Gibbston River Trail, Otago NZ

The Gibbston River Trail is a constructed and mostly flat track that runs through the picturesque Gibbston Valley wine region next to the Kawarau River. It can be walked or mountain-biked.

Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago

The Gibbston River Trail runs through the picturesque Gibbston Valley wine region next to the Kawarau River. It’s a mostly flat gravel track that can be walked or mountain-biked, and to be honest biking it would probably be more enjoyable.

It offers nice views of the river in certain spots, which in sunny weather is an intense aqua colour as my pictures demonstrate. But the rest of the time it meanders through somewhat uninspiring vegetation that offers no protection from the sun, and so was a bit of a slog for us in summer. I recommend walking it in sunny winter weather. (In overcast weather the river won’t be such a nice colour.)

Track notes on the DOC website. I’ve rated it as moderate because it’s longish, but you won’t need any special gear for what is essentially a gravel path.

Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago
On a track suitable for biking the whole way, except (I read online), the bit by Peregrine Wines that we didn’t do (dashed line). We returned part of the way on the side of the road (there’s a path) and then rejoined the track at some point.

Gibbston River Trail: The Scenery

Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago
Kawarau River
Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago
Kawarau River

Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago

Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago
Sophia posing in front of the Kawarau River.
Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago
The first of the rapids on the Kawarau River. A guy went through the rapids on a kayak first, then the rafts of tourists followed.
Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago
Rafts full of thrill seeking tourists on the Kawarau River.
Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago
A bend in the river no doubt tested their steering skills.
Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago
Going round the bend.
Gibbston River Trail, Gibbston Valley, Otago
About as far as we went. Can’t remember whether this was the end of the trail.

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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