Around the Mountains
FAQs
Queenstown and Southland’s Great Multi Day Cycle Ride
This 180 km, 3 -5 day cycle trail, begins and ends in Queenstown and sees you travel through Northern Southland, around the show stopping valleys of the Eyre Mountains and Von Valley, and through secluded back country.
The cycle trail is constructed on 56 km of old railway line, 64 km of easy new cycle trail, and 53 km along the wilderness of a no exit road (for cars).
The cycle trail was opened to the public in 2014 with funding from Central Government, Ministry of Business Innervation and Employment (MBIE), the Southland District Council, New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), Lotto and the Southland Community Trust.
The cycle trail is open all year around, but mainly ridden in the warmer months between 01 October to 30 April.
To cycle the whole trail we suggest allowing 3 to 4 days of around 4 hours riding at an average speed of 10 km to 12 km per hour. You can ride the trail in sections, as day rides if you prefer, or do the whole lot in one go and stay overnight at one fo the small towns along the way.
This is easy cycling but some cycle fitness is recommended
The trails starts in Kingston and ends at Walter Peak – you can cycle both ways but we suggest you start in Kingston.
Our Sherpa Shuttle can take you to the start of the trail, bikes and all.
Our trips are self-guided and we cannot guarantee a shuttle will be available on all sections of the trail, this is due to the logistics of the trail. If you are concerned about being able to complete any of the sections of the trail, we suggest you hire an E bike as these bikes are ideal on the Around the Mountain Trail.
The Around the Mountains cycle trail is one of the easiest cycle trails in New Zealand to ride with sections allowing for a comfortable 3 to 4 day cycle ride.
Yes and yes.
The New Zealand sun can be unexpectedly strong, we recommend you use sunscreen, even on a cloudy day.
The stunning Mavora Lakes is a prime camping ground all year round for the sandflies. Make sure to carry insect repellent.
Anyone can use the Around the Mountain Trail for private recreational use. There is no charge for such users.
We recommend you book accommodation in advance as there are limited places available along the trail. Or even better, talk to us about booking your accommodation – we know the area and can arrange the best accommodation for you.
Cellphone coverage is patchy in areas of the track, with no coverage in the Mavora Lakes area.
Occasionally gates are locked along the track for the safety of the agricultural hinterland. To continue forward, simply pop your bike over the gate and carry along with your journey.
There are toilets in each of the small towns along the trail, and camping toilets at Mavora Lakes, but no toilets yet between Mavora Lakes and Walter Peak.
There is food available in Kingston, Garston, Athol, Lumsden and Mossburn. There is no food & refreshments between Mossburn, Mavora Lakes and Walter Peak. The only supermarket along the trail is in Lumsden.
Start your biking adventure now
Whether you want to hire a bike, get a shuttle to your starting point, organise a multi-day ride or anything inbetween we have the options for you.
Bike
Hire
We have a range of bikes to suit your needs – start with the right bike for the trail and for you.
Biking Packages
Choose from our fantastic range of rides from self-guided, one-day rides to fully supported multi-day rides.
Sherpa
Shuttle
The Hauraki Rail Trail Sherpa Shuttle offers a full range of support with shuttle transfers along the trail.
Need more info?
If you want help deciding which part of the trail to ride, which bike to hire, or where to stay, give us a call. Our friendly staff have local knowledge and will help you plan your trip to make it a great adventure you won’t forget.
