A LOCAL COMPANY WITH LOCAL GUIDES
Ride with the locals who live for these trails
The Ride Guide Queenstown was founded by Finn and Liz in 2020 during the Covid years. What started as a passion project has grown into a successful business dedicated to helping visitors experience the very best riding Queenstown and Central Otago have to offer.
Finn brings years of local riding knowledge and a passion for creating memorable biking experiences through coaching and guiding, while Liz keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. When she's not managing bookings and logistics, she may be out on the trails or driving shuttles at Coronet Peak.
As locals and keen riders ourselves, we know that the best days on a bike happen when everything comes together seamlessly. That's why we take care of the details - transport, trail access, route planning, and local advice so you can simply enjoy the ride.
Whether you're looking for gravity-fuelled descents, scenic backcountry adventures, world-class trail networks, or a relaxed day exploring the region, we'll help create an experience tailored to your ability, goals, and riding style.
At The Ride Guide, our aim is simple: to make your time on the bike the highlight of your visit to Queenstown.
The Ride Guide Ltd is a licenced DOC concessionaire and has a Safety Management System that has been audited and certified with Qualworx against the Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities.
FINN O'CONNOR
PROFESSIONAL MTB GUIDE & COACH
I'm Finn, the co-owner and operator of The Ride Guide Queenstown. I am passionate about delivering some of the world’s best mountain biking adventures, where safety and enjoyment are always at the forefront.
With a lifetime dedicated to sports and adventure, I proudly represented New Zealand as an Olympic kayaker in the 90s, and I have many years of experience in competitive mountain biking. My career spans over a decade of driving jet boats and leading kayak trips for Ngāi Tahu Tourism. For the past five years, I’ve specialized in guiding mtb tours throughout Queenstown and Central Otago, heli-bike guiding and mountain bike coaching,
Feel free to reach out — I’d love to help you plan your next mountain biking adventure or simply have a chat about biking!
Finn is an NZQA Level 5 Mountain bike guide · PMBI Mountain bike instructor · NZ health & safety certified · Qualified & equipped for Pre Hospital Emergency Care
CHRIS SHAW
PROFESSIONAL MTB GUIDE & INSTRUCTOR
I'm Chris, an English expat who found himself in New Zealand 25 years ago chasing waves and adventure and fell in love with this beautiful, friendly country. After years of snow sports, I got into riding mountain bikes 20 years ago and never looked back. I have always worked in hospitality and tourism and was fortunate enough to have a restaurant in downtown Queenstown for 10 years.
Nowadays, when not riding bikes, you'll find me on the lake or ocean, wingfoiling, kitesurfing or blue water sailing.
Chris is a GSMBC certified Mountain bike instructor · NZ health & safety certified · Qualified & equipped for Pre Hospital Emergency Care