Queenstown Wineries: Half-Day Bike & Sip Scenic Escape

We had the best day ever. The bike ride through the mountains was great, and being able to stop at the wineries was very cool. I would highly recommend this adventure to everyone!!

The scenery was awesome The bikes were in very good condition, even if we all weren't! Mostly level gravel path with only a couple of uphill areas. The Church winery had very tasty Gamay.

A half-day ride by e-bike down into the Gibbston winery area was for us just the right amount of effort, as we neared the end of a very active New Zealand visit. First time on e-bikes, which was a revelation - also downstream, so the effort was limited - past the notorious bungy bridge, a stop to reinforce our lack of enthusiasm for that mad activity - and ended (for us) at the attractive Gibbston winery and a glass of pinot noir before our van ride back to Queenstown. Logistics organizing was smoothly handled - van ride to our meeting point, briefing on the bikes and routing, and meet-up management at the end. Others might reasonably choose either the full-day ride or other appealing and more demanding routes - definitely would endorse using this company.

The trail was beautiful! Would probably not call it easy though - I am a very active person and still found this more challenging than I would’ve thought. Probably would’ve gone for an ebike. The first winery was awesome! Second one was alright, the bus ride home was torture though. There were girls yelling at the top of their lungs and the bus driver did nothing to improve the situation.

Around the basin e-bike Queenstown half day winery trip Overall I felt the experience on this outing was Excellent, Enjoyable, exhilarating, and set in Beautiful scenery. We were fortunate to have good weather which was a big plus. There were a Variety of wineries to visit, including Brennans ( located about 1km or 2 beyond The Church, which was the pick up point at the end of this outing) and the Gibbston winery. I’d recommend both for pleasant wines and staff. The Bikes were in good condition except for one minor issue. My report on this issue was received with gratitude and an assurance that it would be looked at. A further important note about the bikes. There are a Variety of saddle types on the bikes, from the very thin bone hard type like on a regular road/racing bike, to wide well padded saddles and a range in between. Check that the saddle on your bike is ok for you before you depart and request a modification or alternative if necessary or desired. There was one small landslide partially blocking route, after wet weather in the previous few days. This was passable on foot and carrying or pushing one’s bike. It was in the process of being cleared when we passed. Three of the four of us really enjoyed the whole outing. One found the outing fairly scarey in terms of the proximity of the cycle path edge to a very high and steep valley side with falls a long way down to the river or valley floor very easy to imagine. In some places there was a fence at the side of the path, offering protection against a fall. However in most places where the falls are highest there is no edge protection. This is by far the biggest and most significant negative about this trip. While this issue didn’t impact on my enjoyment of the trip during the outing itself, I feel the fear is entirely justified. In places the path is a little narrow, and the edge is unprotected in these places. The height is very substantial. At bends, if you were travelling at speed (easy to imagine) the surface might not have the stability or grip to keep you on the path. I suggest that the path, in the interests of the safety of cyclists and any other users would benefit substantially from fencing along these edges to reduce the risk cyclists falling off the edge of the path. I don’t know if anyone has fallen off the paths here, and I hope no one has, of course. However it is not a stretch of the imagination to see it happening in my opinion, and I hope the issue is addressed, so as to make this ride safer, and keep the ride open for people to enjoy. I think this last point, making it safer and keeping it open is very important. This type of outdoor activity is very much part of the good side of things in being in NZ, a like me, visiting NZ on holiday.

The rain didn't hold us back, however, it is preferable to go on a sunny day. The bike company gave us a poncho which made a bit of a difference in the rain. First time on a E-bike and I thoroughly recommend them for going up hills. The rain didn't dampen our spirts and the Gibbston winery was amazing and a welcome relief. The scenery is quite impressive on the way. Be careful when you're booking with trip advisor as it stated there would be no refund for cancellation, so we took the punt and enjoyed the scenery and wineries, even if was a tad wet. The bike company were very accommodating in picking us up when we called it "a day".

Amazing day out. Bikes were awesome and the service was 10/10. We had one of the best days of our trip on this tour.

Loved the sceneries, although some parts is a bit scary for amateur riders like myself. The path could be a bit wider

Awesome trip. Well organized. First time we used e-bikes and they were excellent. Easy ride and we are in our 50s and had not ridden for years. Great scenery. Next time we would do the longer one as need more time if you want to do more than 3 x wine tastings. Staff professional and good humor. Thanks team.

A great half day bike tour around the wineries. In retrospect we would have taken e bikes because there were a lot of inclines !!! And we might have managed more wineries Views were incredible