Overview
Experience year-round cycling at its finest in the Marlborough region of New Zealand as you saddle up for an Independent Mountain Bike Trip from Picton on a 3 Day Queen Charlotte Track Mountain Bike Upgrade ride. Ranked at the top of New Zealand’s best single track categories, this trail features wide, benched surface looking out to amazing scenery, native vegetation, and in some places, technical challenges that are sure to offer bikers the thrill they crave for, without cumbersome luggage as you ride from one place to the next. One of the many water taxi companies will take care of this for you, transporting your heavy packs to your lodging for the day.
At 71 kms, the Queen Charlotte Track is the longest path of unbroken single track in New Zealand and has been purposely engineered to accommodate both walkers and bikers. Newbie riders would find the track manageable while experienced mountain bikers will find the track suitable for technical, adrenaline-rush rides.
Punga Cove upgrade
Enclosed by native vegetation, Punga Cove boasts of well-appointed individual chalets overlooking the bay beyond and offers a welcoming atmosphere at day’s end. Take in the commanding views over stunning scenery when you sit down for dinner and breakfast from a restaurant perched high on a promontory over the Endeavour Inlet. Come to rest at either the Weka or Kingfisher chalets. Each has exclusive balcony and ensuite.
Portage Resort Hotel upgrade
Tucked at the narrowest parcel of land between Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds, the Portage Hotel boasts natural timber chalets, first-rate restaurant and stunning views into Kenepuru Sound. For this package, you come to rest in Kowhai ensuite rooms.
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 ( Weka or Kingfish Chalets at Punga Cove and Kowhai Rooms at Portage Resort 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 ( Weka or Kingfisher chalets at Punga Cove and Kowhai Ensuite at Portage Resort Hotel)
Pricing:
Cost per Person 2024-25
- Adult: NZ$1,210
- Single supplement: NZ$530
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
Experience year-round cycling at its finest in the Marlborough region of New Zealand as you saddle up for an Independent Mountain Bike Trip from Picton on a 3 Day Queen Charlotte Track Mountain Bike Upgrade ride. Ranked at the top of New Zealand’s best single track categories, this trail features wide, benched surface looking out to amazing scenery, native vegetation, and in some places, technical challenges that are sure to offer bikers the thrill they crave for, without cumbersome luggage as you ride from one place to the next. One of the many water taxi companies will take care of this for you, transporting your heavy packs to your lodging for the day.
At 71 kms, the Queen Charlotte Track is the longest path of unbroken single track in New Zealand and has been purposely engineered to accommodate both walkers and bikers. Newbie riders would find the track manageable while experienced mountain bikers will find the track suitable for technical, adrenaline-rush rides.
Punga Cove upgrade
Enclosed by native vegetation, Punga Cove boasts of well-appointed individual chalets overlooking the bay beyond and offers a welcoming atmosphere at day’s end. Take in the commanding views over stunning scenery when you sit down for dinner and breakfast from a restaurant perched high on a promontory over the Endeavour Inlet. Come to rest at either the Weka or Kingfisher chalets. Each has exclusive balcony and ensuite.
Portage Resort Hotel upgrade
Tucked at the narrowest parcel of land between Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds, the Portage Hotel boasts natural timber chalets, first-rate restaurant and stunning views into Kenepuru Sound. For this package, you come to rest in Kowhai ensuite rooms.
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 AllDepart on the 8am (summer only) or 9am water taxi service to Ship Cove. Visit the memorial to Captain Cook and learn about the historical significance of this place to local Maori before beginning your ride.
Some riders opt to start at nearby Resolution Bay. This means you don’t need to navigate the very steep climb out of Ship Cove. A $5 fee is payable to the private landowner.
If beginning at Ship Cove, you will find yourself pushing your bike through some sections of this semi-rideable steep climb through virgin forest to the Ship Cove platform but the reward is a view towards Motuara Island with Kapiti Island, off the coast of the North Island, visible on a clear day.
Descent into Resolution Bay with some rocky sections to navigate and then begin a fairly long but moderate climb to Tawa Saddle before the downhill towards Endeavour Inlet. Stop for a cool drink at Furneaux Lodge before continuing your ride around the head of Endeavour Inlet over a mainly flat wide section of track to Camp Bay. Just a few minutes onwards is Punga Cove, your accommodation for this evening.
Ascend to the main Queen Charlotte Track. Today you will be riding mostly along the exposed ridgeline with stunning views over both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Bay of Many Coves is a welcome stop to enjoy the vistas.
The track is wide but is steep in places so watch for drop offs and rocky areas. There is a lot of undulation with many short steep hill climbs to challenge you. Take a break at Black Rock Shelter before the final hills and then descend to Torea Saddle and down the road to Portage Bay, your destination for today.
From Portage Bay, ride up a short road section to join the main Queen Charlotte Track. A tough climb awaits and you will need to push your bike but the reward is stunning views into the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sound. An easier option is the ride the Kenepuru Road from Portage and re-join the track above Mistletoe Bay.
From Te Mahia Saddle the track is easier, undulating at first with a long, gradual and exhilarating descent to Anakiwa. The bush is stunning with glimpses into the glistening waters of Queen Charlotte Sound.
Time to rest at Anakiwa where you can purchase an ice cream or cold drink from The Green Caravan (summer time only) and reflect on a fantastic few days while you await your water taxi pick up at 3.30pm. Return time to Picton is 4pm/4.30pm.
Cost per Person 2024-25
- Adult: NZ$1,210
- Single supplement: NZ$530
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 AllDepart on the 8am (summer only) or 9am water taxi service to Ship Cove. Visit the memorial to Captain Cook and learn about the historical significance of this place to local Maori before beginning your ride.
Some riders opt to start at nearby Resolution Bay. This means you don’t need to navigate the very steep climb out of Ship Cove. A $5 fee is payable to the private landowner.
If beginning at Ship Cove, you will find yourself pushing your bike through some sections of this semi-rideable steep climb through virgin forest to the Ship Cove platform but the reward is a view towards Motuara Island with Kapiti Island, off the coast of the North Island, visible on a clear day.
Descent into Resolution Bay with some rocky sections to navigate and then begin a fairly long but moderate climb to Tawa Saddle before the downhill towards Endeavour Inlet. Stop for a cool drink at Furneaux Lodge before continuing your ride around the head of Endeavour Inlet over a mainly flat wide section of track to Camp Bay. Just a few minutes onwards is Punga Cove, your accommodation for this evening.
Ascend to the main Queen Charlotte Track. Today you will be riding mostly along the exposed ridgeline with stunning views over both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Bay of Many Coves is a welcome stop to enjoy the vistas.
The track is wide but is steep in places so watch for drop offs and rocky areas. There is a lot of undulation with many short steep hill climbs to challenge you. Take a break at Black Rock Shelter before the final hills and then descend to Torea Saddle and down the road to Portage Bay, your destination for today.
From Portage Bay, ride up a short road section to join the main Queen Charlotte Track. A tough climb awaits and you will need to push your bike but the reward is stunning views into the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sound. An easier option is the ride the Kenepuru Road from Portage and re-join the track above Mistletoe Bay.
From Te Mahia Saddle the track is easier, undulating at first with a long, gradual and exhilarating descent to Anakiwa. The bush is stunning with glimpses into the glistening waters of Queen Charlotte Sound.
Time to rest at Anakiwa where you can purchase an ice cream or cold drink from The Green Caravan (summer time only) and reflect on a fantastic few days while you await your water taxi pick up at 3.30pm. Return time to Picton is 4pm/4.30pm.
