Mountain Biking at Welcome Rock Trails, Garston Southland NZ

We recently visited Welcome Rock Trails which is a private high-country station about 1 hour south of Queenstown, near Garston. It offers a 27km mountain bike trail, 21km of which is hand-built single-track. It's known as 'The Roaring Lion' trail, named after the historic water race that runs through the property. The track is quite technical, with flowing sections, switchbacks and some long, but not too steep, descents. Although challenging in sections, there's nothing that can't be ridden (like drops or large jumps) so the track would cater for anyone from early intermediate to advanced.

I had a blast taking on the 'The Roaring Lion' trail, especially those fast-flowing sections. The last 6kms returns to the Historic Ski Hut via Nevis Rd and it's a fairly long climb. Depending on fitness levels and how many photos you take along the way (I took lots!), give yourself between 2.5 and 4 hours to complete. And remember it is remote high country with limited phone reception so be prepared for weather changes and bike issues.

Handy Tip: Download the Great Rides app before heading out - GPS trail information so you'll know where you are the whole time.

A full report is coming shortly that will highlight the other aspects of Welcome Rock Trails that we explored but in the meantime enjoy this video that will give you a taste of what this amazing single-track has to offer.