Grade 1–4 | Easiest – Advanced
This privately run mountain bike park serves up a winning combination of mixed-grade trails, mountain scenery and wineries of Gibbston.
This relative newcomer to the Queenstown mountain biking scene offers barrel-loads of single track riding in the wine-soaked Gibbston Valley, renowned for world-class pinot noir. Sound like a dangerous combination? It may pay to hit the mountain biking trails before you check out the cellar doors.
Situated beside the Gibbston Valley winery on SH6, Rabbit Ridge is a private bike park riddled with more than 40km of pro-built trails. The riding is mainly suited to beginners and intermediates, but there’s the odd grade 4 trail thrown in to test the mettle of more hardcore mountain bikers.
Many of the trails lead riders up on high where there are amazing views of the valley’s patchwork of vines, bound by steep mountainsides. The Easy Up trail does what it says on the tin, while XC offers a good workout as it undulates towards The Hub. An uphill shuttle service caters to riders wishing to focus on the downhill (you know who you are!).
Other park highlights include the nicely bermed Pylon Down, an advanced trail that swoops down to the valley floor; and Homeward, 2.5km of sweet, mainly downhill riding that takes you back to the Gibbston Valley winery for that wine tasting.
Passes are available at the bike centre at Gibbston Valley winery, where hire bikes, shuttles and transport from Queenstown can also be organised. Keep an eye on Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort's website(opens in new window), as there are plenty of new trails in the pipeline.
Rabbit Ridge is closed during winter when the whole Queenstown region is taken over by snow bunnies.
Enjoy the freedom of riding without the hassle of logistics by taking a guided or self-guided mountain bike tour.
Few countries in the world serve up such diverse riding – from urban forest trails to rugged, remote mountaintop tracks. Plan to stay safe and savour them.
Planning a biking holiday to New Zealand? Read our practical travel advice before you depart.
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