Name: Arrowtown Central Connection
Brand: Trail Journeys
SKU: TJL
Rating: 5.00 (4 reviews)

Trip Code: TJL

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Trip highlights

Cycle part of the Arrow River Trail
Experience the region’s stunning scenery
Afternoon activities - local wine tasting or Highlands Motorsport Park
Overnight at Lakeside Resort Cromwell

This one-day adventure starts from your Queenstown accommodation, or from the airport, and the first stop is at Arrowtown. This is a charming and quirky town with picturesque preservation of two very different gold-rush communities of the 1860s - the Chinese and European. Arrowtown is the start of a nice ‘warm-up ride’ along part of the Arrow River Bridges Trail. This trail zigzags across the river over five bridges, then on through charming country lanes. Every corner you turn showcases the beauty of the area especially in autumn.

At the completion of the ride your guide will take you to the well-known Bannockburn Hotel for lunch. The Wine Country Restaurant and Bar overlooks unrivalled vineyard, landscape and mountain scenery.

After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting tour, or some fast laps around Highlands Motorsport Park - the choice is yours.

At the end of the day, check into your stunning accommodation set on the shores of Lake Dunstan.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Queenstown to Cromwell: Cycle 14km

Your day starts with a 9:00am pick up from your accommodation in Queenstown, then a visit to Arrowtown. Here you can explore the partly restored 1880s Chinese settlement and the old part of the town before cycling 16km of the Arrow River Bridges Trail. This is optional and graded as Grade 2/ Easy. Lunch is booked at Bannockburn Hotel and then for the afternoon there are two choices; Highland Motor Sport Park or a wine tour. At Highlands Park two experiences have been organised for you. Go Karting is definitely not just for kids - it is a thrilling, hands-on experience you can enjoy solo, or with family and friends. With a 650m track and single or two-seater options, fun times are assured! Then there is the Highlands High Speed Taxi Ride when you experience the thrill of two laps on a 4.1km, world-class race track, in a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. This is heart-racing - reaching speeds up to 180km/hr - unadulterated fun provided by expert, professional drivers The Wine Tour. Central Otago has been named as one of the top five New World wine producing regions and it is especially known for pinot noir - so what better way to start off your cycling holiday than a guided wine tour experience. Sample some of the incredible and award winning wines from our region while you relax and appreciate the stunning scenery. At the end of the day, you will be returned to your Lake Dunstan accommodation.

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Continue on travels

Wake up to enjoy the views over breakfast at the Lake Resort Cromwell. Onward transport to Clyde or other destination can be arranged (not included).

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

Airport/accommodation pick up in Queenstown
Cycle equipment: trail bicycle, helmet, panniers, repair kit and odometer.
1 nights luxury accommodation based on a twin share
Breakfast
Lunch - Bannockburn Hotel
Evening Meal - The Mooring Restaurant
All transport with our knowledgeable driver and tour guide

What's not included

Optional activities and upgrades
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks (with lunch and evening meal)

Bike information

Standard Trail Bike

Our trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension and a gel seat for maximum comfort. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Low Step Trail Bike

Our low-step trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension, swept back handlebars and a gel seat for maximum comfort, and a low-step frame to make getting on and off easy. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Mountain Bike

Traditional mountain bikes are the bike of choice for more challenging terrain, or for those riders who prefer a more ‘aggressive’ riding position. Our mountain bikes feature 29” or 27.5” wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and front suspension.

Electric Bike

E-bikes have made cycle touring possible and pleasurable for a wide range of people. They are simple to operate, and eliminate much of the cycling strain from legs and knees. Our European-designed E-bikes are built with comfort and ease of operation in mind, and feature unisex frames, 29” wheels, front suspension and proven Bosch electronics.

Other bike options

Tandem mountain bike: A mountain bike built for two. Twice the fun? How good is your relationship?

Recumbent tandem: Another bicycle built for two, but in this case the front rider sits in a comfortable reclined seat and has the option to participate in the pedaling, but does not have to.

Childrens’ bikes: Small bikes, with 20” wheels (single speed) or 24” wheels (seven gears, twist shift).

Tow bike – A ‘third wheel’ trailer fitted with handlebars, pedals and seat for a small child.

Child’s trailer – A covered two-wheeled trailer, designed for 1-2 smaller children.

Child’s seat – Fitted in place of a carrier on one of our trail bikes.

Accommodation

Add on a night

Add an extra night relaxing by the lake in Cromwell and many other options. Additional nights can be added onto any package just ask us.

Superior Level

Accommodation where location is everything, all the home comforts and more for you as part of your trip to indulge at the end of your day. Professional hospitality and local knowledge provided at these places.

Grading

Introductory
3

Suitable for novice riders, families and others seeking an easy, relaxing cycling experience. Most bikes are suitable, including touring bikes and hybrid bikes. E-bikes are also suitable as long as they are ridden appropriately and have sufficient battery capacity. Off-road trails are compacted gravel, with only gentle climbs.

Departure dates

Departs daily

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Trail Journeys.

Priceper person from

$910NZD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

First On The Trail

Trail Journeys is the largest and longest serving bike hire business on the Otago Central Rail Trail. We have helped more cyclists explore our region since the trail opened in 2000 than any other company.

EXPERT LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about the Central Otago Region and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for your needs.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. With regular bag, passenger and bike transport services, expert cycle mechanics and experienced consultants, enjoy a stress free cycling trip with Trail Journeys.