Tough rocky terrain, tough climbs, a challenging short trail just outside of Queenstown.
by Dana Farnsworth
The 7 Mile Trail just to the southwest of Queenstown is but one of at least 14 or more trail options in the area - many of which can be strung together for endless ride options of length and difficulty. A cross section of the trail would appear as a sharp descent, followed by a long sustained climb reaching a saddle where it levels briefly and then drops sharply back to sea level again. Riding from either direction, there is a good deal of sustained technical climbing involved.
The 7 Mile Trail descends sharply from the trailhead and parking area at the base of Closeburn Hill off of Lake Esplanade Road to nearly the water's edge. The views of Lake Wakatipu are very nice from here, which is a good thing, because the trail becomes pretty obstructed and tough to ride for a bit. After a stream crossing the trail meanders slightly uphill through a series of rocky stretches before passing a boat dock. Shortly after that comes a set of unridable obstacles – a six foot, root obstructed vertical drop is immediately followed by a set of ascending wood and stone steps. Even if one has the fortitude to ride the drop, the steps would no doubt require a dismount. This first section proves to be pretty daunting, hard to ride and technical. Intermediate level riders (like my wife) could find this initial section to be quite a slap in the face.
The trail then begins a very long sustained climb that features plenty of rocks, roots and switchbacks; to ensure that all but the super-fit climber will eventually run out of steam, dismount and push to the top. At the summit (a good place to catch your breath) are several adjoining trails that offer more technical riding options. These trails are often under a thick blanket of pine forest and feature more climbing and fast technical descents. With a little dead reckoning, navigation seems pretty easy as most of the trails join others that eventually intersect the main trail again. Since none of these optional short trails appear in detail on any map I could find, it’s a good thing they’re easy to navigate.
After joining up with the main route again, (it’s easy to find when you ride toward the sounds of water) the trail follows the coast – this time of Wilson Bay. A short distance later is the other trailhead. Riding the trail back to the starting point actually provides a very different experience. The main trail (although still tough) has a lot more flow in this direction, as the climbing isn’t as steep and the descent back to the stream crossing is exciting! All those rocky and rooted switchbacks that can require pushing one’s bike on the first leg, now become “as fast as you dare to go” descents!
The only real negative is the last rocky ascent back up to the parking lot and trailhead. The good thing is that although steep, it’s not an incredibly long ascent.
Overall, the trail circuit requires 90 minutes return or so to ride and should be rated as aerobically strenuous, advanced intermediate level – advanced. It can be very frustrating for anyone who isn’t that skilled or fit and rewarding to those that are - my wife waited for me in the van.
Trail Snapshot
Trail: Climbing, climbing, descending and rock dodging with rewarding beautiful views. Trail surfaces range from rocky, rooted and clear hard packed clay.
Difficulty: Strenuous Intermediate to Advanced with technical descents and climbs.
Outdoor Travels Rating:
3 out of 5 bikes if that is, you have the proper skill set to enjoy these trails. If you don't you may hate this challenging trail.
Thumbs Up
- Beautiful coastal and forest scenery
- The optional trails at the summit proved to be very fun and challenging
- Relatively easy to navigate even without a detailed map available
- As with every recreational area in New Zealand, the trailhead is well marked with big signs and is easy to find.
Thumbs Down
- Not much to ride for any skill level below advanced
- Being a multi-use trail, it lacks the flow that purposely-built mountain bike only trails can have. Also, a rider has to always be on the lookout for joggers and walkers
Nuts & Bolts
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Facilities: None
Admission: None
Map: - A free bike trail map can be picked up at Outside Sports in the pedestrian mall in Queenstown. Or can be printed here.
Bike Rental: Dr. Bike - an agent for Outside Sports rents very nice Jamis hardtails and full suspension bikes. Phone: 034428883 Web: www.outsidesports.co.
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