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Exploring New Zealand: Our Detailed Travel Itinerary

Kim Gintrand — Mon, 12 May 2025 16:25:13 +0000

Looking for the ultimate gravel and outdoor adventures in New Zealand? From epic gravel routes to stunning mountain landscapes, our trip had it all.
At the start of the year, my partner Kilian and I set off on a road trip across New Zealand, from February to April. We explored breathtaking landscapes from the North Island to the South Island, riding incredible routes along the way. I brought my gravel bike, and Kilian took his mountain bike. In this article, we share the highlights of our adventure—complete with practical tips and must-ride itineraries.

1. Rotorua : Adventure in the Whakarewarewa Forest 🌲

📍Rotorua / North Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance covered: Varies

Our adventure kicked off in Rotorua, a must-visit destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. We explored the Whakarewarewa Forest Bike Park—an ideal spot for both gravel and MTB rides. The trails through the forest felt incredibly immersive, like riding through a jungle 🏞️. We wrapped up the day with a refreshing swim in a nearby lake.

👉 Good to know:

Gravel: Great for less technical riding—check out the Forest Loop (35 km), a perfect route for gravel bikes.
MTB: The guys loved the enduro trails 🚵, though note there are no chairlifts here.

🔗 Useful resources:

🌟 Things to do in and around Rotorua:

Go swimming in the local lakes 🏖️
Visit Rotorua’s geothermal areas 🌋
Explore Te Puia and Māori culture 🌀
Relax in the hot pools at Polynesian Spa 💆‍♀️
Grab an ice cream at Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour 🍦

2. Maunga Kākaramea : Rainbow Mountain 🌈

📍Rotorua / North Island

Type of activity: Hiking / Mountain Biking
Distance: 2.5 km

After Rotorua, we headed to Maunga Kākaramea—also known as Rainbow Mountain. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t a great spot for gravel, so I ended up pushing my bike quite a bit. That said, it’s a great place for mountain biking, with some solid technical trails. We also enjoyed incredible views over crater lakes and a beautiful hike to the summit.

👉 Good to know:

Gravel : not recommended
VTT : fairly technical, but with some fun downhill sections
Rando/Trail : The best way to explore this area!

🔗 Useful resources:

Visit Rotorua

3. Te Iringa Track 🌿

📍Taupo District / North Island

Type of activity: Hiking / Mountain Biking
Distance: Varies / 8 km with 400 m elevation gain

Later that same day, we hit the Te Iringa Trail. I tackled it on foot as a trail run—and it was absolutely amazing! While the track is also accessible by mountain bike, it’s definitely on the technical side. We loved being immersed in nature, surrounded by forest and the exotic songs of native birds 🦜.

🔗 Useful resources:

Te Iringa infos

4. Marlborough : Wakamarina Track and Mont Royal 🏞️

📍Marlborough / South Island

Type of activity : Trail Running / Mountain Biking
Distance covered: Varies / 24 km round trip with 2,000 m elevation gain (including a short detour)

We explored the Wakamarina Track, a trail that is great on foot but even better with a mountain bike. After that, we climbed part of Mount Royal, making it a big day with over 2,000 meters of elevation gain. It was exhausting—but the 360 views at the top made it all worthwhile!

👉 Good to know:

You can refill water from streams along the way—a filter is recommended
Car access is possible at the trailhead, with several parking spots available
MTB: Easy riding up to the start of the Mount Royal climb

🔗 Useful resources

5. Kirwans Hut : Our biggest adventure🏔️

📍Near Reefton / South Island

Type of activity: Hiking / Mountain Biking
Distance covered: 18 km ascent from Capleston with 1,200 m elevation gain + 10 km descent through Waitahu Valley (check trail status before heading out)

Our first big adventure was the ascent to Kirwans Hut. I biked 8 km on gravel, then hiked the remaining 18 km to the hut. The climb was challenging, with 1,200 meters of elevation gain, but the incredible hut at the end made it all worth it 🏡.

👉 Good to know:

Book the hut for the night: 12 bunks available
The hut is well-equipped and very comfortable
It’s a bit long to reach from Capleston, so be prepared for a tough day

🔗 Useful resources:

- Department of Conservation

6. Alexandra : Lake Dunstan Trail 🌅

📍Alexandra / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel Biking
Distance covered: 100 km + 1,400 m (round trip)

An incredible route along the Lake Dunstan Trail. This gravel path follows the lake, offering stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. It was an unforgettable experience and a must-do for any gravel biking enthusiast 🚴‍♀️

Find the full article here

🔗 Ressources utiles :

- NZ Cycle Trails

7. Queenstown : Hiking and Gravel 🏞️

📍Queenstown / South Island

Upon arriving in Queenstown, I focused mainly on hiking but also explored a few amazing gravel trails:

Ben Lomond: A must-do hike for stunning views!
Queenstown Hill: Another fantastic hike with great scenery.
Skippers Road: An iconic gravel trail that shouldn’t be missed.
Moke Lake: Gorgeous on gravel, but avoid the Moonlight Track—it’s too technical.
Rude Rock: Perfect for a short enduro ride!

