2 Day Ride

INTRO

The two day ride encompassing the entire track is ideal for the more experienced rider due to the distances, and terrain ridden each day.  There are three main options for a two day itinerary:

Day 1. Ride Ship Cove to Punga Cove (4 hours riding)
Day 2. Ride Punga Cove to Anakiwa (7 hours riding)

Day 1. Ride Ship Cove to Portage (8 hours riding)
Day 2. Ride Portage to Anakiwa (3 hours riding)

*From 1 December to 28 February the section from Ship Cove/Resolution Bay to Punga Cove is closed to mountain bikers so your itinerary would be:
Day 1. Ride Punga Cove to Portage (4 hours riding)
Day 2. Ride Portage to Anakiwa (3 hours riding)

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.

Section: Ship Cove to Punga Cove

Skill Indicator: Experienced
Distance: 26km
Actual Biking time: 4 hours

Your journey begins with a 1 hour boat ride to Ship Cove or Punga Cove. The ride out of Ship Cove is quite steep, and you will need to push your bike for the first half hour of this section.

After descending into Resolution Bay from the Ship Cove saddle, you have a long but moderate climb to Tawa Saddle and slow downhill to Furneaux Lodge. A rewarding ride around the head of Endeavour Inlet with some technical sections caused by tree roats and drop offs around Camp Bay.

Section: Punga Cove to Portage Bay

Skill Indicator: Intermediate/Experienced
Distance: 24km
Actual Biking time: 4 hours
Climbing steeply away from Punga Cove to join the Queen Charlotte Track the sweeping views begin to appear.  Today’s ride is about lots of up and down!  You will be riding along the ridgeline between the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.  Stunning views all day, but the terrain is challenging.  Lots of sharp corners, steep drop offs and of course those hills.  Whilst the inclines aren’t long they are reasonably sharp, and likewise the decline can be sharp.  The ride is worth it, but riders definitely need to be experienced mountain bikers to enjoy it. You can ride the road on this section if you prefer.

Section: Portage Bay to Anakiwa

Skill Indicator: Portage Bay to Mistletoe Bay -Experienced, Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa -Novice
Distance: 24km
Actual Biking time: 3.5 hours

Portage to Mistletoe Bay – begins with long steep climb, lots of pushing, switch backs on descent. Some may prefer to take the road for this section.
Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa – narrow undulating track at first, wider and more moderate mid section, then long descent into Anakiwa. Riding down to sea level you will come upon some particularly beautiful virgin native bush which leaves you with a lasting impression of what must have been before man arrived. The harbour of Anakiwa comes into view and so to does the end of the Queen Charlotte Track.

PRICES FOR 2018/19 SEASON

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Includes:

• Mountain bike rental – Scott Scale 760 mountain bike with front suspension, 27 gears, hydraulic disc brakes, tool kit, pump, helmet, water bottle carrier, and map
• Pre-trip information
• Complete information pack for use while riding the track
• Twin share accommodation, as listed
• Packed lunch each day
• Water transport to the track and water transfer of luggage each day
• Transfer back to Picton
• Use of the Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company as a base
• Queen Charlotte Track Land Co-op Pass

Trip Conditions:

• Booking is subject to accommodation availability on the track
• $100 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm booking.
• Final payment is required 60 days prior to departure date.
• Cancellations received between 30 days and up to 7 days from day of trip departure will be eligible for a 50% refund of the trip value.
• For cancellations received 7 days or less from date of departure, we will not be able to issue a refund.
• Single supplements do apply.
• Dinner, breakfast and refreshment costs are to be met by client. As you are staying at licensed resorts they request that you do not take alcohol on to the property.
• Additional water transport costs, if required, are to be met by client.
• Upon arrival at our office you will be asked to complete a registration form. You must understand that you are taking a self-guided trip, therefore you are responsible for your own safety and well-being for the duration. Any additional costs incurred during your trip, due to illness or accident, are to be met by yourselves.

DEPARTURE

• Available all year round, subject to accommodation availability. Just pick your date and let us arrange it for you.
• From 1 December to 28 February the section from Ship Cove/Resolution Bay to Punga Cove is closed to mountain bikers so your itinerary would begin at Punga Cove, reaching Portage on your first day, and through to Anakiwa on your second day

GEAR

We recommend that riders wear or bring:

• Shorts
• Soft shoes (heavy shoes or tramping boots are not suitable)
• Sun protection
• Warm, protective clothing
• Water

Mountain bike rental includes:

• Scott Scale 60 bikes which have been maintained in-house by our Shimano-qualified bike mechanic. Bikes have front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes.
• Tool Kit
• Pump
• Helmet
• Water bottle carrier
• Map

Also available:

SPD pedals are available upon request

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there water available on the track?

Drinking water is available at strategic places on the track. We recommend that you carry a pump bottle that holds approximately 750ml or more which can be topped up during the day.

What is the track surface like to ride?

The track has a clay base which means that in dry conditions it is hard and relatively easy riding, but when it has rained it is extremely slippery and difficult to ride. We will not rent bikes out if we believe the condition of the track will affect the quality of your ride. While some sections of the track are easy to ride, other sections have tree roots, bluffs and rocky areas that make riding more challenging.

Is the track open all year?

Yes, but the section from Ship Cove to Punga Cove is closed from 1 December to 28 February each year