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
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Castle Hill gravel loop GPX and map
Best Addresses
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1 comment
Hi, I rode some trails when in Queenstown. Thanks for the review and commentary. You took me back to that time. The food the restaurants the views.
Thanks Kim. … the girl with the pretty smile.