queenstown & wānaka
Inside the Episode
What a way to end the adventure of a lifetime for Vandy and Deetz! Queenstown, for so long known as New Zealand's adventure town, is now the MTB capital of the South Island. The boys set out to discover the best trails, from hardcore to back country and everything in between. Throw in some great food, stunning scenery and friendly locals and Deets and Vandy don’t want to leave. Then it's a quick blast to Cardrona where the trails look like they’ve been sculpted, not made, before dropping down to Wānaka. Nestled in a completely different looking environment, Wānaka delivers so much excitement that it has Deetz needing a lie down, and Vandy, another pie. From heli-biking to scaling a 500 metre waterfall, this is a finale that will be etched into the consciousness of the audience forever. Or at least until Season 3…
Meet the Locals
Ashley Peters, Wānaka local
Charlie Cochrane, Bike Glendhu
Brooke Thompson, Queenstown rider
Chris Keys, winemaker
David Clarke, Arrowtown historian
Fraser Gordon, HeliBike NZ
Kelsey Timpany, Wānaka rider
Mark Williams, Queenstown Trails Trust
Stef Zeestraten, Wānaka Lavender Farm
Graham 'Spy' Dunbar, Cardrona Bike Park
James Hay, B.Social
EAT
EAT
kinross
Kinross Winery and Cellar Door along the Gibbston River Trail is a great spot to stop for lunch with a generous selection of seasonal meals.
EAT
kika
Right in the heart of Wānaka is this world class tapas bar. The food is seriously amazing.
EAT
b.effect
This brewery in Wānaka has amazing food and a great atmosphere for either lunch or dinner. You’ve got to try their kombucha for a great alcohol-free option.
stay
STAY
gibbston lodge and spa
You must end your day’s ride on the Gibbston River Trail here. With an amazing restaurant and boutique rooms nestled amongst vineyards, you won’t want to leave.
STAY
HOTEL St moritz
This luxury accommodation in the heart of Queenstown has a real alpine feel and it’s location and views make it our recommendation as the place to stay!
STAY
edgewater
When you’re in Wānaka, make sure you stay at Edgewater. It’s right on the lakefront with a trail that connects you all the way to Glendhu Bay, the town centre and beyond!
play
PLAY
wildwire wānaka
Scale the world’s highest waterfall cable climb. Enough said. This was a highlight and you’ve just got to do it.
PLAY
lavender farm
Just 20 minutes outside of Wānaka is a garden of magical lavender fields where you can go and zen out. Make sure you try the lavender tea and ice cream!
PLAY
heli-biking queenstown
An absolute must-do experience when you head to Queenstown. Brooke & Fraser are legends! Get dropped at the top of a mountain and enjoy the downhill.
ride
RIDE
skyline bikepark
A well heeled tech billionaire who loves MTBing has transformed an already brilliant MTB park into something next level. The famous gnarly runs that only super confident riders should attempt are still there but now new Grade 2 - 3 flow trails for riders of all levels even the playing field. The views, the features, the options, all with gondola access... it's outstanding. Grade 2 - 5.
RIDE
cardrona bike park
This park is utter perfection with heaps of options of stunningly built flow trails, chairlift access, crazy good views and the best pub run ride we've ever experienced, the 13km Peak to Pub flow trail. A knock out. Grade 2 - 5.
RIDE
bike glendhu
Wānaka's outrageously good gravity MTB wildcard. Get shuttled to the highest point for ridiculously beautiful 360 degree views of the Alps before riding down flow trails that rip-snort their way through the tundra on grippy dirt to a banging cafe at the bottom. DO NOT MISS IT! Grade 2 - 5.
Check out our interactive map to learn more about where we went in this episode of Trail Towns.
Make sure to let us know if you replicate this adventure via social media!
This episode is sponsored by
Explore Other Episodes
Episode Three: Lake Taupō
Episode Five: Timaru & Alps 2 Ocean
Episode Two: The Hauraki Rail Trail & Rotorua
Episode Four: Christchurch & the West Coast
Episode One: The Beginning - Auckland & the Twin Coast Cycle Trail
Episode Six: Queenstown & Wānaka