Short answer: The Kawarau Gorge Trail is a new cycle trail of about 34–36 km between Gibbston and Cromwell in Central Otago. Only the Cromwell end opens on 25 October 2026; the full opening is expected in late 2026. Explera DMC New Zealand plans guided group rides with support and transfers.
Once it is fully open, the trail will fill the gap between the Queenstown trails at Gibbston and the Lake Dunstan Trail at Cromwell, so riders will be able to cycle between the two areas off the highway.
What is the Kawarau Gorge Trail?
- The route: about 34–36 km (sources differ) between Oxbow Adventure Co on State Highway 6 in Gibbston and the Butcher Drive car park near the Cromwell Heritage Precinct.
- The connection: the Cromwell end is the same trailhead as the Lake Dunstan Trail.
- The grade: grade 2–3 with long grade 3 sections and more than 800 m of climbing, so it is harder than a flat rail trail and not for beginners.
- The remote section: the middle section, about 13 km, is backcountry with no other exit.
- The opening: Southern Lakes Trails Trust has delayed the full opening to late 2026. From 25 October 2026 the trail is partly open, between the Cromwell Heritage Precinct and the Pioneer Bridge. The section from the Pioneer Bridge to Gibbston stays closed while construction is finished.
Who is the trail right for?
- Riders with some experience. The climbing and the remote middle section suit clients who ride regularly. For mixed groups we suggest e-bikes.
- Wine and food groups. Gibbston is a wine area at one end, and Cromwell is at the other, so the ride fits a day of cellar doors and lunch.
- Multi-day cycling programmes. The trail can join the Queenstown trails and the Lake Dunstan Trail in one programme.
- Not for every group. Clients who want an easy, flat ride may be better on the Otago Central Rail Trail.
How we plan a group ride
- Guides and support. We split larger groups into smaller riding groups, each with a guide, and plan support at both ends.
- Bikes and e-bikes. We arrange bike or e-bike hire, helmets and a fitting before the ride.
- Transfers. We arrange a shuttle for riders and bikes, so the group can ride one way and return by coach.
- Weather. Central Otago can be hot and dry in summer and cold in spring and autumn. We check the forecast and the trail status before the day, and keep a back-up plan.
- Check the open section. Until the full opening, a group can ride only the Cromwell section. We confirm which sections are open before we quote a ride.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan cycling days and multi-day rides for group tours, incentive groups and FIT clients, with adventure activities and coach and private transfers. See our Otago Central Rail Trail guide, our Queenstown four-seasons guide and our Central Otago destination page.
FAQ
How long is the Kawarau Gorge Trail? About 34–36 km, between Gibbston and Cromwell in Central Otago.
When does the Kawarau Gorge Trail open? The section between the Cromwell Heritage Precinct and the Pioneer Bridge opens on 25 October 2026. The full opening is expected in late 2026. We confirm the trail status at quotation.
How hard is the Kawarau Gorge Trail? It is graded 2–3, with long grade 3 sections and more than 800 m of climbing. The middle section, about 13 km, is remote with no other exit, so it suits riders with some experience.
Can a group use e-bikes on the trail? E-bikes make the climbing easier for mixed groups. We arrange bike or e-bike hire with the ride.
Does the trail link to other cycle trails? Yes. The Cromwell end is the same trailhead as the Lake Dunstan Trail, and the Gibbston end, once open, is close to the Queenstown trails.
Sources
- Kawarau Gorge Trail, Tourism Central Otago
- Kawarau Gorge Trail opening date, Trailhub (updated 12 October 2026)
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
