Biking the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough
Mountain Biking in Marlborough, NZ
Biking the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough
Cycling through vineyards in Marlborough
  • Mountain Biking

    1 of NZ's Great Rides

  • Rides for everyone

    Grades 1 to 5

  • Cycling the vines

    30+ cellar doors

  • NZ Cycle Trails

    3 of the best

Guide

Biking

Mountain bike Marlborough’s epic high country trails and coastal ridges, road bike undulating routes at the edge of the sea, tour on long flat runs through vine-clad valleys or take the whole family biking along one of the region’s many rivers.

Marlborough boasts brilliant weather, stunning scenery and an abundance of acclaimed mountain and road trails, including a Great Ride and three Trails along the New Zealand Cycle Trail, Nga Haerenga.

This pedaller’s paradise has thrilling adventure, low key rides, and everything in-between.

Queen Charlotte Track

“The Queen Charlotte Track is among the best multi-day mountain bike routes in the country. It has the added advantage of being able to amend your itinerary if you need to and do some of the route on sealed roads if the going is getting too tough. You can also start and finish your ride at various points along the track” —  Jonathan Kennett 

The 72km track is one of the longest pieces of continuous single track in the country, made even more appealing by the fact you can send you luggage ahead by boat and stay in modest or luxurious Queen Charlotte Track accommodation.

Start with a boat ride through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds from Picton to Ship Cove, one of Captain Cook’s favorite anchorages.

From there, you’ll find big climbs, exhilarating descents and breathtaking views. Cycle hard, then enjoy a plunge in the sea, followed by great food, wine and beer at your lodge. You’ve earned it.

Grade

Intermediate - Advanced (Grade 3-4)

Ship Cove to Camp Bay: Intermediate - Advanced (Grade 3-4)
Camp Bay to Torea Saddle: Intermediate - Advanced (Grade 3-4)
Torea Saddle to Waterfall Bay: Advanced (Grade 4)
Waterfall Bay to Anakiwa: Intermediate (Grade 3)

Length

72km (2-3 days)

Open

Track Pass

A Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) Pass is required for sections of the track that cross over private land.

Passes can be purchased from the Picton, Blenheim and Havelock i-SITE Visitor Information Centres.

Pass fees are:

$10 for a one-day pass
$18 for up to five consecutive days
$25 for a one-year season

Shared Pathway Etiquette

1. Keep left.
2. Cyclists should let pedestrians know when they are approaching by politely calling out or ringing a bell when approaching from behind.
3. Cyclists should pass on the right, when possible – unless the pedestrians are on the right in which case pass them in the safest way possible.
4. Cyclists should ride defensively and cycle at a speed that does not put others at risk.

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