Mountain Bike & E-Mountain Bike Hire

Bike size suggestion based on rider height:
X-Small: 145cm-155cm / 4'9"-5'1" (14.5 frame on 27.5" wheels)
Small:155cm-165cm / 5'1"-5'5" (15.5 frame on 27.5" wheels)
Medium: 165cm-176cm / 5'5"-5'9" (17.5 frame on 29" wheels)
Large: 177cm-188cm / 5'10"-6'2" (19.5 frame on 29" wheels)
X-Large: 188cm-195cm / 6'2"-6'5" (21.5 frame on 29" wheels)

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.

Queen Charlotte Track is graded as an ‘easier tramping track’ for walkers and an "intermediate" track for bikes with:
62% intermediate/grade 3,
28% advanced/grade 4, 
10% expert/grade 5.  
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.

This track is a good step up in difficulty compared to riding either the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trails, Timber Trail, Otago Central Rail Trail (mostly grades 1-2).

This is a similar difficulty rating to the Coppermine Trail, St James Cycle Trail, or Waikato River Trail (mixed grades 3-4).

As a Great Ride, the Queen Charlotte Track falls under the jurisdiction of the New Zealand Cycle Trail/Nga Haerenga.
The NZCT has updated it's E-Bike policy to allow these on higher grades than previously advised: 

E-mountain bikes are suitable provided they are ridden appropriately, have sufficient battery capacity, and the rider is capable of completing the trail in the event of a battery/power failure.

Queen Charlotte Track is graded as an ‘easier tramping track’ for walkers and an "intermediate" track for bikes with:
62% intermediate/grade 3,
28% advanced/grade 4, 
10% expert/grade 5. 
 
NZCT Mountain Bike Trail Grades are as follows: 
 
Intermediate/Grade 3: Suitable for regular [frequent], experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness and over 12 years old; children should be accompanied by an adult.
Off-road trails can be narrow and may include hills, steep drop-offs and small river crossings. Trail surfaces are mainly firm but may include muddy or loose sections, and obstacles such as rocks or tree roots.
 
Advanced/Grade 4: Suitable for fit, experienced cyclists with good off-road and/or on-road skills, a high level of fitness and over 12 years of age; children should be accompanied by an adult.
Off-road trails are narrow with steep climbs and unavoidable obstacles. The trail surface includes firm and loose sections, with lots of rocks and tree roots. There is likely to be mud and poor traction in places, and some walking required.

Expert/Grade 5: Suitable for fit, experienced cyclists with excellent off-road skills and a high level of fitness. Not suitable for children.
Off-road trails are likely to be challenging with long, steep climbs, precipitous descents and dangerous drop-offs as well as rocks, roots, ruts and potentially hazardous river crossings.

Grade 5 Sections of the QCT are from Kenepuru Saddle to Bay of Many Coves Shelter, the climb out of Torea Saddle, and the descent into Te Mahia Saddle.

Contact us for more information to plan the best e-bike experience for you!