Biking the Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand

The Queen Charlotte Track, located at the top of the South Island in the Marlborough Sounds is unique for its stunning coastal views, historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife. The Track is regarded as one of New Zealand’s best single track mountain bike rides. The Track is 71km (44 miles) in length and it 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. Renowned for its stunning scenery and challenging terrain it is a mountain biking experience like no other, and the best part of all - you don't have to carry your pack! The temperate climate of the area enables the track to be traversed all year round with the most best season being from November to May. Stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, this track will wrap you in the mystical beauty that is the Marlborough Sounds, and totally absorb you for many days.

For bikers a moderate level of fitness and experience is required. Most of the track is wide and benched, varying from 1 to 1.5m in width and all major streams have been bridged. The surface is being mainly clay soil is firm in dry conditions and provides relatively easy riding, but when wet can often be slippery. The surface does have areas with rocky loose material, tree roots, steps and some bluffs so care is required at all times.

While the track is not a "steep" track (the highest point is 406 metres from sea level), there are many short sharp ascents and likewise descents which require reasonable riding skill. To ride the whole track, you need to be a reasonably skilled rider, as the entire track is regarded as a technical track. However the segment that we ride provides easier options, such as the section from Waterfall to Anakiwa, for those that are less skilled or unsure of their abilities. Most importantly the Queen Charlotte Track provides a wide variety of biking terrain to choose from, so your guides can cater your three-day biking trip to you and your group's abilities to ensure that everyone has a great time!

Read more about biking the Queen Charlotte Track on our Rimu tour.