Mountain Biking the Queen Charlotte Track & Surrounds

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Mountain Biking the Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 72km dual purpose (walking and mountain biking) track stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. The Queen Charlotte Track is renowned for its stunning scenery, comfortable lodge accommodation and, best of all, the pack-carrying service that everyone can enjoy.

The track has been purpose-built to cater to mountain bikers and walkers.  However, it is a single track which, in New Zealand terms, indicates that the terrain can be rough in places (with rocks, tree roots, steps and so on) and if it does rain, the track will be very slippery and muddy.  Some sections do have quite steep, short ascents and descents, so care is required at all times.  The track can be biked in its entirety in two days – or over a more leisurely three days if you prefer. If you don’t wish to bike the entire track due to time or fitness, then sections of the track can be enjoyed in one day.

Please note: The section from Ship Cove to Punga Cove is closed from December 1st to February 28th each year.  The remainder of the track is open all year.

If you are staying in Picton, and want to hire a mountain bike for an hour or two to ride the local roads and tracks, then we have some great options for you.

Hire a bike for a day to ride the local tracks and roads around Picton or a section of the Queen Charlotte Track. You can organise your own transport, or take one of our all-in-one packages where everything is organised for you.

The section of Queen Charlotte Track, between Mistletoe Bay and Anakiwa, is regarded as “one of NZ’s best single track rides”. This section is ideal for the first time mountain biker, or those with little single track experience, as the terrain is relatively level, compared to the rest of the track.

Renowned for its stunning scenery, and challenging terrain, this is a one day mountain biking experience like no other.

Your journey begins with a 1 hour boat ride to Ship Cove, the start of the Queen Charlotte Track. It is a sharp climb out of Ship Cove and a good downhill into Resolution Bay.

This adventure is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and magic of the Queen Charlotte Sound for a day – by paddle and boot or bike.

Ride from Ship Cove to Anakiwa over 2 days - there are a few options for a 2 day itinerary, depending on time of the year and your mountain biking experience.

The best way to ride Queen Charlotte Track - take 3 days to enjoy the views and relax at lodge accommodation at night. This really is a special experience and better still, we organise everything for you.

This is a fantastic 3 days, 3 ways adventure through the Marlborough Sounds. Start with a one day walk on Queen Charlotte Track, then sea kayak in Kenepuru Sound, and mountain bike to Anakiwa. Self-guided (apart from sea kayaking day) everything is organised for you.