Accessbillity Guide

Trail Overview

• Total Length: 186 km (multi-day ride)
• Difficulty: Grade 2–3 (easy to intermediate)
• Surface: Compacted gravel on the Cycle Trail and gravel roads
• Suitable For:
  • Adaptive cycles (handcycles, trikes, e-trikes)
  • Sighted guides for visually impaired riders
  • Supported e-bike users
  • Towing buggies with children

Trail Sections & Accessibility Tips

Section 1: Walter Peak to Mavora Lakes –  50km

• Trail Grade: 3
• Surface: Gravel road with limited farm traffic
• Accessibility:
  • Remote section, not recommended for solo or unassisted riders
  • Two river crossings, please check river flow and riding conditions before travel
  • The gradient is relatively flat with the exception of the 2.5km Von Hill climb
  • Toilets and shelters are located at 10km intervals along this section (5).  The
    toilets are not accessible, they are single norski outdoor toilets, remember to take your toilet paper
  • Places to camp are Walter Peak and Mavora Lakes, nowhere in between, be mindful of this if traveling with small children
• Tips:
  • Book TSS Earnslaw ferry from Walter Peak to Queenstown
  • Limited access: arrange logistics in advance
  • Limited facilities – carry food, water, tools
  • Shared road sections: use high-vis clothing and flags, keep left
  • Consider shuttle support or guided tours
  • Consider support vehicle access as there are two fords to cross
  • Remote, alpine environment with limited mobile phone coverage, recommend taking a personal beacon

Section 2: Mavora Lakes to Centre Hill Shelter – 29 km

• Trail Grade: 3
• Surface: Gravel road
• Accessibility:
  • Centre Hill Road is open to traffic, and this segment can have loose gravel and be dusty.
  • There is the option of booking a shuttle bus for this leg of the trail but must be organised in advance.
  • Toilets and shelter is available at Mavora Lakes and Centre Hill Shelter
  • The toilets are not accessible, they are single norski outdoor toilets, remember to take your toilet paper.
• Tips:
  • Consider shuttle support or guided tours
  • Shared road sections: use high-vis clothing and flags, keep left
  • Limited facilities – carry food, water, tools
  • Limited mobile phone coverage, recommend taking a personal beacon

Section 3: Centre Hill Shelter to Mossburn – 24km

• Trail Grade: 2
• Surface: Compacted gravel, dedicated cycle trail
• Accessibility:
  • This section alongside the Ōreti River is a peaceful rural setting on the smooth and pleasant curving alignment of the
    Cycle Trail.
  • Mostly flat and quiet
  • Bridges and cattle stops to cross at 1.2m wide
• Tips:
  • Mossburn offers cafés and accessible accommodation

Section 4: Mossburn to Lumsden (20 km)

• Trail Grade: 2
• Surface: Compacted gravel, dedicated cycle trail
• Accessibility:
  • A smooth, fairly straight section of trail
• Tips:
  • Watch out for the lamp posts near Mossburn

Section 5: Lumsden to Athol – 33km

• Trail Grade: 2
• Surface: Compacted gravel, dedicated cycle trail
• Accessibility:
  • Follow old railway lines and rural farmland
  • There are some bridges and cattle stops to cross between 1.1m – 1.2m wide
  • There are a number of gates between Bixter Rd and Nokomai Rd, these are mostly latched open, however some on the boundaries
    are to be kept closed to keep livestock secure.
• Tips:
  • Lumsden has accessible toilets and parking
  • Café at Five Rivers is a good place to stop and refresh
  • Parking available at Five Rivers

Section 6: Athol to Kingston – 30km

• Trail Grade: 2
• Surface: Compacted gravel, dedicated cycle trail with short on-road sections
• Accessibility:
  • Three suspension bridges take you across the Mataura River.  Two near Athol and
    one at Fairlight
  • There are some cattle stops to cross at 1.2m wide
  • Mainly off road, with a couple of short sections of farm gravel roads
  • Switch backs near Kingston
• Tips:
  • Shared road sections: use high-vis clothing and flags, keep left
  • Food and rest area available in Garston and Kingston with parking

4. Equipment Recommendations

• Adaptive Cycles: Handcycles, recumbent trikes, or e-assist trikes with wide tires for gravel
• E-Bikes: Allowed and encouraged for riders with stamina or mobility issues
• Safety Gear:
  • Mirrors and high-visibility flags for road sections
  • GPS or trail maps with offline access
  • Helmet, gloves, sun protection

5. Accessible Services & Amenities

Planning and Support

Transport & Shuttles

• Book in advance with local operators who cater to mobility needs.

Trail Support

• Consider hiring a support rider or guide
• Emergency locator beacons are recommended in remote areas

Safety Considerations

• Always let someone know your route and expected arrival times.
• Carry a basic repair kit and medical supplies.
• Weather changes quickly—pack appropriate layers.

Trail Etiquette

• Yield to walkers and slower cyclists.
• Stay left on shared paths and rural roads.
• Respect livestock and farm gates.

Emergency Contacts

• Emergency Services (NZ): 111
• Trail Support: Local bike shops in Queenstown, Lumsden
• Trail Website: www.aroundthemountains.co.nz

Recommended Day Rides

• Kingston to Garston (return) – 36km – Grade  2
• Centre Hill Shelter to Mossburn – 24km – Grade 2
• Lumsden to Five Rivers (return) – 28km – Grade 2

Final Tips

• Break the trail into short, manageable sections
• Travel with a companion if you’re new to accessible trail riding
• Check weather, trail conditions, and ferry bookings ahead of time