The Peregrine loop track is best started from the Peregrine Winery and can be tackled in either direction. As the track heads away from the Peregrine Winery it traverses river terraces where traces of historic gold workings can be observed. It then descends steeply towards the lower river terraces for some time, before climbing back to the higher top terrace and looping back to the winery carpark.

As the track meanders along the upper and lower river terraces, many points of interest are highlighted along the way by interpretation signs. Take the time to stop and learn of the history, landscape and ecology of this interesting site.

Along the way the track crosses 11 arched timber bridges to protect archaeological sites dating from the earliest days of Otago's mining era. This includes a collapsed mining tunnel and several large tailraces. Two steel truss bridges cross the deep chasm of Camp Creek on the eastern end.

Start the track from Peregrine Winery, just outside Gibbston on SH6.

What to expect

• steep uphill and downhill sections
• tight corners
• good signposting though patchy cell phone reception
• walkers (including dog-walkers) and bikers sharing the track
• hot and dry weather in summer; cold temperatures and chance of ice in winter.

Skills/experience needed

Peregrine Loop Track is a Grade 4–5 advanced mountain biking track with exposed sections and tight switchbacks. If you are not comfortable riding an advanced trail, stay on the wider Grade 2 sections of the Queenstown Trail.

Plan and prepare

If you are riding the track, choose a mountain bike or gravel bike rather than a road bike.

Watch children closely, as there are several steep drops and exposed sections close to the track edge.

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, and footwear with good grip – it gets very cold and potentially icy in winter.

You can combine this trail with other nearby bike trails for a longer ride. It is connected to, but not part of, the Queenstown Trail Great Ride. Visit the site for more information and trail updates.