Xtra Large (21") MTB Rental - for 185-195cm (6'0-6'3) riders

Xtra Large (21") MTB Rental - for 185-195cm (6'0-6'3) riders
From NZD $65.00
  • Product code: MTBR - 21"

The Queen Charlotte Track is regarded as New Zealand’s best single track ride.  This 71km track can be ridden in its entirety in 3 days (or 2 days for skilled mountain bike riders) or you can ride just one section in one day.  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 sections from Ship Cove to Punga Cove are closed from 1 December to 28 February each year.  The rest of the track is open all year. 

The following may be useful in assessing the best option for you.  

1.  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.


 Best itinerary for mountain biking experience - this information is divided into "rideable" sections in one day.  Or you can combine these sections into two or three day itineraries. 


1. Ship Cove or Resolution Bay to Punga Cove  – Only Available March to November.

Skill Level: Intermediate/Experienced Actual Biking Time: 3.5-4 hours Distance: 26.5km

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. If you prefer to miss out this steep climb, you can be dropped at Resolution Bay and start your journey from here.  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.

2. Punga Cove to Torea Bay 

Skill Level: Intermediate/Experienced  Actual Biking Time: Approx  4 hours  Distance: 24km


Take a water taxi out to Punga Cove Resort, this will take about 1 ½ hours. Climbing steeply away from Punga Cove to join the Queen Charlotte Track the sweeping views begin to appear.  Today’s ride is about lots of up and down!  You will be riding along the ridgeline between the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.  Stunning views all day, but the terrain is challenging.  Lots of sharp corners, steep drop offs and of course those hills.  Whilst the inclines aren’t long they are reasonably sharp, and likewise the decline can be sharp.  The ride is worth it, but riders definitely need to be experienced mountain bikers to enjoy it. You can ride the road on this section if you prefer.

3. Torea Saddle to Anakiwa 

Skill Level: Road & Track option: Novice  Track only option: Experienced  
Actual Biking Time: Approx 3.5 hours    Distance: 21km

Take a water taxi ride from Picton to Torea Bay, about a 15min journey. The journey along the Queen Charlotte Track to Waterfall Bay begins with a long steep climb, lots of pushing up and switch backs on descent. Some
may prefer to take the road for this section and join the track at top of Waterfall Bay. From here the track sidles around the eastern side of Onahau Bay and the views are stunning as you look back along Queen Charlotte Sound.  The track then follows the Grove Arm foreshore through stunning native beech forest on a gradual decline for approximately 1.5 hours.

4. Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa

Skill Level: Novice   Actual biking time:  2 hours  Distance: 12.5 km

Take a water taxi ride from Picton to Waterfall Bay and it is a steady ride to the top of the hill to join the Queen Charlotte Track. The track sidles around the eastern side of Onahau Bay and the views are stunning as you look back along Queen Charlotte Sound. The track then follows the Grove Arm foreshore through stunning native beech forest on a gradual decline for approximately 1.5 hours.

 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 
  • 27 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 $5 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 10am 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. These passes can be purchased from our office if required.