1 Day Mountain Bike Rides - Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 70km 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 Queen Charlotte Track has recently become one of 21 in the Great Rides network within NZ.  The Great Rides are the premier rides on the New Zealand Cycle Trail 'Nga Haerenga'.  They are predominantly off-road trails that showcase the very best of New Zealand's landscape, environment, culture and heritage.

'Nga Haerenga' means 'the journeys', both in a physical and spiritual sense, which is exactly what you will experience on the Queen Charlotte Track.

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 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.

Riding itinerary guidelines:

Ship Cove to Punga Cove: Intermediate/Advanced              

Punga Cove to Tōrea Bay: Intermediate/Advanced /Expert

Tōrea Bay to Anakiwa:  Intermediate/Advanced /Expert

Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa Intermediate

Classifications:

Intermediate/Grade 3: Steep slopes and / or avoidable obstacles possibly on narrow track and / or with poor traction. There may be exposure at the track’s outside edge.

Advanced/Grade 4: A mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow track, poor traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid or jump over. Generally exposed at the track’s outside edge. Most riders will find some sections easier to walk.

Expert/Grade 5: Technically challenging. Giant climbs.