Gibbston River Trail
Track category
Walking track
Mountain bike - Intermediate
Time:
1 - 2.5 hr one way
Distance:
11km one way
Description
View the Gibbston River Trail map
Gibbston River Trail
Magnificent views of the Kawarau River on the Gibbston River Trail
Time: Kawarau Suspension Bridge to Peregrine Wines 1-2 hr, 5km
Kawarau Suspension Bridge to Peregrine Wines via Wentworth Bridge Loop 2-3 hr, 6.7km
This track is unrivalled in the Wakatipu basin for its scenic river and landscape views and its historic features. The modified landscape tells the story of the 19th century gold mining on the Gibbston Flats and the dynamic force of the Kawarau River.
Wentworth Bridge Loop
Time: 1 hr return, 2.7km
11 arched timber bridges protect archaeological evidence from the earliest days of Otago's mining heritage, including a collapsed mining tunnel and several large tailraces. Two steel truss bridges cross the deep chasm of Camp Creek - one passing through the upper branches of an old willow tree.
The Wentworth Bridge Loop is not recommended for mountain bikes.
Waitiri Loop
Waitiri Loop
Time: 30 min return, 2.4km
Scenic views of the Kawarau River and Nevis Bluff are highlights of this easy walk. A short but steep track leads down to Big Beach a popular local spot for picnicking and fishing.
Highway Trail
Time: Peregrine Wines car park to Gibbston Back Road 1 hr 20 min, 3.2km
Peregrine Wines to Church Lane 55 min, 2.2km
This easy track links to the Gibbston River Trail. Walkers and mountain bikers are safely separated from the Gibbston Highway on a graveled track along the farm fencelines, which links the Wentworth Bridge Loop to the Waitiri Loop. The track also links to Coal Pit Road and the Gibbston Back Road.
Rum Currie's Hut
The Gibbston Community Association rescued a heritage orchard and stone structures from encroaching vegetation at the bottom of Rafter's Road. This heritage and archaeological site takes its name from Rum Currie, a returned war veteran, who lived in this well-preserved hut around the time of the great depression.
The site was registered for protection with the NZ Historic Places Trust and the association added car parking, picnic areas, interpretive signage and a containment toilet.
Getting there
You can access this track from three points, from the Kawarau Suspension Bridge car park, the Peregrine Wines car park, or from the Waitiri Creek Wines car park.
Activities
Dog walking
Historic sites
Mountain biking and cycling