• intro
• itinerary
• price
• departure
• gear
• faqs

Introduction

The Queen Charlotte Track is regarded as New Zealand’s best single track ride. This picturesque 71km track has been purpose-built to cater to both bikers and hikers, and is renowned for its stunning scenery and challenging terrain. The best part of it all is you don't even have to carry your pack. This is a mountain biking experience like no other.

The track ranges from 1 to 1.5 metres wide and is predominantly clay-based which means that it is hard and fast when dry, but very slippery and difficult to ride when wet. The surface does have areas with rocky loose material, tree roots, steps and some bluffs, so care is required at all times.

While the track is not a "steep" track (the highest point is 406 metres from sea level), there are many short sharp ascents, and likewise descents, which require good riding skill.

Our recommendations have developed from years of experience renting mountain bikes and organising mountain biking adventures. We have a Shimano-qualified bike mechanic on staff and our bikes are maintained daily to the highest standard possible.

The track is open all year, although the section from Ship Cove to Punga Cove is closed to bikers from 1 December to 28 February each year. The following skill indicator is a guideline for assessing the best itinerary option for riding the track.

Skill Indicator

• Novice rider - a confident rider on roads or forest tracks.
• Intermediate – has ridden some single tracks, but not experienced.
• Experienced – regularly rides single tracks.