Download Ben Lommond Hike

Download Queenstown Hill Hike

Download Moke Lake Ride

8. Porters Lodge : Magical getaway ⛺

📍Castle Hill / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: Varies

We spent two days at Porters Lodge, an awesome staffed hut accessible by car, with flow trails just outside the door. I also enjoyed a fantastic gravel ride around the area before heading to the famous Castle Hill. It was the perfect place to unwind after several active days!

9. Castle Hill : Gravel with amazing views 🏞️

📍Castle Hill / South Island

Distance: 35 km
Elevation gain: 1,000 m

Castle Hill is an impressive spot to explore by gravel bike. With its varied terrain and stunning panoramas, it was one of the highlights of our adventure. A perfect route for nature lovers and fans of the iconic Lord of the Rings landscapes! 🌄

Find more details about this route here

10. The Old Ghost Road: a must-do in New Zealand 🚵‍♂️

📍Reefton / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: 85 km + 2,200 m

The Old Ghost Road is a must-do for any hiking, MTB, or gravel biking enthusiast. This trail takes you through wild and spectacular landscapes, perfect for riders seeking a challenge. 🌟

Find more information about this route here. You can also watch our adventure during our trip live on May 16th at 6PM on my Youtube Channel

11. Kaiteriteri Bike Park 🏝️

📍Kaiteriteri / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: Varies

A gravel-friendly bike park with lots of accessible trails. It’s a great place to improve your biking skills. It’s also ideal for mountain bikers, with trails suitable for all levels. Some trails are dedicated to hikers or trail runners.

Kaiteriteri is more famous for its stunning sunrises and sunsets from its pristine beaches. It’s also the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, a must-visit if you’re near Nelson

🌟 Things to do in Kaiteriteri and nearby:

Rent a kayak and venture out to sea 🛶
Watch a breathtaking sunset or sunrise from Kaiteriteri Beach 🌅
Relax on the stunning beaches 🏝️
Book your stay at Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve: apartments, camping, and bungalows to suit all types of travelers

12. Coppermine Trail : A Challenge for Experienced Riders ⛰️

📍Nelson / South Island

Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: 40 km + 950 m

The Coppermine Trail was another challenge, especially on gravel, but it’s accessible for those familiar with technical trails. It’s a great route for testing your skills and enjoying stunning views!

🌟 Things to do in Nelson and nearby:

Swim and relax at Cable Bay 🏝️
Try the best coffee shops/brunch spots in town (all three are delicious):
- Victus Coffee & Eatery
- DeVille
- Bobby Franks Café
Explore Abel Tasman National Park (starting from Nelson) ride the Great Taste Trail with your gravel

Download Gravel GPX

To conclude✨

This trip to New Zealand was an unforgettable adventure, filled with challenges, discoveries, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, or other outdoor activities, New Zealand is truly a paradise! I hope this article has inspired you for your own travels or simply introduced you to some of the hidden gems of this remote part of the world.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment 🚴‍♀️🌄

L’article Exploring New Zealand: Our Detailed Travel Itinerary est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

The Old Ghost Road: Everything You Need To Know

Kim Gintrand — Thu, 08 May 2025 11:49:17 +0000

🗺️ A Must-Do Legendary Trail

Located in the remote northwest of New Zealand’s South Island, The Old Ghost Road is one of the country’s most iconic backcountry trails. Stretching 85 kilometers through dense rainforest, alpine ridgelines, swing bridges and historic gold-mining routes, it’s known as New Zealand’s longest continuous singletrack — and a bucket-list ride for mountain bikers and hikers.

🚵🏻‍♀️ My Experience: Riding It in 2 Days on a Gravel Bike

In March, I set out to ride the trail with my gravel bike, a slightly unconventional choice compared to the typical mountain bike. Before committing, I asked around — and the feedback was mixed. Some said it was impossible, others claimed I’d love it. So I decided to see for myself.

We completed the route over two days, spending the night at Ghost Lake Hut, the trail’s highest point at around 1,280 meters elevation. Though challenging in parts, the ride was absolutely doable with the right gear and experience — and one of the most rewarding gravel adventures I’ve ever done.

