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Queenstown Trail cyclists said...
"This trip far exceeded expectations and was most enjoyable"
Peter and Anne, Upper Hutt, March 2017
"Great Challenge. Enjoyed the scenery, fellow cyclists good fun! See you next year for a new experience!"
Christine, New Plymouth, March 2017
“We always enjoy the challenge and great feeling of achievement. Excellent accommodation, great lunches and dinners and a great guide adds to the enjoyment."
Joy and Derek, Auckland, January 2017
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The Queenstown Cycle Trail
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People
Human occupation can be dated back 800 years.
Polynesians found their way to the plains and basins of the eastern and southern South Island, where the flightless moa were found.
Much of Otago was burnt in the moa hunts, and the forest was replaced by tussock.
Too cold to grow kumara (sweet potato), there was no horticulture.
Settlement was focused on the coast, where ocean fish, seabirds and seals were plentiful. People journeyed inland to harvest eels, forest birds such as weka and wood pigeons, and cabbage trees.
Maori also travelled to sources of highly-valued pounamu (greenstone) in the headwaters of rivers draining into Lakes Wakatipu and Wanaka, and on the South Island’s West Coast.
The discovery of gold brought a huge influx of Europeans and Chinese . The influx of Irish alongside Scots and English made the goldfields districts more Catholic and less Presbyterian than the rest of Otago.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: When humans first arrived in Otago, it was probably covered in forests of matai and totara.
Maori burnt much of the forest, which was unable to regenerate in the dry climate, and tussock took its place. Today tussock is most common on the heights. The lower-lying parts of Central Otago are planted in pasture with stands of orchard and shelter trees. These, particularly poplars, display dramatic colour changes in late autumn.
Beech forest grows on the Otago section of the Southern Alps, between 800 and 1,200 metres. Higher up this gives way to tussock, then subalpine plants, and then bare rock and snow.
Fauna: Otago today is known for its smaller animals, notably skinks. The rare Cromwell chafer beetle is found only in a small area near Cromwell.
There are also huge wetland areas where populations of water birds thrive.
Deer and pigs are present and are hunted recreationally.
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Yellowhead
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Buttercup
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There's gold in them thar hills
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Industry
Gold was the making of the area when discovered in 1861 however the gold was soon worked out and with the climate being so harsh the area was only sparsely settled by hardy farming stock.
Today gold is scarce with only the big mining companies able to extract it in any quantity.
Farming and tourism is the backbone of the area, but in recent years tourism has taken over with the huge growth of Queenstown turning into one of the premium outdoor recreation centres for the international adventure seekers. |
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Book now for Next Season!
2018 / 2019
Monday 12th November 2018: (now full)
Monday 18th February 2019: Available
Monday 18th March 2019: Available
Have a date in mind?
We can build a tour especially for your group, please enquire for dates available.
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new zealand: 
world: 
For dates, availability & customisations 
Cycling
australia: 
info@tuataratours.co.nz
The Queenstown Cycle Trail starts in Otago’s world renowned Wakatipu Basin.
Cycle tour includes all accommodation, meals, and support vehicles and guide.
Official Partners