Coronet Loop & Coronet Peak Trails are Closed for winter.
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Connecting Arrowtown and Frankton, the Countryside Trail traverses the Whakatipu Basin through the tranquil countryside, taking in stunning views of the mountains. The Countryside Trail includes some steep sections and a longer climb over Slope Hill. The Countryside Trail connects to the Wharehuanui Trail and to Lake Hayes.
Head to the start of this trail adjacent to Dudley's Cottage at the Arrowtown River car park and follow the signs - within a few minutes the trail crosses Manse Road.
The trail winds through Millbrook Resort, intersecting with the Wharehuanui Trail, before heading over Sharp Rise and down to Speargrass Flat road past Ayrburn (well worth a side trip).
After turning at Slopehill Road you can choose to follow Rutherford Road to Lake Hayes, or continue through the wetland and over Slopehill - Its a steady climb to the top.
Descend slope hill and follow the trail through Dalefield, before descending again to the Shotover River. This hill is steep, so control your speed.
The trail weaves through the buttress limbs of willow trees next to the river before arriving at the Old Lower Shotover Bridge.
From the Old Lower Shotover Bridge you have the option to follow the Twin Rivers Trail across the bridge to Frankton/Queenstown or east towards Gibbston. The Tucker Beach Trail begins on the western side of the bridge, which joins the Shotover Gorge Trail to head to Arthurs Point.
- A well-maintained, gravel surface
- There are a few steep sections along the Countryside Trail - Sharp Rise between Millbrook and Lake Hayes, and Cardiac Climb which is a pinch that connects the trail from the Shotover River to the terrace above. Both of these sections are ridable, but require a decent effort to climb, and riders sometimes prefer to walk these sections. Be sure to control your speed if you are riding down.
- Slope Hill offers a long-ish climb in either direction. Pace yourself if you're heading up, and be sure to follow the road rules - share the road section with care.
- Signposting and good cell phone reception
- The Countryside Trail travels through Millbrook Resort, stick to the trail route through the resort, and share the road with care
The Countryside Trail is a Grade 3 (Intermediate) trail, if you are not comfortable riding a Grade 3 trail, try walking it instead, or riding one of the Grade 2 sections of the Queenstown Trail.
The Countryside Trail can be ridden in either direction and has two main starting points:
Parking is available at each end of the trail.
At the Arrowtown end, the Countryside Trail links to the Arrow River Bridges Trail, and also includes connections to the Wharehuanui Trail and the Lake Hayes Trail. From the Old Lower Shotover Bridge, the Countryside Trail links to the Twin Rivers Trail, and also to the Tucker Beach and Shotover Gorge Trails.
Transport is readily available to and from Arrowtown and Frankton for you and your bikes, and there are also several bike hire options available in Arrowtown, Frankton and Queenstown - get in touch with one of our tour operators for bike hire and transport options.
Pack water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat (for walkers) or a helmet visor (for bikers) in summer.
In winter, carry plenty of warm and waterproof clothing.
If you are riding the track, choose a mountain bike rather than a road bike.
The Countryside Trail includes some steep sections and a longer climb over Slope Hill. The Countryside Trail shares Slope Hill Road, this is a quiet road, but please share with care, keep left and follow the road rules.
You can combine this trail with other nearby bike trails for a longer ride. It is part of the Queenstown Trail Great Ride.
Respect Others
Respect the Rules
Respect the Trails
Share the Road
MOTORBIKES & E-MOTORBIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRAIL
If you've experienced our trails and loved them, please support us with a donation. As a registered charity, we rely upon donations to enhance and expand our trail network.
Some other rides you might enjoy
One of the most scenic short loops in the Queenstown Trails
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