🏕️ Huts Along the Trail

The Old Ghost Road features a series of well-maintained backcountry huts, managed by the trail trust. Some must be booked online in advanced. They’re equipped with mattresses, compost toilets, water tanks, gas stoves:

Lyell Saddle Hut (17 km)
Ghost Lake Hut (35 km) – ⚠️ highest point with epic views
Stern Valley Hut
Goat Creek Hut
Specimen Point Hut

📝 Book here oldghostroad.org.nz

⚠️ Difficulty and Terrain

While sections are flowy and rideable, the trail includes:

Steep climbs and long descents
Rocky and rooty technical sections
Narrow ridgelines with exposure
Occasional hike-a-bike segments
Riders need to be fit, self-sufficient, and confident on technical terrain.

🌀 Weather: Check Before You Go

Weather can shift dramatically, especially on alpine sections. Always check forecasts before heading out:

MetVUW : www.metvuw.com
New Zealand Metservice’s : mountains forecast and rural forecast
Trail status : the old ghost road official website

You must check the official website prior to hit the trail: https://oldghostroad.org.nz/.

🧳 Recommended Gear

Gravel bike or MTB with minimum 40 mm tires — for more comfort, go with 45–50 mm
Headlamp + power bank
Repair kit: tubeless plugs, inner tubes, multi-tool, pump, etc.
Sunscreen
First aid kit
Bikepacking bags
- I used a 3L frame bag and a 11L saddle bag. I also had a 15L hydration bag, but I’d rather recommend a handlebar bag
Warm and waterproof clothing — the weather changes quickly
Food for the entire route + extra
- We brought freeze-dried meals along with bars, cookies, and other snacks.
GPS with GPX track to download — even though the trail is well marked

📸 Why Ride the Old Ghost Road?

This trail offers everything:

Wild nature and solitude
True backcountry immersion
World-class hut system
Physical challenge and reward

🔗 Useful Resources

🎥 WATCH OUR ADVENTURE

🗺️ The Map

If you have some questions about our experience on the trail, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments 🙂

L’article The Old Ghost Road: Everything You Need To Know est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

Top 5 Best Coffee Shop in Queenstown for a brunch

Kim Gintrand — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:28:25 +0000

1. The Boat Shed Café & Bistro

Probably the best one! I’ve been there several times, trying different items on the menu, and everything is delicious. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake from the terrace, and the inside is also a great option with a cozy large room.
Favorite: Chorizo Scramble.

2. Bespoke Kitchen

A variety of tasty dishes to try, and the coffee is excellent as well. It’s a great spot for brunch with friends or just for a coffee. It’s usually quite busy because of its location, very close to the gondola, but there’s often enough seating available!
Favorite: Winter Greens Vegan Benedict.

3. Vudu Café & Larder

Located downtown Queenstown with a view of the lake, Vudu Café serves delicious food, smoothies, and cakes.
Favorite: Vudu Benedict.

4. Odd Saint

A cozy café with a beautiful terrace, a little away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Queenstown. You can’t go wrong with any order, the food is very tasty.
Favorite: Banana Bread and Ace’s

5. Yonder

Enjoy its covered terrace on any spring day, Yonder offers a variety of brunch options, delicious smoothies, and great coffee!
Favorite: Eggs on Toast with added bacon and halloumi.

L’article Top 5 Best Coffee Shop in Queenstown for a brunch est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

Castle Hill gravel loop : 35km +1000m

Kim Gintrand — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:01:48 +0000

Start/Finish

Texas Flat carpark, Castle Hill

Distance

35km

Elevation

+1000m

Duration

2h40

Best seasons

spring/summer

Difficulty

4/5*

More technical than physical

Discover a Lord of the Rings-worthy setting by embarking on this gravel loop from Castle Hill

This route, originally designed for mountain biking, is also perfectly suited for gravel riding. Some sections require you to push your bike, but they are short. The trail mainly consists of smooth single tracks, occasionally a bit technical, but always enjoyable to ride. The landscapes are breathtaking throughout the ride, offering a spectacular backdrop from start to finish.

A varied gravel loop between forests and plateaus, perfect for elevation gain lovers

This 35 km gravel loop may be short, but with a 1000 m elevation gain, it’s more challenging than it seems. The route passes through a variety of landscapes, alternating between forests and plateaus. It’s one of my favorite routes since arriving in New Zealand, thanks to its amazing trails and the stunning mountainous scenery surrounding it.

