Where to Ride
Picton has a number of great tracks locally if you want to explore the town, or find some views across the sound.
There are some amazing trails around Picton for mountain biking including The Link Pathway, and further afield, the Queen Charlotte Track.
Some local tracks are suitable for less experienced bikers while others are recommended for those with a reasonable amount of technical experience. Whichever track you tackle, rest assured a fantastic biking adventure awaits!
Here at Wilderness Guides, we can help plan a bike experience for you that fits your ability and timeframe. We always recommend you take your time though - to enjoy the fantastic views along the way.
If you don't have long to spend in town, consider hiring a mountain bike to explore the new Link Pathway. This purpose-built trail, for walkers and bikers, offers stunning views to rival it's more well-known neighbour, the Queen Charlotte Track.
It's great for a half-day or day ride that you can access directly from Picton.
We can also arrange water taxis for you and our bikes to take you out to the Queen Charlotte Track to experience one of the Great Rides of New Zealand, with multi day trips available if camping or staying at one of the luxury Lodge accommodations.
Contact us for more information on the best way to experience the track by mountain bike and we can help plan your visit, including accommodation bookings and water transport to and from the Queen Charlotte Track.
Whichever option you choose, a great adventure is waiting for you.
NZ Cycle Trials Queen Charlotte Track difficulty rating
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).
Pedals
We do not offer or recommend SPD, cleat, clip, or cage style pedals or shoes, but if you bring your own these can be fitted to the bikes.
Brakes
In New Zealand bike brakes operate Left:Rear - Right:Front as standard, and we recommend using both brakes when controlling the bikes.
These will not be swapped as this is safest for riding in New Zealand.