Mountain biking the Queen Charlotte Track on this 3 day Freedom Ride allows riders to enjoy a hassle-free adventure on the track. We have selected the best accommodation and water transport operator’s and this, coupled with our own award-winning client service, ensures that your ride on the Queen Charlotte Track will be a memorable experience.
Trip Departure Time: 8.00am (unless advised otherwise)
Trip Return Time: 4.30pm
Duration: 3 days
The following skill indicator is a guideline for assessing the best itinerary option for riding the track.
Skill level recommended for this itinerary: Intermediate to Experienced
Option 1. THE LONG WEEKENDER RIDE
2.5 days, 2 nights Allows for arrival in Picton and some riding on the same day
Day One – Ship Cove/Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge (2.5 hour ride – 15km)
Day Two – Furneaux Lodge to The Portage (5-6 hour ride – 35.6km)
Day Three – The Portage to Anakiwa (3.5 to 4 hours – 20.7km)
Option 2. THE FULL MONTY
3 days, 2 nights Allow for an overnight in Picton before riding the next day
Day One – Ship Cove/Resolution Bay to Punga Cove Resort (3.5-4 hour ride – 26.5km)
Day Two – Punga Cove Resort to The Portage (3.5 to 4 hour ride – 23.6km)
Day Three – The Portage to Anakiwa (3.5 to 4 hours – 20.7km)
The Long Weekender
Options | Resort | Accommodation |
Standard | Furneaux Lodge | Tobias |
The Portage | Weka Room | |
Cost per Person $910 (single supplement of $380) | ||
Sea View | Furneaux Lodge | Tobias |
The Portage | Korimako Suite | |
Cost per person $935 (single supplement of $405) | ||
Upgrade | Furneaux Lodge | Endeavour Suite |
The Portage | Tui Terrace | |
Cost per person $975 (single supplement of $445) | ||
The Full Monty
Options | Resort | Accommodation |
Standard | Punga Cove | Koru |
The Portage | Weka Room | |
Cost per Person $875 (single supplement of $340) | ||
Sea View | Punga Cove | Koru |
The Portage | Korimako Suite | |
Cost per person $900(single supplement of $365) | ||
Upgrade | Punga Cove | Frond or Fern |
The Portage | Tui Terrace | |
Cost per person $980 (single supplement of $445) | ||
We understand that due to Covid19, Governments can unexpectedly impose travel bans that disrupt your plans. We have modified our standard terms and conditions to try and provide more flexibility, should you be affected by changes in government restrictions, while at the same time ensuring that we comply with the terms and conditions required by our suppliers.
Please note that we will be recommending, that should changes be required due to travel restrictions, you transfer your booking to a later date (within 12 months of your booking). There is no fee for change of bookings under these conditions.
Our payment, cancellation and refund policy is as follows:
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance. If you are living in NZ, we know it is not commonplace to take out domestic travel insurance, however the investment in your holiday with us can be substantial therefore it is worth considering taking out domestic travel insurance for this purpose. Companies such as https://www.covermore.co.nz/travel-insurance/domestic-travel-insurance are worth considering.
The track is open all year, but the section from Ship Cove to Punga Cove is closed to mountain bikers from 1 December to 28 February.
Once you know your preferred departure date, contact us and we will check availability. It is helpful if you can also indicate other dates that are suitable around your preferred date, in case your first choice of date is not available.
We recommend that riders wear or bring:
Do we hire e-bikes?
No we don’t have any e-bikes. For more information about riding the QCT on e-bikes please go to our page about Queen Charlotte Track
What meals are included in our trip?
A packed lunch is included in your freedom ride package. Dinner and breakfast can be purchased at the resorts each day. Each resort has a different style of dining and menu options ranging from bar meals to a la carte dining. Breakfasts range in price from approximately $15 for a continental breakfast to $22 for a cooked breakfast. Dinners range from approximately $20 for a bar meal to $60 for a 2 or 3 course a la carte option. Facilities are limited for you to take your own breakfast, and this is dependent upon the style of accommodation you choose.
Is there water available on the track?
Drinking water is available at strategic places on the track. We recommend that you carry a pump bottle that holds approximately 750ml or more which can be topped up during the day.
What is the track surface like to ride?
The track has a clay base. This makes for relatively easy riding when the weather is dry but it can be slippery and difficult to ride in the rain. We will not rent bikes out if we believe the condition of the track will affect the quality of your ride. While some sections of the track are easy to ride, other sections have tree roots, bluffs and rocky areas that make riding more challenging.
Is the track open all year?
Yes, but the section from Ship Cove to Punga Cove is closed from 1 December to 28 February each year.
How much experience do you need to ride the Queen Charlotte Track?
The Queen Charlotte Track is regarded as a technical track so to ride the whole track, you need to be a reasonably skilled rider. If you are less skilled or unsure of your abilities, there are easier options, such as the section from Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa.
How many days does it take to ride the track?
For experienced riders it can be done in two days – Ship Cove to Punga Cove on Day One, and then Punga Cove to Anakiwa on Day Two.
For less experienced riders we recommend three days – Ship Cove to Punga Cove (Day One), Punga Cove to Portage (Day Two), and Portage to Anakiwa (Day Three).
Do we have panniers for the bikes?
No, because the water transport companies carry your packs as part of your water transfers, panniers are not required. Also the terrain is too rough for easy carriage of panniers on the bikes.