3 Day Queen Charlotte Track Independent Mountain Bike Trip

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.

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.

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.