3 Day Freedom Mountain Bike Packages

The Queen Charlotte Track is regarded as New Zealand’s best single track ride.   This is a challenging track, with many technical stages, and riders do need a good level of mountain bike fitness and skill to enjoy the trip. It is advisable to talk to us about the best option for your riding experience.

Track Surface - the track is predominantly clay based, which means that is very slippery when wet, but does drain reasonably quickly.  The track has many varied hazards ranging from tree roots, rocks, water ruts, bridges, steep drop-offs, and steps.  The smoothest section is from Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa.  

The three day options listed below are suitable for intermediate to experienced level riders.  If you are a novice rider, please contact us to discuss the best three day option for you.  If you are short of time, but still want to ride the whole track, then the 2.5 day option may suit you best.

Assess your mountain biking experience  

Novice - Competent and confident cyclist. Limited off road experience.

Intermediate - Confident riding a mountain bike off road. Aware of ‘single track’ conditions.

Expert- Frequent user of single tracks. Good knowledge of riding techniques and bike maintenance.

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)

Arrive in Picton in time to catch the 1.30pm Cougar Line boat departure (at least ¾ hour prior). Your journey begins with a 1 hour boat ride to Resolution Bay.  (Although the track officially starts at Ship Cove the ride out of Ship Cove is quite steep and therefore we recommend that you start at Resolution Bay).  You have a long but moderate climb out of Resolution Bay to Tawa Saddle and slow downhill to Furneaux Lodge.  Arrive at Furneaux Lodge around 5.00pm.

Day Two – Furneaux Lodge to Portage Resort Hotel (5-6 hour ride – 35.6km)

A rewarding ride around the head of Endeavour Inlet with some technical sections caused by tree roots and drop offs around Camp Bay. Climbing away steeply from Punga Cove the sweeping views begin to appear as you bike along the ridge between the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound.   The track is very undulating and therefore can be challenging for some people.   The track is wide but quite steep in places. Watch for drop offs and rocky areas. You can ride the road for this section if you prefer.

Day Three – Portage Resort Hotel to Anakiwa (3.5 to 4 hours – 20.7km)

Portage to Waterfall Bay – begins with long steep climb, lots of pushing, and switch backs on descent. Some may prefer to take the road for this section. 

Waterfall Bay to Anakiwa – a narrow undulating track at first, wider and more moderate mid section, then
long descent into Anakiwa.  Riding down to sea level you will come upon some particularly beautiful virgin native bush which leaves you with a lasting impression of what must have been before man arrived.   The harbour of Anakiwa comes into view and so too does the end of the Queen Charlotte Track.   Your water transport collects you and, as you travel back to Picton, you can relax and reminisce on the magic of the last
three days.

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)

Arrive at our office ¾ hour prior to your boat departure at 10am (9am in May to September).  Your journey begins with a 1 hour boat ride to Resolution Bay.  (Although the track officially starts at Ship Cove the ride out of Ship Cove is quite steep and therefore we recommend that you start at Resolution Bay).  You have a long but moderate climb out of Resolution Bay to Tawa Saddle and slow downhill to Furneaux Lodge.  Rewarding ride around the head of Endeavour Inlet with some technical sections caused by tree roots and drop offs around Camp Bay. Overnight at Punga Cove Resort (see rates below for room options)

Day Two – Punga Cove Resort to Portage Resort Hotel (3.5 to 4 hour ride – 23.6km)

Day Three – Portage Resort Hotel to Anakiwa (3.5 to 4 hours – 20.7km)

as per previous itinerary

• Mountain Bike Rental
• water transfers
• QCTLC pass
• 2 nights accommodation 
• packed lunch each day (purchase dinner and breakfast at hotel)

 Your mountain bike rental includes:

• A quality,well maintained mountain bike with front suspension,
• Tool kit
• Pump
• Helmet
• Water bottle carrier
• Map

About our bikes

Our bikes are specially prepared for the terrain of the Queen Charlotte Track. They are maintained daily by a Shimano-accredited bike mechanic and replaced on a regular basis.

Scott Scale 60 & 70

• Hydraulic disc brakes 
• 1x12 gears
• Water holder

Size range from 15″ to 21″ - allows for your height between 5’0 and 6’4″ (or 150 to 191cm) 

We recommend that riders wear while riding:

• Shorts
• Soft shoes (heavy shoes or tramping boots are not allowed)
• Sun protection
• Warm, protective clothing
• Day pack

Although we have more than our fair share of good weather in the Sounds, you should be prepared for adverse conditions at any time of the year, hence the need for warm clothing and good wet weather gear.

Vehicle Storage - If you wish to leave a car in Picton during your trip, there is a public car park next to our office, cost is $6 for 24 hours.

Trip Departure and Return –

Please be at our office at least half an hour prior to departure, for a bike fit out and briefing.  You will be booked on a 8am or 9.30am water taxi in summer (or a 9am on winter) –Please check with us if you are unsure of your departure time.

Queen Charlotte Track Land Co-op Pass

Important steps have been taken to protect the future of the Queen Charlotte Track to ensure it will always be a place of rare beauty and freedom.  The Land Co-op pass has been introduced to ensure this.