The Five Lakes Loop Ride
Alexandra - Queenstown - Arrowtown - Hawea - Tarras - Cromwell - Alexandra.
90 km ride to Queenstown (Frankton) which can be slow due to traffic volumes. More time required if you want to go into Queenstown to look at Lake Wakatipu.
The Kawarau Gorge (Cromwell to Victoria Flats) can be challenging and frustrating if you are following a nervous driver. There are a few tight corners so pay attention! Your first lake is Lake Hayes which is close to Frankton. Continue from Frankton to Queenstown (6 km but a slow ride) and explore the town. leaving Queenstown take Mallaghans Rd to Arrowtown. After a stop for coffee, head out of Arrowtown following the signage for Wanaka (60 minutes from Arrowtown) via the Crown Range. The Crown Range is a challenging ride with great scenery. In winter the road is often covered in snow and ice which can make for very difficult riding conditions. The road can be very busy with lots of campervans over the summer months. The Crown Range offers some tight zig-zags and fascinating views. This could be a slow ride if you are new to the road as you may want to stop for photos.
Once in Wanaka, enjoy the sites before heading out of town towards Hawea (a 15minute ride).
From Hawea, head to Tarras then onto SH 8 then follow Lake Dunstan down to Cromwell. Cromwell has the meeting of two rivers – the Kawarau and the Clutha and is home to wineries, a heritage precinct and the Highlands Motorsport Park. Once leaving Cromwell follow the Clutha River to the Clyde Dam and Clyde/Alexandra.
Cromwell to Lake Hayes 46km
Lakes Hayes to Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown) 15km
Lake Wakatipu to Arrowtown via Malaghan's Road 21km
Arrowtown to Lake Wanaka (Crown Range) 54km
Wanaka to Lake Hawea 17km
Hawea to Tarras 50km
Tarras to Cromwell 31km
