Including bike, helmet, repair kit, map, return water transport and QCTLC private land access pass.
Views, bush, beaches – today’s ride has it all. A tough climb awaits and you will need to push your bike but the reward is stunning views into the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sound as you head for the Te Mahia Saddle. Easier riding awaits this afternoon for the final 11.5km final leg to Anakiwa. Water taxi from Picton to Torea Bay and return exhilarated from Anakiwa at day’s end.
Duration: 8 hours
Total Distance: 20.5km
Grade: Intermediate to Expert (if riding on track) | Intermediate (if riding road and track)
Minimum number of persons: 1
Inclusions: Bike, helmet, repair kit, map, return water transport and QCTLC private land access pass.
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
