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On the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, part of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the picturesque wilderness of southern New Zealand with the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail! This unique trail takes you from the bustling energy of Queenstown to serene agricultural landscapes of Southland, showcasing a range of contrasts.
Cyclists of all levels will be thrilled with the diverse experience offered on this 186km trail, which can be tackled in either direction, starting from Kingston or Walter Peak. Take your time and enjoy the journey at a leisurely pace, it’s an easy trail to conquer!
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time!
Tour operators
We partner with the best of the best and have everything covered.
Adventure and sustainability on Around the Mountains Cycle Trail
Sustainable travel is about making responsible choices that promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability while providing a unique and authentic travel experience.
The Around the Mountains Cycle Trail offers the opportunity to explore the stunning region of Southland while minimising your impact on the environment and supporting local communities,
Our communities are committed to showcasing our regions stunning natural beauty while preserving it for future generations and openly welcomes visitors to experience our place encouraging responsible and sustainable travel practices.
Every effort has been made to use sustainable building practices and materials on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail. The Cycle Trail operators work closely with local communities to promote environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and reducing waste.
Trail Update - Trail repairs following flooding event
Update 15 August - Trail Open. The work crew are out completing the repairs to the trail - Please use caution
The work crew are busily completing repairs to the Cycle Trail. They started at the Centre Hill Shelter end and are moving east towards Mossburn. Please keep an eye out for machinery, dismount your cycle and follow signage. A bypass remains in place near Athol between Five Rivers Highway and Paddys Alley Rd. There is also scouring on the trail near Kingston. Please take care when cycling.
Trail repairs in action
Accommodation
Mataura Lodge Athol
In the heart of Athol, Mataura Lodge is immaculately renovated. Now offering three king-sized bedrooms, two large bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. The generous living space, featuring a log burner with stone surround, will quickly become the heart of your stay. Mataura Lodge has a unique history. Starting life in the […]
Kingston TOP 10 Holiday Park
Kingston TOP 10 Holiday Park offers comfortable and spacious self-contained motel units, ensuite log cabins, standard cabins and caravans with RV/tent sites. Cars/Caravans/RV’s/tents can be left on site for no charge if guests stay the night before and after (2 nights) they have completed the cycle trail. Fresh linen and towels are provided for you […]
The Shearers Quarters
Situated on the Around the Mountain Cycle Trail, The Shearers Quarters at Fiery Creek Farm have been renovated and turned into a private two-bedroom apartment, adjoining the main house. As guests of the Shearer’s Quarters, you’ll have private use of 2 bedrooms, a bathroom & kitchenette, as well as use of the terrace area, and […]
Graceland B&B
Graceland B&B offers accommodation with free WIFI and secured parking for cars and bicycles. There is a private bathroom in all our rooms. We also offer a free continental breakfast included in our pricing. After a day of hiking, cycling or fishing, guests can relax in our garden or lounge areas.
