Kawarau Gorge Trail – Opening 19 September 2026! Contact us now to book.
The new Kawarau Gorge Trail
The new Kawarau Gorge Trail
Kawarau Gorge Trail
34 km Oxbow to Cromwell
Grade 2 – 3
4-6 hrs
Trail Details – Opening 19 September 2026
The Kawarau Gorge is a spectacular Central Otago canyon carved by the Kawarau River, with the Shotover, Arrow and Nevis rivers all joining its waters. The trail follows ancient Māori pathways once used to access the West Coast in search of pounamu (greenstone). Later, early European settlers travelled this challenging route in search of farmland, followed by gold miners and those involved in the region’s early hydroelectric developments.
A significant section of the trail passes through remote back-country terrain. While every effort has been made to remove loose rocks and improve safety, natural hazards remain, including the possibility of unstable ground above and below the track. Warning signs are in place, but once you enter this section there are no easy exit points. Riders and walkers should come well prepared, remain alert, and take personal responsibility for their safety.
Stretching from Queenstown through Bannockburn to Cromwell, the trail follows the striking turquoise waters of the Kawarau River, winding through dramatic rock formations while linking world-class vineyards and the wider 550 km+ Ngā Haerenga Great Rides network.
Parents and guardians should keep children close at all times and ensure they have the skills, fitness and ability to complete the distance, particularly when entering the intermediate Grade 2–3 sections.
We can organise accommodation and/or shuttles from either end of the trail.
Get in touch today!