Including bike, helmet, repair kit and pump, return water transport and QCTLC private land access pass.
Featuring the hardest and easiest sections across the QCT – today’s ride has it all. The first two hours from Torea Saddle to Te Mahia Saddle is a Grade 5/Expert section called Shamrock Ridge. Expect steep rutty track, technical switchbacks, and minimal traction after rain. It is generally advised bypass this and follow the Kenepuru road around to Te Mahia Saddle, rejoining the track for the final 11.5km Grade 3 ride into Anakiwa. Return via water taxi from Anakiwa after an exhilarating day.
Duration: 9 hours, 4-6 hour ride
Total Distance: 20.5km
Grade: 3-5 | 3 (optional 1 hour road ride to skip grade 5 section)
Minimum number of persons: 1
Inclusions: Bike, helmet, repair kit and pump, return water transport and QCTLC private land access pass.
Please be aware the Queen Charlotte Track is a scenic but physically demanding and technical track for mountain bikes, recommended for experienced single-track riders. There are no sections rated for novice or beginner riders (grade 1-2).
You will encounter loose rock, tree roots and branch litter, along with rutty climbs and descents along the track. All but the most experienced riders will end up pushing at points. After heavy rain the clay-based trail is very slippy with reduced traction and mud build up.
For novice riders we recommend walking; alternatively riding locally to Picton along the Picton Waikawa Track or sections of the Link Pathway.
Depart on either the 8am (summer only) or 9am water taxi service to Torea Bay.
From Torea Bay, ride up a short road section to join the main Queen Charlotte Track. A Grade 5 Expert section of climbing and descent is found in the first 2 hours of this section. Expect to do some pushing on the climb before reaching the view point of Shamrock Ridge. A rutty and steep decent brings you down from Onahau Peak onto the road above Mistletoe Bay. An easier option is the ride the Kenepuru Road and re-join the track above Mistletoe Bay.
The hardest section of the day is now behind you and from Te Mahia Saddle the track is easier, gently climbing at first, then with a long 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 day while you await your water taxi pick up at 4pm. Return time to Picton is 4.30pm/5:00pm.
This section is available to mountain bike throughout the year.
| Distance | Approxiate Times |
| 20.5km | 4 hours |
0% Novice (Grade 2) - Suitable for a confident rider on roads or trails. Easier gradients, trail surfaces are mainly firm but may include muddy or loose rocks.
62% Intermediate (Grade 3) - Suitable for most experience cyclists with a good level of fitness. Trail surfaces are mainly firm but may include muddy or loose sections, and obstacles such as rocks or tree roots.
28% Advanced (Grade 4) - Suitable for fit, more experienced cyclists with good off-road and/or on-road skills. The trail surface includes firm and loose sections, with lots of rocks and tree roots.
10% Expert (Grade 5) - Suitable for experienced cyclists with excellent off-road skills and a high level of fitness. Challenging with long, steep climbs, precipitous descents and potentially dangerous drop-offs, as well as rocks, roots, and ruts to navigate.
Our team live, work and play in this fantastic region - your guides are local people. Call us on +64 3 5735432. Freephone (NZ only): 0800 266 266. Freephone (Aus only): 1800 281 827