Mossburn Country Park
Welcome to Mossburn Country Park, a privately owned holiday park run by Colleen and Stuart and their much-loved Labrador, Andrew. Enjoy a relaxed and quiet 28-acre farm setting complete with hand-reared farm animals for all guests to enjoy. Located 3.3km from Mossburn (cycle trail entrance) on SH 97, this is the perfect stopover point, approximately […]
Lakefront Lodge Te Anau
Lakefront Lodge is an upmarket ground floor complex that offers luxury accommodation either in a double spa bath unit or studio unit. All units have kitchen facilities. Free internet and Sky TV. Continental Breakfasts are available. We are only a short stroll to the town centre for cafes, bars and restaurants. We offer helpful friendly […]
Nokomai Valley Lodge
Nokomai Valley Lodge is set amongst beautiful old trees surrounding an historic stone homestead, first built in 1870 and restored as a millennium project in 2000. The addition of the large Lodge ensures groups and individuals are well catered for in stunning surrounds. The Lodge is in the home valley of Nokomai Station, a high […]
The Garston Lodge Accommodation
The Garston Lodge (the old Garston Hotel) offers accommodation right next to the Cycle Trail. You can also enjoy the peaceful surrounds and the world famous Mataura river, known for fantastic fly fishing. Guests here will feel cozy, comfortable and homely. The huge lounge is set up to watch Netflix, read books, play board games […]
Mossburn Railway Hotel
Mossburn Railway Hotel is a piece of New Zealand history, built in 1922 in the heart of Southland. Our hotel dates back to 1886 and has a colourful history as a local pub. Located on the main road between Queenstown and Te Anau, we offer a formal dining area, a friendly bar and a lovely […]
Welcome Rock Trails
Welcome Rock Trails, located 3 km east of Garston and the Around the Mountains Trail offers hiking, biking and accommodation set on a private high-country farm. Established in 1911 this family property is 1000m above sea level, nationally protected, remote, peaceful, rugged, and romantic. On-Farm Accommodation Options: Kit’s Crib (tiny home, opening October 2023) is […]
The Lodge Athol and Holiday Park
Welcome to The Lodge Athol and Holiday Park Athol, Northern Southland – just an hour from Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill and Gore. So you can enjoy your stay in our peaceful surroundings whilst never being far away from your next adventure. Be it relaxing in our lodge, complete with all the amenities you could wish […]
Lumsden Motel
The Lumsden Motel is your ideal accommodation. Your hosts, Tracy and Brian Ross, offer you a warm welcome. Clean, spacious, comfortable self-contained units await your arrival. Off street parking, guest BBQ, trout smoker and outdoor socialising area is all provided. A short walk to local eateries and a Four Square supermarket, the motels are located opposite the […]
Eat and drink
ROAR Coffee Roasters
Welcoming you to ROAR Coffee Roaster HQ & Depot in the heart of Northern Southland. Come and see where Southland’s favourite coffee is roasted and visit our on-site Café ROASTED x TOASTED – serving Southland’s favourite coffee. Try our famous toasted sandwiches plus much more. Our small shop stocks some of New Zealand’s greatest artisan […]
Athol Shop
Athol shop is a locally owned and operated Cafe/General Store/Bar and Barbecue restaurant serving breakfast, world-famous Hoagie sandwiches all day and epic low and slow barbecue dinners at night. We also source as much produce from local suppliers, such as Welcome Rock Gardens in Garston and Wilderness Valley farms just out of Te Anau. We […]
Nokomai Valley Lodge
Nokomai Valley Lodge is set amongst beautiful old trees surrounding an historic stone homestead, first built in 1870 and restored as a millennium project in 2000. The addition of the large Lodge ensures groups and individuals are well catered for in stunning surrounds. The Lodge is in the home valley of Nokomai Station, a high […]
Kingston Flyer Café and Bar
Situated in the historic Kingston Railway Station on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the Kingston Flyer Café & Bar is a wonderful place to unwind and relax after your journey around the mountains. Treat yourself to a delicious meal or a drink – you deserve it. We look forward to seeing you, opening times are […]
Four Square Lumsden
Our country Four Square Lumsden offers a wide variety of food, beer & wine, fresh produce, and fresh meat. Also including in-store from our registered kitchen, daily made fresh sandwiches, hot pies and cooked chicken with a variety of food-to-go meals. We also cater for lunches on the go – just phone through your order. […]
Real NZ – TSS Earnslaw
Your bike trail ‘Around the Mountains’ won’t be complete without a steamship journey on the TSS Earnslaw. An iconic Queenstown experience, this vintage vessel plays an integral role in the town’s history and will drop you right at Walter Peak High Country Farm. To make your experience go the extra mile, you can upgrade your […]
Mossburn Railway Hotel
Mossburn Railway Hotel is a piece of New Zealand history, built in 1922 in the heart of Southland. Our hotel dates back to 1886 and has a colourful history as a local pub. Located on the main road between Queenstown and Te Anau, we offer a formal dining area, a friendly bar and a lovely […]
Real NZ – Walter Peak dining via the Spirit of Queenstown (new in 2024)
Take our fastest Lake Whakatipu vessel across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Onboard the modern catamaran, The Spirit of Queenstown, you can soak in the surrounding lake and mountain scenes as you make your way across the clear blue lake. With an onboard bar and cafe, grab a refreshment before disembarking for your biking […]
The Coffee Bomb
The Coffee Bomb in Garston is New Zealand’s most inland food truck, serving the finest coffee, freshly roasted in Southland, and an array of fresh sandwiches, slices and cakes. A great little spot to stop on your Southland travels.
