With its many lift-assisted trails, pump tracks, and jump parks, it’s no surprise mountain biking is a Queenstown summer staple. Chase thrills on downhill tracks for experts or take it slow with family-friendly paths—there’s something for mountain bikers of all experience levels.
Queenstown sports a unique biking culture, with many of its tracks built and maintained by community volunteers from the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club and Queenstown Trails. Many of its best trails cross through alpine terrain and boast gorgeous lake views, letting you experience Queenstown’s natural beauty up close.
Get ready to roll into the best mountain bike tracks in Queenstown for beginners and advanced riders!
Top 3 Queenstown New Zealand bike parks
1. Ben Lomond Trails
Also known as Queenstown Bike Park, the Ben Lomond Trails offer 45 world-class tracks for riders of every skill level. Beginners can cruise down the sweeping Hammy’s Track, while advanced riders can take on steep descents and jumps on tracks such as Huck Yeah and Grundy.
Access the park via the Skyline Mountain Bike Uplift, which rises 450m in minutes to give you more time to ride. Get individual passes in packs of 6, 50, or 100. Alternatively, choose 1-day or 3-day passes, or a seasonal pass for unlimited Gondola mountain biking in Queenstown from September to May.
Length: 40~ km (45 mountain biking trails)
2. Wynyard Jump Park
Wynyard Bike Park is a haven for riders craving serious airtime. Cycle down the Wynyard DH track, which features the Mini Dream freeride park right at the mid-point—perfect for practising tricks on table tops, wooden features, and jumps. Progress to the next level on the Dream Track or McNearly Gnarly, both training grounds for mountain biking pros.
Length: 2.5~ km (3 mountain biking trails)
3. 7 Mile Trail Network
Image credit: freeridenewzealand.com
Tucked beside Wilson Bay, the 7 Mile Trail network is beloved by riders of all skill levels with fun features like jumps, log rides, berms, and banked corners. Most trails include lines for the less experienced, making it perfect for kids building up their skills.
Length: 16~ km (30+ mountain biking trails)
Queenstown bike parks at a glance
Explore the six exciting bike parks scattered throughout Queenstown and the surrounding region:
| Name | Total length | # of trails | Opening times | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Lomond Trails (Queenstown Bike Park) | 40~ km | 45 | All year (Gondola uplift from September to May) | Downhill mountain biking |
| Gorge Road Jump Park | N/A | N/A | Mid-November to May | Freeriding |
| Wynyard Jump Park (Fernhill Trails) | 2.5~ km | 3 | All year | Freeriding, downhill mountain biking |
| 7 Mile Trail Network | 16~ km | 30+ | All year | Cross-country mountain biking |
| Coronet Peak Bike Park | 63~ km | 11 | December to March | Downhill mountain biking |
| Cardrona Bike Park | 30~ km | 17 | December to March | Downhill mountain biking |
Want to find even more two-wheeled adventures around Aotearoa? Read our Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking in New Zealand for more iconic rides and insider tips.
3 best mountain bike trails in Queenstown for beginners
1. Hammy’s Track (Ben Lomond Trails)
Hammy’s is known as one of the best tracks for newbies thanks to its smooth surface and great width. But it’s not just for kids—riders of all ages will be fascinated by the sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu as you curve around the track.
Hammy’s Track is the longest trail in the Queenstown Mountain Bike Park, accessible via the Skyline Gondola from September to May.
Grade: 2 (Beginner)
Length: 4.8 km
2. Hanley’s Farm Pump Track
Test out new biking tricks at the Hanley’s Farm Pump Track. This one-way asphalt loop features multiple lines, allowing riders to progress to more advanced sections as their confidence grows. It’s a popular spot for amateur and pro BMXers to hone their skills.
Grade: N/A (Beginner-Advanced)
Length: 200 m
3. Queenstown Trail
New Zealand’s most popular Great Ride, the Queenstown Trails Network, comprises cross-country trails circling Queenstown, Gibbston, and historic Arrowtown.
Ride some short sections or take four days off for the full experience. You’ll cross suspension bridges over gorges, climb rocky alpine paths, cruise through a sculpture trail, and more.
