Night Rider

As day turns to dusk, jump on your bike and head along the scenic Gibbston river trail to your stargazing destination.

Hosted by Brian Boyle, a former professional astrophysicist who was part of the team that discovered the acceleration of the Universe, this special e-bike ride explores the night sky in more ways than one.  

This is not your normal astronomy tour. Out in Gibbston in the middle of a vineyard, Brian has built his own ‘roll-off roof’ observatory to house his collection of telescopes and cameras, used to capture his exceptional images.  Brian connects the telescopes to screens to show the stars and planets above while enthusiastically explaining the intricacies of the night sky.  A photography buff, Brian will help you create your own artistic version of the dark sky.

Brian also brews beer from his own hop plants.  You’ll be able to try his cosmic brew alongside a selection of tapas as you listen to his musings about the night sky.

After this amazing session, switch on the night lights for a different kind of ride back to Arrowtown or we can transport you and your bike to Arrowtown.

Riders leave the Festival Village at 6.30pm. Approximate departure from Brian’s is 10.30pm for the 20 minute drive or 90 minute bike ride back to Arrowtown. On the day you can choose for you and your bike to be transported back by Better by Bike. There’s no charge if you’ve hired one of their bikes, otherwise $25.00, payable to the driver. If you choose to ride back we will provide a tail rider to make sure everyone gets back safely.

The Night Rider experience includes the evening with Brian and your own digital sky image which will be sent to you as a digital file. A grazing tapas style supper will be accompanied by Brian’s beer.

The trail is a grade 2, covering easy, undulating terrain, taking in two crossings of the Gibbston Highway. The distance covered is a 43km round trip. Please note this is the same trail as Pedaling Pinot.

Numbers are limited for this unique experience.