The Queenstown Bike Park is loads of fun for all mountain bikers but cross country riders will be out of their comfort zones on the steeper, more technical trails! Down-hill specialists will think they're in heaven.
You buy one of the ample choices of gondola ticket and off you go - up and down till your ticket expires or your brake fingers seize up. Your legs won't - it's practically all downhill once you're off the gondola. If you're broke or want the exercise you can actually ride up the access road which usually takes about 45 minutes.
Your bike rental company should give you a map or you can buy one for $5 in the bike shops. But you won't need it; all the trails are clearly signed and graded. A good one to start with is Hammy's Track, rated easy. Despite its fearsome name, Vertigo is only a little more challenging so it's a good one to try next. If you're an expert downhill rider there are several double black diamond trails that will test you.
The gondola does not carry bikes during winter or on busy holidays - check this website for details: www. queenstownbikepark.co.nz
Everybody I saw up there today was having a blast except for the two riders who injured themselves! All the trails are worth several runs but after a day you'll be looking for something new - and there are plenty of options in Queenstown.
| ThankLove that you get a ride to the top and it's all mostly DH. Some of the black diamonds are wicked hard but heaps of fun. (Just for the record, I rode all the main trails on a muni (mt unicycle) and was able to ride the majority of them!) :)
| ThankGreat stuff. DR riding, so you semi know what you're getting into. Kiwis ride some steep shit; rip it!
| ThankOnly did hammy's route the others to steep for me. A great well designed run. Prices have gone up 1/2 day $60nzd full 80.
| Thank