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When do Queenstown's bike parks open for 2026/27?
Here are the key dates for the 2026/27 season: Skyline's gondola uplift for Queenstown Bike Park reopened in late September and runs through to mid-May; Bike Glendhu opens on Saturday 24 October 2026; Coronet Peak opens on Sunday 6 December 2026 and runs until Monday 22 March 2027; and Cardrona reopens in December 2026, with exact dates still to be announced.
There's already a tonne of riding open
Don't wait for the lift-accessed parks to open. Queenstown's free trail networks are running and riding beautifully right now. The Ben Lomond trails above town are free to pedal up any time, 7 Mile is a short spin out along the lake, Sticky Forest in Wānaka is packed with flowy singletrack, and Maitangi is well worth a mission. Throw in Gorge Road, Fernhill and Wynyard and you could easily fill a week before a single chairlift turns.
Queenstown Bike Park (Skyline)
The gondola is spinning, and the home of Queenstown laps is the place to start your trip. Skyline's 2026/27 adult uplift prices are $145 for a day, $125 for 4 hours and $325 for a 3-day pass (to be used within a week). If you're here for a week, the 3-day pass is the sweet spot.
Bike Glendhu
Bike Glendhu opens for the 2026/27 season on Saturday 24 October 2026 (weather permitting) and runs through to May 2027. An adult day pass is $42. It's mostly pedal-powered, with flowy trails for every ability, making it a brilliant day out from Queenstown and one of our top picks for newer riders.
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak's 2026/27 season runs from Sunday 6 December 2026 to Monday 22 March 2027.
Cardrona
New Zealand's highest bike park reopens in December 2026, with exact dates still to be confirmed. Last season ran from 13 December 2025 to 1 March 2026, so if Cardrona is high on your list, plan your trip for mid December to the end of February.
New trail developments for 2026/27
Coronet Peak is where the big trail building is happening. Whakatipu View opened last February as Queenstown's easiest downhill trail, a perfect first taste of lift-accessed riding. Work on the Grade 6 World Cup trail started this year, with Coronet Peak aiming to open it at the start of this summer in December 2026. Expect it to be properly steep and properly rowdy. The Grade 3 Velvet Rolls trail is next on the list, and Coronet Peak's long-term masterplan allows for up to 15 trails across the mountain. Exciting times.
What's on in Queenstown this season?
Two big dates are confirmed so far: the Queenstown Marathon on Saturday 14 November 2026 and the Motatapu on Saturday 6 March 2027. Town gets busy on event weekends, so book your beds early. Keep an eye on our Queenstown MTB events page as more dates are confirmed.
When's the best time to ride Queenstown in 2026/27?
We reckon the best riding is either side of peak summer: early November to early December, or early March to mid April. The trails are in great nick, the lift queues are shorter and town is a little quieter. If you want every bike park open at once, aim for mid December to the end of February, but expect a busier town.
Plan your 2026/27 Queenstown MTB holiday
We'll sort your bike-friendly accommodation, bike hire (Giant enduro bikes from $199 a day, Santa Cruz from $359), local guides and shuttles and heli bike trips from $850, so you can just turn up and ride. Queenstown MTB holidays without the stress.
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