Marlborough

Blenheim is famous for its vineyards, including a good old fashion grape ride. The township has a purpose built mountain bike park at its back door, and for those wanting to take the Inland Scenic Route over summer, try riding Molesworth Station.

From picturesque Picton explore the Sounds, and one of NZ’s longest stretches of continuous single MTB track: the glorious 70km Queen Charlotte Track. Other Marlborough trails include Wakamarina, Wither Hills MTB Park and Picton’s Victoria Domain.

Marlborough Dirt Features

Sounds Good by Stu Waddel

Bicycle Astride Turquoise Waterways by Roy Sinclair

The Wakamarina by Paul Smith

WORD UP: The Queen Charlotte Track by Ash Burgess

Marlborough Trails Overview

Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track is a premium multiday single track ride. Majestic views and incredibly good biking leads most people to ride it more than once.

There are some great services and accommodation options on the track. The track itself is shared with walkers when it’s open to bikers (see below). Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co. can assist with all travel plans and bike hire.

One way – either direction, three sections of 3-5hrs each

Ship Cove to Camp Bay: 26.5km (closed to bikers 1 Dec to 28 Feb)

Camp Bay to Portage Bay: 21.5kms

Portage Bay to Anakiwa: 19km

QCT Land Cooperative – Land Pass required fromCamp Bay (Punga Cove) to Onahau Bay.

For more info: qctrack.co.nz/track/bike

Wakamarina

The Wakamarina Track is an old gold miner’s trail that crosses the Richmond ranges. It has technical trails through lush native forest with a ripping 800m descent on zig zagging benched single track to Devils Hut. It is best ridden from South to North, or you can ride in and out from either end for a shorter trip. If riding the crossing then organizing transport to where the track ends is best. The 600m gravel road climb from Onamalutu can be done by car if the forestry roads are open. There is a section near the middle of the ride that requires about a 25 minute bike carry.

Havelock is also a good base as it is about mid way between the 2 ends of the trail by road. From here it is easy to reach the Queen Charlotte and the Nydia Bay tracks if you want more riding.

Description
Distance 35km
Timing : 4 - 6hours
Elevation: 100m -1066m
100% single track, many rocky and rooty challenges

Inside Ride
Settings: Forrest & Alpine
Suitable for adventurous to advanced riders
Getting there
Turn off SH6 onto Northbank Road, 6 km north of Renwick . Follow Northbank Road for 5 km, then Onamalutu Road for 11 km, past domain to Flowers Creek ford. A final 5 km up Kiwi Road to car park and start of track.

Other Marlborough rides

Blenheim is close to the renowned and technically difficult Nydia track and the high country epic, Molesworth Station.

For an easier ride, there is Whites Bay Loop and numerous wine trails. Closer to town is Wither Hills bike park, with trails for all abilities (see local bike shops).

Picton has a return track through to Waikawa Boating Club. On the water front is Marlborough Adventure Co where you can grab a coffee while you gather your bearings. This is the departure point for the Queen Charlotte Track.