Mountain Biking

Biking in Marlborough

October 4, 2020 by tanya

Marlborough has a wonderful variety of tracks and trails to suit all ages and abilities. If you’re unable to bring your bike with you, Sea Kayak Adventures Bike Rental in Anakiwa Road can help kit you out.

Those local to Anakiwa include the more advanced 73.5km Queen Charlotte Track – one of New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides that starts at historic Ship Cove and takes you along spectacular ridgelines & through beautiful forest to Anakiwa. And The Link Pathway, an almost entirely off-road 42km trail between Havelock and Picton (including Anakiwa) that parallels the Queen Charlotte Drive for much of its length with interesting views. It’s an off-road experience, with the odd short but steep climb, so doable by most riders of reasonable fitness and biking skills. If you only want to ride in only one direction or a certain part of these tracks, you can always loop back and ride on the road, the Queen Charlotte Drive.

In Picton, there are a variety of short graded 2-4 mountain bike tracks through native bush in the Victoria Domain offering stunning views over Picton and the Marlborough Sounds. These start at either the Picton Marina or the carpark at Sussex Street.

Just before Renwick (ten minutes to Blenheim), is Condors Bend – a unique 6km cross country track winding through forest and scrub between the stop bank and the Wairau River, with undulations of a few metres and less, so perfect for everyone.

If you head to Blenheim for some mountain biking, you have quite a selection including the dedicated Wither Hills Mountain Bike Park, the dual use tracks in the Wither Hills Farm Park, the Ben Morven Track and the flat and maintained Taylor River Reserve tracks.

Back in the Sounds is the 27km Nydia Track, starting at Kaiuma Bay. It’s a fantastic single-track ride with big climbs, fast downhills, rugged tree roots and brilliant views, suitable for experienced mountain bikers only.

And if you’re a road biker, you won’t miss out here either – the stunning Queen Charlotte Drive & Kenepuru Road are relatively quiet scenic winding roads with opportunities on route to stop for a swim, coffee, ice-cream or just take in the spectacular views. The Queen Charlotte Drive forms part of the world famous 101km annual GrapeRide loop and it’s definitely worth experiencing it if you’re here.

Day Out Mountain Biking the Queen Charlotte Track

November 21, 2014 by tanya

It was gorgeous weather yesterday, so we decided to experience some more of our own back yard – the Queen Charlotte Track. Instead of walking, this time we took the mountain bikes and chose a section close to Anakiwa. We were dropped off at Torea Bay jetty by friends in their boat, however Arrow Water Taxis pick up daily from Anakiwa and take you there for just $30 per person. We then rode the 21+ km back to Anakiwa. This section of the track travels through both private and Department of Conservation land, so you will need to get a QCTLC Day pass ($10) from us before you set out.

There were some steep climbs (where we had to push our bikes) but the views on the way up to and along Shamrock Ridge (the highest point on the Track itself at 407m) were outstandingly beautiful. This section from Torea Saddle to Lochmara can be challenging but you can ride/walk at your own pace and the views of both the Kenepuru & Queen Charlotte Sounds were amazing and well worth the effort. The technical descent is good fun too. From where the Lochmara Lodge pathway meets the Queen Charlotte track down to Mistletoe Bay and onto Anakiwa, is a great part of the track and if you are not so experienced, then the Te Mahia Saddle/Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa section is a little easier and a very popular ride down into Anakiwa. This follows the old bridle path above Onahau Bay, passing by farm paddocks and regenerating forest to the Onahau Lookout with picnic tables and on a clear day, provides fantastic views of Onahau Bay, up the Queen Charlotte Sound and back down into Anakiwa. You then descend through mature forest close to Bottle Bay and along the gentle undulating track to Davies Bay, with a safe sandy, grass banked beach – perfect for a dip to cool off. This is a popular picnic spot for locals in summer. The final 15 minute ride to Anakiwa again follows an old bridle path running through mature forest featuring some large beech trees.

Along the whole journey, there was evidence of wild pigs and Tanya even saw a wild goat. There was also a variety of native birds to be seen in their habitat. We arrived home at Anakiwa 401 pretty tired as we are not regular mountain bikers, but totally exhilarated and can recommend it highly – we can see why it has the NZ Cycle Trail Great Ride status. Talk to us if you’d like any advice on walking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track.

Biking in Marlborough

Day Out Mountain Biking the Queen Charlotte Track

Quality, historic, waterfront accommodation with friendly hosts

Relax in either of our two separate 'exclusive use' well-appointed private self-catering suites in our beachfront guesthouse and have access to excellent facilities including gardens, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, games, books, complimentary wifi. [Read more...]

Green Caravan Cafe @ Anakiwa 401

Local Area Weather

TripAdvisor Reviews

Here’s what makes your stay with us so special

Biker’s Heaven

BOOK DIRECT & SAVE

Contact Us