Bracken Hall
Bracken Hall is a cafe and gift shop situated on the main street of Mossburn. It is a popular stopover for travellers between Queenstown and Te Anau and also cyclists on the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail. We are open seven days from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm during the summer months of October to […]
Real NZ – Gourmet BBQ
Fuel up before or after your cycle and make a reservation at Queenstown’s iconic dining experience. Enjoy a picturesque, lakeside setting as you graze on a range of local and homegrown produce. Long lunch and dinner services provide a selection of offerings, from wood-fired succulent meats to cheeses, salads, seafood, charcuterie, fresh breads and vegetable […]
Dome Café
Dome Cafe offers great food, lovely coffee and friendly staff. A small family run cafe, with all food made onsite. We can cater for individual dietary requirements and packed lunches.
Things to do
Real NZ – Walter Peak Eco Experience (new in 2024)
Pause to explore regenerated landscapes on a Walter Peak Eco Experience. Welcomed by our rural team, take a guided tour through the market gardens, which include bee hives, orchards, greenhouses, and our native plant nursery. Get your hands (a little) dirty and choose a native seedling, before walking along the picturesque peninsula and planting it […]
Nokomai Valley Lodge
Nokomai Valley Lodge is set amongst beautiful old trees surrounding an historic stone homestead, first built in 1870 and restored as a millennium project in 2000. The addition of the large Lodge ensures groups and individuals are well catered for in stunning surrounds. The Lodge is in the home valley of Nokomai Station, a high […]
Real NZ – TSS Earnslaw
Your bike trail ‘Around the Mountains’ won’t be complete without a steamship journey on the TSS Earnslaw. An iconic Queenstown experience, this vintage vessel plays an integral role in the town’s history and will drop you right at Walter Peak High Country Farm. To make your experience go the extra mile, you can upgrade your […]
Eyre Mountains/Taka Ra Haka
Explore the relatively undeveloped conservation park Eyre Mountains (Taka Ra Haka) which is comprised of over 65,000 hectares of open tops, tarns, river valleys and a rugged mountain range that climbs up to 2000 meters – the highest peaks in Southland outside of Fiordland. A great variety of flora and fauna call this area home, […]
Kingston Flyer Steam Train
The famous vintage Kingston Flyer Steam Train is officially back on track. Embark on a journey through time on this iconic steam train, exploring Kingston to Fairlight. Experience the allure and romance of this historical form of travel. For schedule and bookings please visit our website.
Real NZ – Walter Peak dining via the Spirit of Queenstown (new in 2024)
Take our fastest Lake Whakatipu vessel across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Onboard the modern catamaran, The Spirit of Queenstown, you can soak in the surrounding lake and mountain scenes as you make your way across the clear blue lake. With an onboard bar and cafe, grab a refreshment before disembarking for your biking […]
Welcome Rock Trails
Welcome Rock Trails, located 3 km east of Garston and the Around the Mountains Trail offers hiking, biking and accommodation set on a private high-country farm. Established in 1911 this family property is 1000m above sea level, nationally protected, remote, peaceful, rugged, and romantic. On-Farm Accommodation Options: Kit’s Crib (tiny home, opening October 2023) is […]
Real NZ – Walter Peak Farm Tour
Explore a real working high country farm and stop at Walter Peak. Greeted by one of our rural hosts, you’ll explore the picturesque farm, meet its friendly residents, and feed some of the animals. Don’t forget to give Dougal, our famous Highland cow, a scratch between the ears before heading to our Farm Amphitheatre for […]
Garston Stables and The Hunny Shop
Gallery treasures and honey – two hidden gems you will find in the remote village of Garston. Granted it’s not your usual combination for a business venture, but Tony and Bene are passionate about both endeavours. The Garston Stables gallery has a plethora of pieces, personally sourced from around the globe, including Rajasthan, Europe and […]
DOC Camping at Mavora Lakes
The DOC Mavora Lakes campsite has 60 non-powered tent sites with facilities such as long-drop toilets, BBQs, tap water, picnic tables and a boat launching ramp. Campfires in the designated fire spots are permitted except during fire bans.
