Cycling the Queen Charlotte Track

Guided option

The guided cycling option is part of the Queen Charlotte Track Ultimate Sounds Adventure.

On the 3 Day Ultimate Sounds Adventure, spend one day hiking, one day sea kayaking and another day mountain biking in the beauty and magic of the Marlborough Sounds. At night, rest and relax in the peaceful surroundings of Portage Resort Hotel.

Your guide will ensure that you are able to enjoy each day in safety and at your own pace.

For full information on this tour click here.

 

Unguided option

Located at the top of the South Island, in the Marlborough Sounds, The Queen Charlotte Track is quickly becoming one of New Zealand’s classic tracks and a “must do” on every international or domestic visitors itinerary. This 71km walking and mountain biking track is renowned for its panoramic coastal views, lush coastal forest, resort accommodation and excellent water transport services – creating a walk that is challenging yet comfortable. Regarded as one of New Zealand’s best single track ride, this is a challenging track, with many technical stages, and riders do need a good level of riding fitness to enjoy the trip.

Our itinerary allows mountain bikers to enjoy the track hassle-free. We have selected the best accommodation, water transport operator and, with our own award winning client service ensure that your ride on the Queen Charlotte Track is a memorable experience.

Day 1
Resolution Bay to Punga Cove Resort
(3.5-4 hour ride – 26.5km)

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 roats and drop offs around Camp Bay.

Overnight at Punga Cove Resort (see Prices for room options)

Day 2
Punga Cove Resort to Portage Resort Hotel
(3.5 to 4 hour ride – 23.6km)

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 on this day if you prefer.

Overnight at Portage Resort.

Day 3
Portage Resort Hotel to Anakiwa
(3.25 to 4 hours – 20.7km)

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

Prices

Prices are dependent on the standard of accommodation selected

Prices include: