It is at least 110 km in length but is not linear and instead follows the terrain often near rivers and lakes to link key places in a series of tracks that also access public land.

In some places it also passes through private land such as working farms and users are encouraged to stay on the trail.

It was officially opened by the Prime Minister John Key and cyclist Sarah Ulmer near Arrowtown.

[8] Several places of the trail have drop offs sometimes near rivers, occasionally bad weather can cause slips to occur which can temporarily close parts of the track.

The bridges and tunnel built specifically for the Queenstown Trail were named after families that made significant donations towards the project.