Overview
This Independent 3 Day Queen Charlotte Track Mountain Bike Trip from Picton in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, is year round cycling at it's best. This trail is widely rated as the best single track in New Zealand - with its wide, benched surface, spectacular views, native bush and, in parts, technical difficulty, the track offers bikers an exhilarating challenge. And, of course, you don't have to carry a heavy pack as while you ride from place to place, one of the many water taxi companies will transport this for you to your accommodation.
The 71 km walking track has been purposely built to cater to both walkers and bikers. It is the longest piece of continuous single track in the country and is suitable for novice riders while being challenging enough for the experienced mountain biker.
Two days are needed by most riders of reasonable fitness to complete the entire track comfortably. Those with time restrictions or longer to spend can choose to do particular sections or spread the ride over a leisurely three to four days.
Punga Cove Resort
Set amongst stunning scenery in the magnificent waterways of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds, Punga Cove is the perfect retreat for people wanting to relax in style.
Portage Hotel
The Portage Hotel is nestled at the narrowest point between Queen Charlotte & Kenepuru Sounds with a wonderful view into Kenepuru Sound. This well-established accommodation place has a reputation for a fine restaurant and features natural timber chalets. This package includes accommodation in Hillside ensuite-style units.
To get to Picton, probably the best way is to take the Interislander Ferry* across from Wellington to Picton. Alternatively you can take the Coastal Pacific Train* up from Christchurch to Picton.
*Contact us to book your ferry and train journey
Details
Difficulty: 2
Start: Picton (7:15 am)
Finish: Picton (4-4:30 pm)
Includes:
- Departures daily, subject to accommodation availability
- 2 Nights standard twin share private ensuite accommodation ( A-frame at Punga Cove and Courtyard at Portage Hotel)
- 3 Day quality mountain bike hire - Cannondale 24 speed with front suspension, hard tail & disc brakes
- Water transport to and from track
- Luggage transfers
- Single supplement available
- Picton accommodation transfers to and from water taxi
- Information pack incl. track guide
Meals Included
- Packed lunch each day
Accommodation
- twin share private ensuite ( A-frame at Punga Cove and Courtyard at Portage Hotel)
Pricing:
Cost per Person 2024-25
- Adult: NZ$1,120
- Single supplement: NZ$475
Pricing is based on twin-sharing studio. If you require triple share, you need upgrade to a 2-bedroom chalet.
Minimum two persons; packages can be arranged for singles.
NZ$250 per person deposit payable on booking, balance due 45 days before travel.
Currency ConverterOverview
This Independent 3 Day Queen Charlotte Track Mountain Bike Trip from Picton in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, is year round cycling at it's best. This trail is widely rated as the best single track in New Zealand - with its wide, benched surface, spectacular views, native bush and, in parts, technical difficulty, the track offers bikers an exhilarating challenge. And, of course, you don't have to carry a heavy pack as while you ride from place to place, one of the many water taxi companies will transport this for you to your accommodation.
The 71 km walking track has been purposely built to cater to both walkers and bikers. It is the longest piece of continuous single track in the country and is suitable for novice riders while being challenging enough for the experienced mountain biker.
Two days are needed by most riders of reasonable fitness to complete the entire track comfortably. Those with time restrictions or longer to spend can choose to do particular sections or spread the ride over a leisurely three to four days.
Punga Cove Resort
Set amongst stunning scenery in the magnificent waterways of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds, Punga Cove is the perfect retreat for people wanting to relax in style.
Portage Hotel
The Portage Hotel is nestled at the narrowest point between Queen Charlotte & Kenepuru Sounds with a wonderful view into Kenepuru Sound. This well-established accommodation place has a reputation for a fine restaurant and features natural timber chalets. This package includes accommodation in Hillside ensuite-style units.
To get to Picton, probably the best way is to take the Interislander Ferry* across from Wellington to Picton. Alternatively you can take the Coastal Pacific Train* up from Christchurch to Picton.
*Contact us to book your ferry and train journey
Itinerary
Open AllWe collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join Beachcomber Cruises service to Ship Cove where your bike ride begins. This scenic & historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s.
Experience virgin beech forest at its best plus stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Take time to explore the waterfall walk and the Captain Cook memorial and then set off on the track. From Furneaux Lodge, the track is mainly coastal which takes you around the inlet through regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other NZ native birds.
Pause at the head of the bay to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay before working your way towards Camp Bay and Punga Cove.
A challenging but very rewarding bike ride on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner.
NB. Optional boat trip to Portage for non-bikers – book at the Punga Cove office (at own cost).
Farewell Portage and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale.
Today you return by boat from the Outward Bound Wharf and join Beachcomber Cruises service back to Picton to compete your journey. The boat departs sharp at 3.30pm.
Cost per Person 2024-25
- Adult: NZ$1,120
- Single supplement: NZ$475
Pricing is based on twin-sharing studio. If you require triple share, you need upgrade to a 2-bedroom chalet.
Minimum two persons; packages can be arranged for singles.
NZ$250 per person deposit payable on booking, balance due 45 days before travel.
Itinerary
Open AllWe collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join Beachcomber Cruises service to Ship Cove where your bike ride begins. This scenic & historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s.
Experience virgin beech forest at its best plus stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Take time to explore the waterfall walk and the Captain Cook memorial and then set off on the track. From Furneaux Lodge, the track is mainly coastal which takes you around the inlet through regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other NZ native birds.
Pause at the head of the bay to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay before working your way towards Camp Bay and Punga Cove.
A challenging but very rewarding bike ride on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner.
NB. Optional boat trip to Portage for non-bikers – book at the Punga Cove office (at own cost).
Farewell Portage and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale.
Today you return by boat from the Outward Bound Wharf and join Beachcomber Cruises service back to Picton to compete your journey. The boat departs sharp at 3.30pm.