Queen Charlotte Track MTB: Ship Cove to Punga Cove

Biking the Queen Charlotte Track requires a high level of fitness, as it is more demanding to bike than to walk—but it’s an incredibly rewarding adventure!

Trail Difficulty Breakdown: Queen Charlotte Track

• 0% Novice (Grade 2): Ideal for confident riders comfortable on roads or easy trails. Expect gentler gradients with mostly firm surfaces, though occasional muddy or loose rocky sections may be encountered.
• 62% Intermediate (Grade 3): Best for cyclists with some experience and a good level of fitness. The trail offers mostly firm terrain but includes muddy or loose sections and obstacles like rocks and tree roots.
• 28% Advanced (Grade 4): Designed for fit, experienced cyclists with strong off-road skills. The terrain varies from firm to loose, featuring frequent rocks, roots, and technical challenges.
• 10% Expert (Grade 5): Only for highly skilled riders with excellent off-road expertise and peak fitness. Expect steep climbs, sharp descents, significant drop-offs, and complex navigation through rocks, roots, and ruts.

In summer (December–February), daytime temperatures typically range from the early to late 20s°C, with very hot days reaching up to 30°C. Spring (September–November) offers milder conditions, ranging from 14°C to 20°C, while autumn (March–May) brings cooler, settled weather, with temperatures around 16°C–18°C in March, dropping to 10°C–12°C by May.

Winter (June–August) features crisp, calm days with overnight lows below 0°C and daytime highs up to 10°C. Rain is possible year-round, though January through March are the driest months. Dress in layers for comfort, including thermal undergarments, a fleece top, shorts, long trousers, a warm jacket, and a raincoat.

Recommended Personal Gear List for Biking the Queen Charlotte Track

Day Trips:

• Parka or raincoat
• Warm jacket and thermal top (polypropylene preferred)
• T-shirt and warm pants
• Shorts
• Wool/polypropylene socks
• Suitable riding shoes
• Sun hat and insulated/warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Day pack (available for hire)
• Water bottle (minimum 1 litre)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Blister patches/moleskin/lambs’ wool

Overnight Trips:

• Change of clothes for lodge or campsite
• Toiletries and nightwear
• Camping gear if required: tent, sleeping bag, cooker, food, etc.
• Any necessary medications
• Additional/spare supplies for specific dietary needs

Optional Items:

• Binoculars
• Camera
• Swimsuit, towel, and sandals for beachwear

Note: Each person is limited to one overnight bag or suitcase weighing no more than 15kg.

From Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch International Airport, Air New Zealand offers direct flights to Blenheim Airport, just a 20-minute drive from Picton. Affordable shuttle services are available, or you can rent a car.

Alternatively, you can take the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait to Picton or fly with Soundsair, a commuter airline based at Wellington Airport. From Christchurch, popular options include the scenic Kiwi Rail train journey to Picton, public bus services, or car rentals.