Best Mountain Bike Trails in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui Area
The Queen Charlotte Track is New Zealand's longest dual-purpose track at 73.5km, stretching from Meretoto/Ship Cove to Anakiwa through stunning coastal and ridgetop landscapes in Marlborough Sounds. Mountain bikers of intermediate to expert level can complete the track in 2-3 days, navigating grades 3-5 terrain including steep sections and muddy spots after rain. Boat transport is required to reach the northern start, and a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative Pass covers sections through private land.
Trails
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 trails
Intermediate
675m
-102m
Advanced
1.2m
29m
-61m
Walk time: 4 hrDistance: 11.5 kmFrom Endeavour Inlet the track stays near the shoreline and wanders through regenerating forest rich in small birds. It rounds Big Bay to Camp Bay where there is a DOC campsite and, a little further on, private accommodation. It is possible to bypass Camp Bay by using a direct track to Kenepuru Saddle.
Advanced
550m
25m
-11m
Advanced
5.3m
249m
-311m
Walk time: 2 hrDistance: 4.5 kmThere is no road to Meretoto/Ship Cove so you will need to arrange boat transport to start your walk there. Camping is not permitted at Meretoto/Ship Cove but there are toilet facilities. Most visitors to Meretoto/Ship Cove take time to explore the historic site and enjoy reading the interpretation panels around the site.The track climbs away from the beach, passing through a largely unmodified forest, where the high canopy is complemented by a diverse understorey of shrubs and small trees. On the ridges higher up, beech trees dominate.After 50 minutes walking, you will reach a lookout point at a saddle, where you will enjoy good views of both the inner and outer Queen Charlotte Sound. Beyond the saddle, the track drops into Resolution Bay, where there is a DOC campsite at Schoolhouse Bay and further along, private cabin accommodation.Schoolhouse Bay Campsite
Intermediate
546m
38m
-28m
Walk time: 3 hrDistance: 10.5 kmFrom Resolution Bay the track passes over a ridge and into Endeavour Inlet. It winds downward and follows the shoreline to the head of the inlet, where interpretation signs recall the antimony mining era. Hostel and motel accommodation are available on the way.