All photos © Outside the Square Creative | Marty’s Guide
The Coronet Loop Trail is one of Queenstown’s most iconic mountain biking experiences, offering riders a mix of challenging, techy terrain and jaw-dropping views. Our friend and customer, Marty, has tackled this exhilarating loop several times, and he’s shared his insights on the terrain and how to prepare. This guide blends his experience with our own must-know tips.
Coronet Loop Trail Guide
- Distance: 50 km loop
- Grade (Track Difficulty): Intermediate with advanced sections (Grade 3-4)
- Time: 5–8 hours (see notes below)
- Elevation: +1,500m climbing
Check out the Coronet Loop trail map here.
The Trail Experience: Scenic Views and Challenging Lines
Here’s how Marty describes the experience out on the loop:
Starting at Arrowtown, this trail is “a decent nudge”, with upwards of 1500m elevation gain over the trip. The climb up to the Coronet Peak road includes a few rude, steep switchbacks, but don’t be put off by these as they are over before you know it. If you’re unsure, it’s better to walk them than fall off at low speed.
Once you reach the saddle, you’re greeted by panoramic views of Queenstown, Arrowtown and the basin framed by the Remarkables, Lake Whakatipu and surrounding mountains - a perfect spot for a breather before heading towards the Coronet Peak Road.
After you’ve sidled around the water race trail, a couple of small climbs and you’re across Coronet Road where you’ll more than likely find other riders, coming off Rude Rock, or about to head down Morning Glory and Hot Rod.
From here, the trail follows Skippers Road up before the trail drops down through an old school downhill. Take your time down here if you’re hesitant, most features can be rolled or ridden around, unless you head onto the more advanced Pack and Stack trail. Skippers Road is an easy alternative, pretty much a single lane gravel road.
The trail from the bottom of Skippers is a series of nicely created longish switchback climbs to saddles, followed by nice flowing downhills to the creek beds, or valley below.
While it is up and down, you’ll be surprised at the end how far you eventually descend to reach Eight Mile Hut and the Macetown junction.
There’s still a few k’s from here along the road and towards the end, in and out of the river, so fuel up at the hut. And of course the less wet your bike gets the better!
If you’d prefer not to wade across the river and want to stay dry, take the high-water track over the bridge on your right. After crossing the bridge, there’s a short, steep set of stairs where you’ll just need to lift your bike, and then it’s an easy, dry ride the rest of the way back into Arrowtown.
Coronet Loop Trail Tips
Before you head out on this unforgettable ride, Marty recommends doing a good gear check and making sure your bike is running smoothly. With most of the trail 4WD, road or good trail, a Full Suspension is ideal, but you’ll be fine on a good ol’ hardtail!
See the gear list after this article for some helpful products, and make sure you either hire, borrow or buy a PLB! The trail is isolated and from the Coronet Rd.
- Go prepared: There’s no water on the trail and just a couple of huts for shelter, so load up with food, fluids, tools, and spare layers.
- Take a personal locator beacon (PLB): The track is very remote, and you may not see people out the back and beyond
- Check the weather: Conditions change quickly in the high country, and don’t go just after a long period of heavy rain as the creeks and river will be trickier to negotiate.
- Tell someone your plans: Always let someone know your route and when you expect to be back.
- E-bikers: Be mindful of conserving your battery - this trail’s got length and elevation, so don’t burn all your boost too soon!
- Best ridden clockwise: You’ll get the climbs over with early and enjoy the flowing descents, the creek crossings are nicer towards the end too.
Gear Hacks
With a bunch of river crossings along the way, a few trail-tested tricks will help keep your gear dry and your ride comfortable.
- Use zip-lock bags for small tools + food to keep everything dry post-creek crossings.
- Take some chain lube, all those water crossings and dusty climbs.
- Duct tape on e-bike battery and crank housing to prevent water damage, for deeper crossings lift the bottom bracket above the water line.
When to Ride the Coronet Loop
The Coronet Loop trail is closed over winter, check the Queenstown trail website for opening dates. If you’re planning a summer ride, make sure you have the right eyewear because these Otago trails can get super dusty. Smith Optics offers a great range of sunglasses which are lightweight and designed to withstand the elements while offering top-tier UV protection.
Final Thoughts: Is the Coronet Loop for You?
Whether you’re a seasoned MTB rider or an intermediate biker looking to push yourself, the Coronet Loop Trail is a classic Queenstown ride.
If you’re planning to take on the Coronet Loop, you’ll want to ensure you’re well-equipped. For a reliable and fast bike that’s perfect for the trail, the Stumpjumper 15 Comp Alloy is a great choice. Don’t forget the essentials - like the gloves and a hydration pack - to make the most of your ride.
From bikes to hydration packs, check out our recommended products to help you make the most of your adventure. Shop our MTB gear here.
- Stumpjumper 15 Comp Alloy
- POC Hip Hydro 4L hip pack
- Ride Concepts Hellion BOA shoes
- Patagonia Cap Cool jersey
Read the full article on Marty's page.