The Queenstown Trail is primarily beginner-friendly, though some sections are more suitable for intermediate riders.
Grade: 2-4 (Beginner-Intermediate, some Advanced)
Length: 130+ km
Top 4 Queenstown MTB trails for intermediate and advanced riders
1. Squid Run (Ben Lomond Trails)
The Squid Run trail cuts through a thick beechwood forest, challenging riders with drops, jumps, rocks, and roots over 3.2 km. The trail was 100% handbuilt by members of the Queenstowen Mountain Biike Club Wednesday Dig Crew and is easily accessible via the Skyline Gondola from September to May.
Grade: 4 (Advanced)
Length: 3.2 km
2. Arcadia Trail (Cardrona Bike Park)
Cardrona Alpine Resort is known for being one of New Zealand’s top skiing spots, but when summertime hits, it transforms into a world-class mountain biking destination!
Access some of New Zealand’s highest bike trails via lift access at 1860m. Arcadia is a fast, flowing downhill mountain biking trail designed for intermediate riders after high-altitude adventure.
Grade: 3 (Intermediate)
Length: 2.3 km
3. Rude Rock Trail
Fast, flowing, and carved into alpine tussock slopes, Rude Rock is a classic offering breathtaking exposure and cinematic mountain views. Charge along a smooth bench-cut trail with natural rollers and sweeping turns down to Queenstown.
Grade: 4 (Intermediate-Advanced)
Length: 3.4 km
4. Coronet Loop Trail
A high-country epic circling Coronet Peak, the loop trail demanding route mixes historic gold-mining tracks, rugged backcountry, river crossings, and steep climbs. Expect remote terrain, narrow benched paths, and true Southern Alps wilderness.
Grade: 3-4 (Intermediate-Advanced)
Length: 50 km
Frequently asked questions
Where can you rent a bike in Queenstown?
You’ll find local bike shops offering rentals—including kids’ bikes and safety gear—all over Queenstown. Some also offer shuttle access for downhill routes.
Where can kids go mountain biking in Queenstown?
Most bike parks offer beginner-friendly options. The 4.8 km Hammy’s Trail at Queenstown Mountain Bike park is considered one of the most suitable for kids, thanks to its gentle slopes and wide path.
When is the best time to go mountain bike riding in Queenstown?
The best time to hit Queenstown’s mountain biking trails is summer. During this time, you can access seasonal services and tracks, including the Gondola lift access to Queenstown Mountain Bike Park and Cardrona Alpine Resort trails.
Can you mountain bike in Queenstown during winter?
Yes, Queenstown’s sunny alpine climate makes it ideal for year-round biking. Many Queenstown mountain bike parks and trails are open year-round, particularly volunteer-maintained trails such as 7 Mile Network and Wynyard Bike Park.
What is the best multi-day trail in Queenstown?
The Queenstown Trail lets riders explore the region in four days, crossing through Queenstown, Arrowtown, and the Gibbston Valley. Across 130+ km, you’ll see breathtaking views of rivers, wineries, and mountains on New Zealand’s most popular Great Ride.
What is the best short trail in Queenstown?
The Rude Rock trail is a popular 3km trail for advanced riders. Start from the Coronet Peak ski area road and swerve down to spectacular views of the Wakatipu basin.
What is the closest mountain bike trail to Queenstown city?
The closest mountain bike park to the city is Queenstown Bike Park, located within the Ben Lomond Reserve. Access it from town via the Skyline Queenstown Gondola.
Start mountain biking in Queenstown NZ at Skyline
Challenge yourself on tricky biking trails for experts or cycle smooth downhill paths—however you want to ride, Queenstown provides unlimited fun on wheels.
Hire a bike and head to Skyline to access the Queenstown Mountain Bike Park Uplift from September to May. With individual, daily, and seasonal passes available, you can easily reach the top of the tracks in minutes—saving you precious time you can spend on practising your skills.
Start planning your adventure with more tips on what to do in the region, including how to spend Christmas in Queenstown and a guide to the drive from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Featured image credit: Sven Martin