Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines

Looking for a great way to explore Queenstown’s stunning countryside while indulging in local wines? The Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines offers a 7-hour self-guided journey that combines scenic cycling, historic towns, and top-notch wineries, all for about $70 per person. Led by Going Blue Queenstown, this experience is perfect for those who enjoy an active day without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we love about this tour is the flexibility it provides—you can start either in Arrowtown or Gibbston, explore at your own pace, and finish at your preferred vineyard or brewery with a convenient pickup. Plus, the modern e-bikes make navigating the often hilly terrain a breeze, allowing you to focus on the scenery and tastings rather than sore legs.

A potential consideration is that the ride covers some gravel paths and hills, which might be physically demanding for very casual cyclists or those not comfortable with mountain biking. However, the e-bike upgrade makes it accessible for most, and you’ll find that the scenery and wine stops make the effort more than worthwhile.

This tour is especially suited for active travelers who want a mix of outdoor activity, cultural highlights, and local flavors. Families, couples, and groups looking for a relaxed yet engaging day in Queenstown will find it an excellent choice, especially given the positive reviews praising the friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and delicious wineries.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary allows exploring both Arrowtown and Gibbston at your own pace
• E-bike option makes challenging terrain accessible and enjoyable
• Includes all necessary gear and safety briefing, making it hassle-free
• Scenic routes along rivers, bridges, and alpine landscapes
• Wine tastings and vineyard visits highly praised for their hospitality and variety
• Great value for a full day of active sightseeing, with optional tastings costing extra

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins at 43 Camp Street in Queenstown at 10:00 am, where you’ll meet your guide, who provides a brief orientation to the route and safety instructions. From there, a 20-minute shuttle takes you to Arrowtown, a charming historic gold-rush town that’s perfect for a quick stroll or coffee before cycling. Angela_D highlighted how the scenery here is “amazing,” and the historic vibe adds a layer of interest before you start pedaling.

Once on your bike, you’ll head toward Gibbston, often called the “Valley of the Vines,” known for its world-class wineries. The route follows rivers, crosses bridges, and threads through alpine scenery, making every pedal stroke a visual treat. The path is well-marked and easy to navigate, according to many reviews, with Rockburn, Kinross, Mount Rosa, and Gibbston Valley being popular stops.

One of the highlights is the Gibbston Valley Wine Cave tour, including three tastings. Reviewers like Damon_S mention, “Great day with friendly hosts,” and Angela_B notes that “the wine tasting & cheese board were fantastic,” emphasizing the quality of the winery visits. The wine by the fire at Mount Rosa is another memorable stop, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the views.

Throughout the day, you have the option to purchase additional food platters or tastings ($20-$25), making the experience a true culinary adventure. Many travelers, like Kari_A, found that the e-bikes made the ride easier, especially when tackling hills or longer distances. The detailed maps and flexible pickup options—you can be collected from any winery—add to the overall convenience.

The e-bike upgrade is highly recommended, especially for those wary of hills or longer distances, as it extends your ability to enjoy the scenery without fatigue. Victoria_G praised the “easy track,” and many reviews praised how smooth and well-maintained the bikes are, with some noting they’re like new.

The tour concludes around 4:00 pm with a pickup from your chosen winery, returning to Queenstown by 5:00 pm. This timing allows you to enjoy the wineries without feeling rushed, and many reviews mention the friendly and flexible pick-up service.

The Value of This Tour

At $70.13, this experience offers great value when you consider the included shuttle, high-quality bikes, safety gear, and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. The additional costs—wine tastings and food—are optional but generally reasonable and add to the overall experience, rather than detract from it.

What truly sets this tour apart is its blend of active sightseeing with culinary indulgence. Many reviewers, like Jessie_R, describe it as the “best experience,” and Angela_D loved how “the scenery was amazing,” making it clear that the memorable vistas and friendly wineries are worth the price. Plus, the self-guided format means no rigid schedules or group pressure—you set your own rhythm.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor activity but also want to indulge in New Zealand’s renowned wines and local flavors. Families with active kids, couples celebrating something special, or groups of friends wanting a memorable day will all find something to love here.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who are comfortable on bikes or willing to try an e-bike, thanks to the hilly terrain and gravel paths. It’s perfect for those who appreciate scenic landscapes, history, and good wine. If you love the idea of self-guided exploration but don’t want to worry about organizing transportation or route planning, this setup is perfect.

It’s also a good fit if you want a full-day adventure that combines activity, nature, and local culture without feeling rushed or overly structured. Families, couples, and groups of friends will all find this tour offers a perfect mix of fun and relaxation.

Practical Details & Tips

• The tour begins at 10:00 am and lasts around 7 hours, so plan for a full day.
• E-bike upgrade is highly recommended for most riders, especially those concerned about hills or longer distances.
• Book winery tastings in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred stops.
• The price includes all gear—helmet, map, locks, repair kit—so just bring comfortable clothes and your enthusiasm.
• The pickup is from the vineyards or wineries at 4:00 pm, making it easy to end your day and relax.
• The tour operates in good weather; if canceled due to rain, you’ll get a different date or full refund.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It’s mostly accessible with the e-bike option, but the terrain includes gravel paths and hills. If you’re comfortable on a bike or willing to try an e-bike, you’ll enjoy it.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the shuttle to and from Queenstown, your premium bike (or e-bike upgrade), helmet, map, locks, and a safety briefing. Tastings and food are extra.

Can I pick my own starting point?
No, the tour starts at 43 Camp Street, Queenstown, at 10:00 am, but you can choose your pickup location at the end of the day when the guide collects you.

How long is the cycling route?
The main route from Arrowtown to Gibbston is approximately 40 km (about 25 miles), with many reviews noting it’s doable with e-bikes. Longer options are available if you book the Ride to Riches extension.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers over 150cm can participate on the e-bike. It’s suitable for active families, though individual fitness levels vary.

What are the typical costs for tastings?
Wine tastings at stops like Gibbston Valley are approximately NZD $20-$25 per stop. Food platters or meals cost extra.

What happens in bad weather?
If weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so check the forecast before heading out.

Summing It Up

If you’re after a self-guided day out that combines scenic cycling with world-class wine tasting, this tour hits the sweet spot. The gear is top-notch, the route is beautiful, and the flexibility to explore Arrowtown and Gibbston on your own terms makes it stand out. The friendly guides and smooth logistics ensure a hassle-free experience, especially with the helpful pickup service.

It’s perfect for active travelers who want a full-day adventure with plenty of opportunities for photos, tastings, and relaxing in nature. The e-bike upgrade broadens accessibility, making even the hilliest parts manageable.

While you’ll need to be comfortable on a bike and prepared for some physical activity, the spectacular scenery, delicious wines, and interesting stops make this a highly worthwhile experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to see Queenstown from a different perspective, this tour offers an authentic, fun, and memorable day.

Final Thoughts

This Bike & Wine Tour truly offers a delightful combination of outdoor activity and culinary enjoyment. Its value for money is excellent, especially considering the included gear, scenic routes, and flexible schedule. It’s especially well-suited for active, curious travelers eager to experience Queenstown’s countryside without the formality of a guided group.

If you’re looking for an experience that balances adventure, relaxation, and local flavor — and don’t mind some hills — this tour is a smart choice. It’s a chance to enjoy New Zealand’s stunning landscape while sipping on some of the region’s finest wines, all at your own pace.