Practical tips for this gravel loop at Castle Hill

This eight-shaped gravel loop allows you to pass near your car halfway through the route
Be aware that some trails are shared with other users and can be ridden in both directions, so it’s important to stay alert
At the end of each loop, you’ll ride on a road section: be careful and consider bringing a light or reflective/bright kit to ensure your safety.

Map & GPX

tested

Castle Hill gravel loop GPX and map

Download Gravel GPX

Near the itinerary

Best Addresses

(*tested)

ACCOMODATIONS / RESTAURANTS

Favorite

Castle Hill

Porters Alpine Lodge*

Private lodge with private rooms, dormitories, and space for campervans and vans outside

For mountain bike riders, there are two small private downhill trails right outside the Lodge.

Discover

Exploring New Zealand: Our Detailed Travel Itinerary

by Kim Gintrand 12 May 2025

Looking for the ultimate gravel and outdoor adventures in New Zealand? From epic gravel routes to stunning mountain landscapes, our trip had it all.At the start …

by Kim Gintrand 12 May 2025

The Old Ghost Road: Everything You Need To Know

8 May 2025

by Kim Gintrand 8 May 2025

Top 5 Best Coffee Shop in Queenstown for a brunch

11 March 2025

by Kim Gintrand 11 March 2025

Castle Hill gravel loop : 35km +1000m

11 March 2025

by Kim Gintrand 11 March 2025

Dunstan Lake trail – a journey on the lake’s coast

20 February 2025

by Kim Gintrand 20 February 2025

View All

Follow me!

L’article Castle Hill gravel loop : 35km +1000m est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.

Dunstan Lake trail – a journey on the lake’s coast

Kim Gintrand — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:44:19 +0000

Start/Finish

Alexandra-Clyde-Cromwell One-way or Loop

Distance

100km

Elevation gain

+1400m

Time

5h30

Best seasons

spring/summer

Difficulty

3/5*

Physical & technical

Ride on the amazing Dunstan Lake gravel trail on the south island

If you are in the south island, near Queenstown or Wanaka, I would highly recommend to do this gravel ride! You can do it in multiple ways.

Either a one-way trip, a loop, or back and forth on the same trails, you can tailor it to your desire. Normally starting from Clyde and ending in Cromwell, I decided to start from Alexandra, where I was staying. I chose to do the back and forth option, from Alexandra to Cromwell and back. It is a 100km ride with about 1400 meters of elevation, but rather than being one big climb, it is spread over the route with two longer climbing sections.

The route

You will ride on forest trails that sometimes shrink into single trails, you will cross some suspended bridges, ride on bridges attached to the rocks, and ride along the lake, literally. It can be sometimes monotone, especially from Clyde to Cromwell but it is still breathtaking and nice to ride.

There are no water point or places to get food on the beginning of the trail, however, there is the coffee afloat, a little boat that is parked attached to the trail and that serves some coffee and sells some food. Nevertheless, it was indicated to be only open from 11:00am to 2:00pm when I passed by it, make sure to not rely on this for water/coffee or food. For an actual stop to fill up you water and grab something to eat, there is Carrick Winery, kilometer 44.

If you want to choose the option of doing a loop from Alexandra, I was recommended to do this route below. You will ride the Dunstan Lake trail at the start of the route and then come back by the Hawksburn road. You will have a little bit more of elevation gain, +1670m, but you’ll be taken through a new landscape for the second part of the route.

Definitely a must do if you are in the area with your gravel bike or even mtb! And don’t forget to finish by a dip in the lake after a nice day on the bike.

Notes:

There are NO water point during 50km, I highly recommend taking enough water with you, especially that it can be very hot on summer days.
Watch out for the wind. You will see signs that tell you when to be more attentive, make sure to take them into consideration as there are some narrow trails.

Map & GPX

tested

Dunstan Lake Loop - via Hawksburn road

Download Gravel GPX

Annuler Copier le code d'intégration

Alexandra - Cromwell and back

Download Gravel GPX

Near the itinerary

Best Addresses

(*tested)

RESTAURANTS

Alexandra

Industry Lane Eatery*

coffee/brunch

Cromwellres

Carrick Winery & Restaurant*

drinks, coffee, food, winery. Perfect stop on the Dunstan Lake trail ride.

DISCOVER

Exploring New Zealand: Our Detailed Travel Itinerary

by Kim Gintrand 12 May 2025

Looking for the ultimate gravel and outdoor adventures in New Zealand? From epic gravel routes to stunning mountain landscapes, our trip had it all.At the start …

by Kim Gintrand 12 May 2025

View All

Suivez-moi!

L’article Dunstan Lake trail – a journey on the lake’s coast est apparu en premier sur Destinations Gravel.