecting to peaceful trails that roll toward Tuckers Beach.
Beyond the ride, Going Blue adds local flavor and convenience. Stops include renowned microbreweries like Canyon Brewing and Gantley’s Pub, perfect for rehydrating with a cold beer while soaking in the valley’s textures — waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and native bush. Flexible return options include shuttles from brewery hubs or secure bike storage at Queenstown Gardens, letting riders tailor their finish.
Going Blue’s Shotover River Trail ride stands out in Queenstown’s outdoor scene by blending cultural heritage, natural spectacle, and cycling versatility. The company’s commitment to quality gear, detailed maps, and rider safety bridges the gap between the region’s adrenaline-packed offerings and local hidden gems. This ride is a must for cyclists who want a genuine backcountry taste with the ease of modern support in New Zealand’s South Island playground.
moderate.
2–4 hours depending on route.
Suitable for riders with good cycling stamina; the optional Hugo Tunnel loop requires advanced technical skills and fitness.
No, it’s optional. Going Blue offers clear route options at check-in to match your skill and preference.
Most routes are easy to intermediate, but the Hugo Tunnel is graded advanced (Grade 4) and recommended for confident riders.
Yes, you may finish at the Going Blue shop, Queenstown Gardens, or use the free shuttle pick-up from local breweries.
Tandems and trailers are suitable only for the scenic route, not the technical Hugo Tunnel loop.
Going Blue offers rescheduling or refunds if trail conditions become unsafe due to weather.
No, but the route passes by breweries and cafes where you can purchase refreshments.
Hugo Tunnel is a historic gold-mining tunnel carved in the 19th century that now challenges cyclists with steep switchbacks.
Going Blue promotes responsible riding on fragile backcountry trails to protect native flora and minimize erosion along the Shotover corridor.
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