Northwest of Picton, the Queen Charlotte Track is a 71km route along the ridges above Marlborough Sound. The track starts in Anikiwa and runs northwest to Shipscove (accessible by water-taxi only). For some reason, most people start this in reverse with the water taxi to Shipscove. There are camping, huts or lodging options about every 10km. The Queen Charlotte Track is a narrow route cut into the hillside weaving through massive ferns along bayside. The track is predominantly a clay surface with rocks, roots and waterbars.
To reach the trailhead from Picton, head west on Queen Charlotte Drive for 17.5km. Turn right heading north on Anakiwa Road for 3.8km to the trailhead parking area (limited space available).
Mountain biking is allowed on the track all year round except for the section from Ship Cove to Kenepuru Saddle, which is closed in the busy summer season, between 1 December and 28 February.
Overall, Queen Charlotte Track is the 8th most popular mountain bike trail of all 41 mountain biking rides in New Zealand.
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