Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure

Very disappointing experience

Ride date: October 6, 2026 Very disappointing experience — inaccurate route information and poor response to a serious safety concern My wife and I booked the approximately 35 km self-guided E-bike ride from Arrowtown back to Queenstown with Around The Basin today, October 6, 2026. The scenery and Queenstown trail system are beautiful, but our experience with this company was extremely disappointing. The biggest problem was the navigation information we were given. Around The Basin provided a route through a QR-code map and gave us a short briefing while pointing out the route on a basic map. For a ride of approximately 35 km, we expected the company providing the bikes and self-guided route to give us accurate, up-to-date information about major trail closures and detours. That did not happen. Toward the latter part of the ride, significant sections of the expected trail route were closed. We were left trying to figure out for ourselves how to get back to the company’s shop in Queenstown, including having to navigate alongside road traffic. This wasn’t simply a minor wrong turn. The Frankton Track has an officially documented closure and detour in place during 2026 because of major infrastructure work. Queenstown Lakes District Council states that a substantial section of the track approaching Queenstown is closed, with pedestrians and cyclists diverted along Frankton Road/SH6A. That is exactly the type of information a company sending tourists on a 35 km self-guided ride should clearly explain BEFORE they leave. Making matters worse, the E-bikes we were provided had no phone holder, basket or bag. We were expected to navigate using a phone-based map, yet there was no practical way to safely view the phone while riding. The bikes were very stripped down for a self-guided tourist ride. The helmets also did not give a good impression. They were kept together in a large plastic container that was dirty and dusty and appeared poorly maintained. What bothered me most, however, was the response when we returned. I specifically tried to explain that their map/navigation information needed to be updated because riders were encountering closures and detours that weren’t adequately represented. Instead of listening to the concern or investigating it, the staff member was dismissive and simply insisted that their map was correct. That response is why I am writing this review. Trail closures happen, and I don’t blame a bicycle rental company for construction or weather-related closures. But a company selling a self-guided cycling experience has a responsibility, in my opinion, to provide customers with current route information and clearly explain significant closures and road detours before sending them out. We managed to get ourselves back, but tourists unfamiliar with Queenstown should not be left trying to figure this out after a long ride. Around The Basin needs to update its customer briefing and navigation information to clearly reflect current trail conditions and provide riders with a safe, easy-to-follow detour route. At the very least, staff should listen when a customer raises a legitimate route and safety concern rather than dismissing it.

via Viator

Very disappointing experience

Ride date: October 6, 2026 Very disappointing experience — inaccurate route information and poor response to a serious safety concern My wife and I booked the approximately 35 km self-guided E-bike ride from Arrowtown back to Queenstown with Around The Basin today, October 6, 2026. The scenery and Queenstown trail system are beautiful, but our experience with this company was extremely disappointing. The biggest problem was the navigation information we were given. Around The Basin provided a route through a QR-code map and gave us a short briefing while pointing out the route on a basic map. For a ride of approximately 35 km, we expected the company providing the bikes and self-guided route to give us accurate, up-to-date information about major trail closures and detours. That did not happen. Toward the latter part of the ride, significant sections of the expected trail route were closed. We were left trying to figure out for ourselves how to get back to the company’s shop in Queenstown, including having to navigate alongside road traffic. This wasn’t simply a minor wrong turn. The Frankton Track has an officially documented closure and detour in place during 2026 because of major infrastructure work. Queenstown Lakes District Council states that a substantial section of the track approaching Queenstown is closed, with pedestrians and cyclists diverted along Frankton Road/SH6A. That is exactly the type of information a company sending tourists on a 35 km self-guided ride should clearly explain BEFORE they leave. Making matters worse, the E-bikes we were provided had no phone holder, basket or bag. We were expected to navigate using a phone-based map, yet there was no practical way to safely view the phone while riding. The bikes were very stripped down for a self-guided tourist ride. The helmets also did not give a good impression. They were kept together in a large plastic container that was dirty and dusty and appeared poorly maintained. What bothered me most, however, was the response when we returned. I specifically tried to explain that their map/navigation information needed to be updated because riders were encountering closures and detours that weren’t adequately represented. Instead of listening to the concern or investigating it, the staff member was dismissive and simply insisted that their map was correct. That response is why I am writing this review. Trail closures happen, and I don’t blame a bicycle rental company for construction or weather-related closures. But a company selling a self-guided cycling experience has a responsibility, in my opinion, to provide customers with current route information and clearly explain significant closures and road detours before sending them out. We managed to get ourselves back, but tourists unfamiliar with Queenstown should not be left trying to figure this out after a long ride. Around The Basin needs to update its customer briefing and navigation information to clearly reflect current trail conditions and provide riders with a safe, easy-to-follow detour route. At the very least, staff should listen when a customer raises a legitimate route and safety concern rather than dismissing it.

Response from the operator: We take safety concerns seriously, but several points in this review need clarification. The Frankton Track diversion was explained during your pre-ride briefing. It affects approximately the final 4 km of the 36 km ride and is clearly signposted. **The diversion does not send riders onto Frankton Road. It follows the footpath beside the main road. At no point on this diversion should you be riding on the road with cars**, and this was specifically explained during your briefing. Our trail map is 100% correct for the Queenstown trail, with the diversion explained during the briefing. We provide every customer with our phone number and are available to assist if they become lost or unsure. You did not contact us during your ride, which would have given us an opportunity to help. Pannier racks and bags are optional extras available at an additional cost. We explained that these could have been arranged had you requested them. Our helmets are cleaned and disinfected daily after customer use. Regarding your return to the shop, we welcome feedback, including criticism. However, telling staff “f*** you”, making personal remarks and expressing hope that our business gets no customers is unacceptable. Our team should not have to accept verbal abuse when discussing a concern. We regret that you left disappointed, but we stand by our team’s right to be treated respectfully and the route information provided before your departure.

via Tripadvisor

Numerous trails in one ride but hard to plan

The Queenstown Trial network has a huge number of trails to link together for sightseeing. Pre trip I found it difficult using the Around the Basin website and bike trail map to figure out what the actual route options were from Arrowtown to Queenstown. I arrived early at the office to find out more info on the trail options but found the reception staff member was only interested in checking me in (then advising I wait until the tour started to find out more info). Given that there were no other customers requiring her time, I found this quite unhelpful. The man who gave the ride briefing was much more helpful, listened to the experience I was after and gave a good suggestion.

via Tripadvisor

Guide was really helpful...

Guide was really helpful and friendly, and the ride back to Queenstown was a great way to see gorgeous scenery

Response from the operator: Thanks for the lovely review! We’re glad you enjoyed the ride and the beautiful scenery on the way back to Queenstown. Great to hear our guide helped make the experience even better!

via Viator

Phenomenal

Simply phenomenal. Queensland Trail is truly magical. I could not stop taking pictures. The operators were great. Timely, good instructions and nice bikes. I am a bike rider, but I opted for the E bike (first timer), and I’m so glad I did. At times, the incline was a bit steep, and was much easier with the e-bike. The last 7K at the trail under construction, so you have to ride on the walk/bike path next to the highway. Not my favorite, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I highly recommend this tour!

Response from the operator: Thanks for the great review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the Queensland Trail and had a good experience with the e-bike. We also appreciate your understanding around the temporary trail diversion. Hope to see you out on another ride again sometime!

via Viator