Coronet Loop & Coronet Peak Trails are Closed for winter.
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Linking Arthurs Point and Arrowtown, the Wharehuanui Trail crosses various wetlands and riparian zones and traverses the foothills of Coronet Peak, linking the mountain biking trails that descend to the basin floor.
13km km one way or 26kms return
16.5km from Arthurs Point to Arrowtown
(including Countryside Trail Section)
Grade 2 - Easy
The Wharehuanui Trail is a beautiful easy (grade 2) trail between Arthurs Point and Millbrook. Running along the northern side of the Whakatipu Basin, the Wharehuanui Trail links the mountain biking tracks of Coronet Peak, and adds the vital missing link into the Queenstown Trails network.
Starting at the Arthurs Point end, the trail begins adjacent to Gantley's Tavern, heading east beside Arthurs Point Road. Take care at the Littles Road intersection crossing. The trail traverses the undulating terrain just below the road, before crossing Malaghans Road and heading towards the foothills of Coronet Peak.
A gentle climb up the switch backs brings you to the bottom of the "Carry On" Mountain Biking Trail. The views of the Whakatipu Basin are gorgeous, and there are several vantage points showcasing the Remarkables, Crown Range, and Walter Peak, as well as some beaut views of Coronet Peak. The trail winds in and out of the foothills along the base of Coronet, before reaching the Kuperus Crossing and the Dan O'Connell hub. Hot Rod mountain biking trail and the Dan O'Connell Climb join into the Dan O'Connell Hub. From here you can access the Coronet Peak Ride mountain bike trails, the Coronet Loop and Skippers Road.
Head along Coronet Peak Station Road (share the road with care), and rejoin the off-road trail at the southern end. The Wharehuanui Trail then follows Malaghans Road to the east, before crossing the carriageway and heading down to the Mill Creek Reserve. The beautifully restored Mill Creek Reserve is a tranquil oasis, perfect for walking with kids, or stopping for a picnic - don't forget to check out the full reserve and see the conservation work that has been completed to protect the waterway, improve water quality and restore native plants.
The Wharehuanui Trail continues into Millbrook, passing parts of the famous golf course and residences before joining the Countryside Trail at Streamside Lane. From here you can continue through Millbrook Resort to the east to reach Arrowtown, or head south towards Lake Hayes.
- A well-maintained, gravel surface
- Sign posting, and good cell phone reception
- An undulating trail with some gentle climbs and switch-back corners
- Road Crossings of Malaghans Road - this is a 100km/hr stretch of road, please stop and give way to traffic before crossing. We recommend dismounting and walking your bike across the road.
- Some sections of the trail run parallel to the road, please keep an eye on children
- The Wharehuanui Trail shares Coronet Peak Station Road - please share the road with care, keep left and follow the rules of the road.
- The section of trail that is adjacent to Mill Creek is subject to occasional flooding - signage will warn you when flooding is present.
- The Wharehuanui Trail travels through Millbrook Resort, stick to the trail route through the resort, and share the road with care.
- Mountain Biking Trails descending from Coronet Peak join into the Wharehuanui Trail - expect to see increased mountain biking traffic around the foot of Coronet Peak
The Wharehuanui Trail is a Grade 2 (Easy) trail.
The Wharehuanui Trail can be ridden in either direction
Starting in Arthurs Point
Arthurs Point is a 10 minute drive from Queenstown. Parking is available in Arthurs Point. Transport is readily available to and from Arthurs Point for you and your bikes. There is also the option to ride to Arthurs Point from Queenstown along the signposted Arthurs Point Link Trail (be aware this route includes some steep sections and a crossing of the single land Edith Cavell Bridge).
Starting in Arrowtown
Parking is available in Arrowtown with several large parking areas situated adjacent to the Arrow River. The Countryside Trail (that joins into the Wharehuanui Trail) begins near Dudley's Cottage, and heads through Millbrook where it joins the Wharehuanui Trail. Transport is readily available to and from Arrowtown for you and your bikes.
The Wharehuanui Trail links to the Countryside Trail at Millbrook, and the Shotover Gorge Trail in Arthurs Point.
Transport is readily available to and from Arrowtown and Arthurs Point 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 - the Wharehuanui Trail can be pretty chilly during the colder months.
If you are riding the track, choose a mountain bike rather than a road bike.
The Wharehuanui Trail shares Coronet Peak Station 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.
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