2-4 Hrs 30 km

Highlights

  • Otago mountain scenery
  • Fascinating gold mining history
  • Arrowtown’s cafes & restaurants

Proximity

Cross Country

Grade 3 - Intermediate

This scenic trail through the flinty hills of the Southern Lakes transports riders back in time to Macetown, a relic-strewn gold mining ghost town.

Riding the trail

One of the New Zealand’s best-preserved gold mining towns can be found hidden within high-country tussockland near the charming tourist village of Arrowtown. Now known as Macetown Historic Reserve, it illuminates the Otago region’s nineteenth-century gold rush past through its restored stone buildings, curious relics and riveting boom ‘n’ bust tales retold through a series of information panels.

Getting to Macetown is half the fun. Starting at Arrowtown, a trail ushers riders upstream beside the Arrow River, following an old horse and dray road. Shared with hikers and 4WD drivers, the trail is wide and slopes gently upwards through the pretty river gorge passing derelict huts and an old homestead along the way. In spring, blooming lupins colour the landscape in a palette of pink, purple and yellow.

Plan your mountain biking holiday

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Key Mountain Biking Tour Operators

Enjoy the freedom of riding without the hassle of logistics by taking a guided or self-guided mountain bike tour.

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New Zealand Mountain Biking Tips & FAQs

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.

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New Zealand Travel Guide

Planning a biking holiday to New Zealand? Read our practical travel advice before you depart.

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