Plan your trip

Ferry from Queenstown to Walter Peak (please note that the times and number of sailings/day of the TSS Earnslaw may change so contact Real NZ for the latest schedule www.realnz.com), cycle from Walter Peak to Mavora Lakes (50km) then shuttle to Mossburn or Te Anau.

It is important to ensure you allow enough time to bike from Walter Peak to your destination. It takes approximately 5 hours to bike to Mavora Lakes and there are two rivers to cross. If it has been raining please check river flow and riding conditions. The Von Valley is remote with no mobile phone coverage between Mt Nicholas Station and Centre Hill Shelter.

If you would like to be shuttled from Mavora Lakes to accommodation in Mossburn or Te Anau, please ensure this is booked prior to starting your journey.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Shuttle back to Centre Hill Shelter, and, cycle from Centre Hill Shelter to Lumsden.

Journey alongside the Ōreti River towards Mossburn – hailed as the Deer Capital of New Zealand. Enjoy the peaceful rural setting on the smooth and pleasant curving alignment of the trail.

Farm paddocks feature prominently as you pedal on a mix of old railway line and well-graded track. Follow the Ōreti River as it snakes its way to Lumsden at the heart of the Northern Southland district. Here you’ll discover a range of eateries to refuel with relics of the steam train era adding an interesting element to the town.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Cycle from Lumsden to Athol (33km) or Garston (45km).

Follow the old rail line as you soak up panoramic views of Mid Dome and the surrounding mountains. You’re in rural heartland so don’t be surprised to find some gates along the way to keep livestock secure.

Nestled amongst rich countryside like an oasis, the halfway point of Five Rivers is an ideal place to rehydrate.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Dubbed Athol’s Golden Gates, two cycle suspension bridges – 67m and 92m in length respectively – will take you across the Mataura River. Take time to peer over the side and you will likely spot brown trout in the pristine waters below. An abandoned rail line has been transformed into the next stage of the trail. Boasting a mobile café and scrumptious honey shop, Garston has quite the buzz about it nowadays and is eager to reinvent itself as a place to stop on the southern tourist route. Old formations of a glacier moraine at the foot of the Eyre Mountains and the ruins of the area’s original stone homestead feature on the final phase of the trail.

On the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the village of Kingston earned fame as home to the historic steam train which shares its name – the Kingston Flyer, now available for charter trips.

Before making the 45km trip back to the bustle of Queenstown, take time to soak up the tranquility and reflect on your accomplishments. You’ve earned it.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Ferry from Queenstown to Walter Peak (please note that the times and number of sailings/day of the TSS Earnslaw may change so contact Real NZ for the latest schedule www.realnz.com), cycle from Walter Peak to Mavora Lakes (50km) then shuttle to Mossburn or Te Anau.

It is important to ensure you allow enough time to bike from Walter Peak to your destination. It takes approximately 5 hours to bike to Mavora Lakes and there are two rivers to cross. If it has been raining please check river flow and riding conditions. The Von Valley is remote with no mobile phone coverage between Mt Nicholas Station and Centre Hill.

Consisting of two lakes aptly named North Mavora and South Mavora, they are nestled amongst a striking landscape of mountains, forest and tussock grassland. No wonder it’s recognised as part of the Te Wāhipounamu/South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

The DOC camping ground has 60 non-powered tent sites, tap water and toilets.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Continuing through the Eyre Mountains Conservation Park to Centre Hill, you’ll soon be immersed in the agricultural hub of Southland.

With Centre Hill Road open to traffic and gravel, this segment can be a tad dusty. So booking a shuttle bus is an option for this leg of the trail but must be organised in advance.

Journey alongside the Ōreti River as you progress towards Mossburn – hailed as the Deer Capital of New Zealand.

The accommodation in Mossburn is popular, so be sure to book in advance.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Farm paddocks feature prominently as you pedal on a mix of old railway line and well-graded track. Follow the Ōreti River as it snakes its way to Lumsden at the heart of the Northern Southland district. Here you’ll discover a range of eateries to refuel with relics of the stream train era adding an interesting element to the town.

Follow the old rail line as you soak up panoramic views of Mid Dome and the surrounding mountains. You’re in rural heartland so don’t be surprised to find some gates along the way to keep livestock secure.

Nestled amongst rich countryside like an oasis, the halfway point of Five Rivers is an ideal place to rehydrate.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Cycle from Athol to Kingston then shuttle back to Queenstown.

Dubbed Athol’s Golden Gates, two cycle suspension bridges – 67m and 92m in length respectively – will take you across the Mataura River. Take time to peer over the side and you will likely spot brown trout in the pristine waters below. An abandoned rail line has been transformed into the next stage of the trail. Boasting a mobile café and scrumptious honey shop, Garston has quite the buzz about it nowadays and is eager to reinvent itself as a place to stop on the southern tourist route. Old formations of a glacier moraine at the foot of the Eyre Mountains and the ruins of the area’s original stone homestead feature on the final phase of the trail.
On the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the village of Kingston earned fame as home to the historic steam train which shares its name – the Kingston Flyer, now available for charter trips.

Before making the 45km trip back to the bustle of Queenstown, take time to soak up the tranquility and reflect on your accomplishments. You’ve earned it.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Our newly revitalised section of the trail, between Centre Hill Shelter and Mossburn makes for a stunning setting beside the Ōreti River. This unique part of the trail is mostly downhill and riders often experience a tailwind to guide them into the township. This is also the route of the Downriver Dash Event held annually in December.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Enjoy a day trip meandering through the charming rural scenery of northern Southland. The trail from Lumsden utilises the old railway line and also follows the Ōreti River, well known for its fly fishing. At Five Rivers there is a cafe, art gallery and farm animals to enjoy and take a break from your bike. Return to Lumsden and enjoy a meal and a comfortable bed before you set off on the next leg of your journey to explore Southland.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Start your journey at the home of the historic Kingston Flyer steam train. Gradually climb the glacial moraine and ride through tranquil Southland farmland. You just have to look at the woolly sheep grazing in the paddocks to know why this area was chosen as the location for a well-known carpet advertisement. Don’t forget to check out the recently refurbished Fairlight Station before you cross the Mataura river and pedal in the high country surrounds.

At Garston you will discover great coffee and an array of fresh food, along with gallery treasures and scrumptious local honey. Stop to quench your thirst and grab a bite to eat. On your return to Kingston, take in the views of Lake Wakatipu and treat yourself to a delicious meal or drink – you’ve earned it.

Please note: The Kingston TOP 10 will allow anyone who starts or ends the trail while staying at least one night at their premises to leave their car/RV at the park while they are completing the trail.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.

Enjoy a day trip meandering through the charming rural scenery of northern Southland. The trail from Lumsden utilises the old railway line and also follows the Ōreti River, well known for its fly fishing. At Five Rivers, there is a cafe, art gallery and farm animals to enjoy and take a break from your bike. Then continue on the well-manicured track to Athol where there are yet more friendly locals to meet.

Time allowance is based on the average cycling speed of 10kmh.