Athol Gallery
The Athol Gallery represents both established and new artists who have a deep connection to the local landscape and rural life. From majestic portrayals of stunning scenery to capturing the everyday beauty of rural activities, at Athol Gallery, we offer a diverse selection of quality artwork, including sculptural pieces, oil paintings, watercolours and printmaking. Our […]
Tour operators
Pure Trails New Zealand
Explore New Zealand’s beauty with Pure Trails, leading New Zealand cycle tour company. Enjoy and experience small group, all-inclusive journeys on the country’s best cycle trails. With 18 years of expertise, we provide top-of-the-line bikes, including e-bikes for seamless ride and “Adventure in Comfort”. We prioritise picturesque accommodation and enjoy the friendly local hospitality along […]
Sidetracks Women
Sidetracks Women: Where Women Empower Women Imagine cycling along stunning mountains with a group of women who are just as passionate about adventure as you are. Cycle through lush rainforests, sharing stories and laughter as you pedal along. Feel the peace and tranquillity of nature, admire the stars, bonding with new friends over a glass […]
Adventure South NZ
Adventure South NZ’s world-class, guided tours take you beyond the crowds to experience the best sights of New Zealand. With over 30 years experience, we offer more cycle trails, more departure dates and exclusive, behind-the-locked-gate experiences for an unforgettable New Zealand cycling holiday. Our Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Tour highlights include: Spend the […]
Bike Fiordland
Explore the wilderness with Bike Fiordland, Southland’s most trusted bike tour provider. We are a small, family-owned business with a passion for bikes and the wilderness. Bike Fiordland is well experienced in getting you out on bike adventures you will never forget. Small to medium group size, all-inclusive bike tours. Whether you’re looking for e-bike […]
Tuatara Tours
Welcome to Tuatara Tours. Founded from a deep passion for the kiwi outdoors and an intense desire to share it with others, Tuatara Tours has been organising incredible walking and cycling tours across New Zealand and the world for almost two decades. All of our tours are fully supported by our team of outdoor experts […]
Around the Mountains Cycle Tours
Around the Mountains Cycle Tours provide the following services: Independent tours Guided tours Shuttle bus services Bag transfers E-bike/mountain bike hire Tour planning Accommodation bookings We offer 3 to 5-day tours with the option of also riding the Te Anau Lake2Lake Trail. We have shuttle buses based in Queenstown and Mossburn, we depart from your […]
Escape by Cycle
Escape by Cycle is New Zealand’s premier cycle tour company. We run small-group, all-inclusive journeys on New Zealand’s best cycle trails, passing through some of the most amazing scenery in the country. With over 10 years of experience, we commit to delivering the best possible experience to our customers. The price includes all your meals, […]
Welcome Rock Trails
Welcome Rock Trails, located 3 km east of Garston and the Around the Mountains Trail offers hiking, biking and accommodation set on a private high-country farm. Established in 1911 this family property is 1000m above sea level, nationally protected, remote, peaceful, rugged, and romantic. On-Farm Accommodation Options: Kit’s Crib (tiny home, opening October 2023) is […]
Around The Basin Bike Queenstown
Around The Basin are specialists on the Queenstown Trail and offer a personalised kiwi flavour to their customer’s biking experience. Whether it is mountain bike hire, electric bike hire, or the ultimate bike tour package Around The Basin can cater to individuals, families and groups. Providing information, trail tips and a personalised service, we’ll make the […]
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