Around the mountains

Written by      

Jonathan Kennett

Those eager to be transported back in time will appreciate the historic townships and relics left behind by Otago’s pioneers. Along the way you can expect to be welcomed by charming locals, served mouth-watering meals, and told stories about the beautiful places they call home. All while experiencing real, heartland New Zealand.

Once complete, the trail will allow cyclists an opportunity to explore and discover some of New Zealand’s most secluded and rustic rural settings at a relaxing pace without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Cyclists are currently able to ride from Kingston through the towns of Garston, Athol and Lumsden to Mossburn via a wide smooth trail. This section is 85 kilometres long and takes two days.

The trail from Mossburn to Mavora Lakes is still in the planning stage. Riders are advised to take a shuttle for this section rather than ride on the road.

From Mavora Lakes, a quiet 48-kilometre-long gravel road leads to Walter Peak Station on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This section is open and ready to ride. The historic Earnslaw ferry then takes riders across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. Note that the only accommodation currently available at Mavora Lakes is camping. 

When fully completed, the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail will be a 180-kilometre, four to five day trip.