• intro
• itinerary
• price
• departure
• gear
• faqs

Introduction

The Queen Charlotte Track is regarded as New Zealand’s best single track ride. This 71km walking track has been purposely built to cater to both walkers and bikers. Renowned for its stunning scenery, challenging terrain and the best part of all, you don't have to carry your pack, this is a mountain biking experience like no other.

The track ranges from 1 metre to 1.5 metres wide and is predominantly clay based which means that it is hard and fast when dry but very slippery and almost unrideable when wet. The surface does have areas with rocky loose material, tree roots, steps and some bluffs so care is required at all times.

Whilst 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 good riding skill.

Our recommendations have developed from the past 5 years of experience renting mountain bikes. We have a Shimano qualified bike mechanic on staff and our bikes are maintained daily to the highest standard possible.

The track is open all year, although the section from Ship Cove to Punga Cove is closed to bikers from 1 December to 28 February each year The following skill indicator is a guideline for assessing the best itinerary option for riding the track.

Skill Indicator

• Novice rider - a confident rider on roads or forest tracks.
• Intermediate – has ridden some single tracks, but not experienced.
• Experienced – regularly rides single tracks.