Otago is strengthening its position as one of New Zealand's premier cycle tourism destinations, with its interconnected trail network set to expand beyond 500 kilometres.

A major milestone in this growth is the opening of the Kawarau Gorge Trail in spring 2026. This significant addition marks another step toward creating a seamless network linking Queenstown through Central Otago and onward to Dunedin.

Stretching approximately 32 kilometres, the Kawarau Gorge Trail will connect Gibbston to Bannockburn along the dramatic Kawarau River corridor. Built on the opposite side of the river from the highway, the Grade 2–3 trail offers a moderately challenging ride through striking landscapes. Riders will traverse remote terrain, navigate rock bluffs, through areas once inhabited by gold miners on a journey between renowned wine sub-regions, delivering a uniquely immersive experience.

Importantly, the trail will link two of New Zealand's Great Rides, the Queenstown Trail with the Lake Dunstan Trail, further enhancing connectivity across the region and expected to attract a new wave of cycle visitors to Central Otago.

At the same time, work is underway on the final 13-kilometre section of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail between Doctors Point and Shingle Creek, with completion anticipated in summer 2026/27. Currently accessible only by boat, this section has long been a missing link in the network. Once completed, riders will have the choice to experience this remote and spectacular landscape entirely by bike, offering greater flexibility and accessibility.

Together, these projects represent a crucial step toward a fully connected trail system that links five of New Zealand's Great Rides. The result is a diverse and flexible cycling destination catering to a wide range of visitors, from casual riders to experienced cyclists.

With more than 500 kilometres of connected trails, Otago offers a variety of experiences — from short half-day rides to multi-day journeys spanning seven to ten days. Visitors can choose from end-to-end adventures, hub-and-spoke itineraries, or curated multi-trail experiences.

Supporting this network is a well-established ecosystem of experienced local operators providing bike hire, transfers, luggage services, accommodation, and tailored itinerary planning. This ensures visitors can enjoy a seamless, high-quality experience throughout their journey.

Cycle trail tourism in New Zealand has its roots in Central Otago, with the opening of the Otago Central Rail Trail between Clyde and Middlemarch 25 years ago. Since then, the addition of the Roxburgh Gorge, Clutha Gold, Queenstown, and Lake Dunstan trails has transformed the region into a leader in sustainable, low-impact tourism.

Recent developments, including the extension of the Clutha Gold Trail to Waihola, the upcoming new trail sections, and the reinstatement of the Taieri Gorge rail link, are creating a continuous and compelling journey through some of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes — from Queenstown to Dunedin.