Media Release Gibbston Valley Winery and Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort

August 23 2013

Queenstown’s Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort flinging into spring with official launch

Rabbit Ridge, Queenstown’s only dedicated bike resort, will officially open for year-round riding next Sunday 1 September unveiling a raft of new and upgraded facilities and trails.

Locals, visitors and the biking fraternity are invited to join the Gibbston Valley Winery and Rabbit Ridge teams for the official launch of the resort from 10am to 3pm.

While the resort has been open during the winter for tours and the first Saturday of every month for locals, Sunday’s official launch is the first opportunity for many to check out the newly-constructed trails, bike workshop, rental office, toilet facilities and signage.

Standard trail pricing will apply and a free shuttle available to take riders from the car park to The Hub. Refreshments will be available including hot beverages from The Coffee Guy, and venison sandwiches available as a fundraiser for the local Kayaking Club.

Rabbit Ridge Manager Steve Norton said the winter season had gone “really well” with steady interest in tours and the monthly locals days.

“Rain in June and July meant some trails were a little wet and muddy earlier on, but the weather we’ve had lately has been superb,” said Mr Norton.

“There’s great riding to be had at the moment. The trails have dried out and bedded in nicely as we’d planned. We’ve had some huge days up there when the sun’s been shining and no wind.”

New trails have been added over winter and will open around mid-September after more dry weather including the intermediate and downhill tracks Long Drop and The Hare.

Some of the existing trails have been adapted including the beginners Bunny track, which has doubled in size, and the new Easy Up track which goes from the car park to The Hub enabling easier access.

“We always planned winter to be a time of preparation and expansion,” said Mr Norton.

“All the hard work’s paid off and we’ve made significant improvements to the resort.”

Future expansion plans include completion of all the planned trails as well as a new “Dog Riding” trail which will be exclusively for riders wanting to bring their dogs for some exercise for master and hound.

“We’ve been inundated with requests from people wanting to bring dogs onto the resort but we appreciate that wouldn’t appeal to everyone,” said Mr Norton.

“By creating a dedicated dog track we’re catering to everyone’s needs.”

Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort has also announced plans for its first bike race to be held February 22 2014. The race will consist of a six and 12 hour option and a three hour ‘family-friendly’ leg has just been added. Experienced biker Bill Godsall has also been confirmed as the race director and more details will follow.

Locals of all ages and experiences have taken to the trails in good numbers since the soft launch. From experienced downhill bikers to families with children, the area’s only year-round dedicated and serviced bike resort has been well utilized.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by how many families we’ve seen at the resort. It’s a great place for kids to be able to learn to ride in safe environment,” said Mr Norton.

“We’re also going to add dedicated children and family areas over time.

“With light evenings and warmer days spring really is the start of the biking season and from Sunday people will be able to take full advantage of the resort.”

Day, concession, six month and annual passes for Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort are now on sale and are available to purchase online at www.rabbitridge.co.nz for adults, children or families.

A 15% discount on all passes is being offered until September 1 2013 and people can buy their passes at the open day this Sunday to benefit from the early bird pricing.

Gibbston Valley Winery CEO Greg Hunt said the bike resort had “come on leaps and bounds” in just a few months.

“The terrain’s looking great and we’ve made some great progress in such a short time,” he said.

“People will be impressed at the developments over winter and we’re excited going into the season to see people getting out on their bikes and enjoying the stunning Gibbston Valley region.

“Rabbit Ridge is just the start of Gibbston Valley Winery’s plans for expansion in the area and it’s already proven to be a huge success.

“Spring is a great time of year to dust off the bike, hit the trails and end up at the winery enjoying one of our new single vineyard Pinot Noirs or a chilled glass of Rosé.

“We’re looking forward to a bumper biking season ahead.”

Ultimately Rabbit Ridge will feature 30km of tracks suitable for all levels of riders and initial trails include a new bike trail linking the resort with Gibbston Valley Winery.

While perfect for families and entry level bikers, it also has more challenging trails for experienced riders, all set in a spectacular remote setting.

Future plans for the area include a fully-functioning bike resort with accommodation, a café and other activities such as hiking, rock climbing, fly fishing, and archery.

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