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World video travel guide
News • New Zealand • 2011-04-05
Queenstown gears up for new cycle fest
Queenstown - New Zealand’s adventure capital - is gearing up for a cycling event of alpine proportions this Easter.
Cyclists of all styles and abilities are invited to grab their bikes and helmets, and head down to the inaugural Queenstown Bike Festival - a 10-day cycling bonanza celebrating sport and landscape that runs across two weekends from 16 to 25 April.
Festival organisers want it to be a catalyst for visitors and locals to explore Queenstown’s natural beauty while enjoying the sport the way they like it - whether that’s social coffee rides and wine trails, or hard core cross-country and downhill races.
Adventure capital
New Zealand’s adventure capital - in the heart of the Southern Lakes region - offers world-class cycle tracks, trails, and roads through spectacular lake and alpine scenery for novice, recreational and serious cyclists.
At this time of the year, cyclists and spectators will be treated to Central Otago’s world-renowned autumn landscape ablaze with colour as well as temperate days perfect for riding.
Festival organiser and passionate cycling advocate Geoff Hunt believes the bike festival could become one of New Zealand’s premier sports festivals because of its wide scope and appeal.
"Queenstown is one of the best places in the world for biking and this festival aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to come here and experience the incredible diversity of our tracks and scenery," Hunt says.
Hunt, who runs the highly successful annual Tour de Wakatipu, has brought together existing and new events to create the 10-day programme catering for both elite and recreational bikers.
Serious cycling events
For serious cyclists there is a choice of road and off-road mountain biking events.
Established events such as Tour de Wakatipu, Dirtmasters Downhill, and the Brakeburner already have a strong following. The Super D and Peleton road bike rides will also attract experienced riders.
Big mountain biking names signed up to compete in the Outside Sports Brake Burner include former Olympian Kashi Leuchs and MTB specialist Lawrence Mote.
Now retired from a successful professional mountain biking career, spanning 12 years, a consistent top 10 world ranking and three Olympic Games appearances, Leuchs enjoys the social side of events as much as the competition.
"The festival will be brilliant for Queenstown and I am sure it will bring a lot of keen riders at all levels to the resort."
The New World Tour de Wakatipu - a 36km or 45km ride from the heritage goldmining town of Arrowtown via picturesque Lake Hayes and along the dramatic Shotover and Kawarau rivers - is open to expert and sport riders.
For elite riders only, the three-day Ben Lomond Dirtmasters Downhill is held on a challenging 3km course in the Ben Lomond Forest. The Outside Sports Brake Burner is a six-hour non-stop tag team or individual mountain bike Super D in the Ben Lomond Forest.
Leisurely family cycling
On the leisure side, there will be an outing for children, wine trails and coffee rides, and an around-the-mountains ride for the adventurous. The programme will also include screening of mountain bike movies and a gala dinner.
"The idea for a festival at Easter has the backing of the cycling community who are keen to see Queenstown increase its growing profile as a leading biking centre, similar to Whistler in Canada and Morzine in France," Hunt says.
Other festival activities include a Kids Ride in Jardine Park, a Peleton road bike ride through the Wakatipu, a Wine Trail ride and an Around the Mountains ride on the far side of Lake Wakatipu.
"The excellent thing about this programme is that it has something for people at all levels and particularly family groups," Hunt says.
Destination Queenstown chief executive Tony Everitt is excited about the event’s potential "to grow into an internationally recognised festival" that could rival Queenstown’s annual Winter Festival.
"With a huge range of activities, accommodation, award-winning food and wine, vibrant social scene, and day spa options Queenstown gives people endless possibilities to build their perfect holiday around their favourite bike festival events," says Everitt.
Autumn in Queenstown
Autumn is one of the most picturesque times of year to visit Queenstown, as the seasonal change transforms the world-renowned landscapes into a stunning palette of reds, oranges and golds.
Daytime temperatures range between 12-25°C (53°F - 77°F), while mornings and evenings can be cooler.
The wide selection of things to do, temperate weather and tourist-friendly activities combine to make Queenstown one of New Zealand’s favourite holiday spots.
Bright sunny days provide the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and take part in the many local adventure activities, hiking and biking trails, and world-class golf courses.
Dining al fresco is popular at wineries, cafes, bars and restaurants, while art galleries, heritage trails and events of all types add to the adventure on offer.
Queenstown’s autumn events calendar includes:
* Festival of Colour, 12 - 17 April
This regional arts celebration features theatre, dance, art, film, music.
* Queenstown Bike Festival, 16 - 25 April
A series of cycling events for all sporting levels and ages - from experienced to leisure riders - on world-class cycle tracks, trails, roads and scenery.
* Arrowtown Autumn Festival, 29 April - 8 May
The historic goldmining village is renowned for its autumn colours, and attracts many national and international artists and photographers. The festival celebrates Arrowtown’s history and natural heritage.
