Around the Mountains Cycle Trail

Serving up some of the most incredible mountain vistas of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand(opens in new window), this long but largely leisurely cycling adventure begins with a scenic lake cruise from Queenstown. From there the eye-popping views just keep on coming as this trail heads around the mountains via the spectacular Von Valley, Mavora Lakes, and deep, green Southland where small, rural towns offer a warm welcome. 

Ride experience

Although it heads through some remote and rugged country, the Around the Mountains(opens in new window) offers mostly easy riding on wide, gravel paths with plenty of scope for soaking up the vast views. 

Need to know 

• The trail is mostly graded 2–3 (easy to intermediate), following custom-made cycle paths with gentle gradients. There are, however, a number of sections on public roads where riders should be prepared to encounter traffic, and a long steep climb on the Mavora Lakes section. 
• Riders wishing to complete the full trail – including the Mavora Lakes section – should be reasonably fit, experienced and self-sufficient. E-mountain-bikes are well suited and welcome, but riders should be properly prepared for the long distance and remoteness of the Mavora Lakes section. 
• The trail is well signposted, and often in view of roads beyond Mossburn, but riders should still carry a map along with sufficient water and food, basic tool kit and cellphone (although reception will be patchy). 
• There are toilets dotted at convenient points, plus cafes, accommodation and shops at reasonably regular intervals between Mossburn and Kingston. 
• The weather around here can be extreme: hot and dry during summer with a lack of shade, and icy cold in winter although snow can also fall in spring and autumn. It’s essential to check in with the locals on the forecast and trail conditions, and be prepared for all possibilities.