Enjoy of story of the John whanau (Mum, 2-13 year old boys and a 11 year old girl riding a section of the Queen Charlotte Track over 2 days – Anakiwa to Mistletoe returnÂ
When we make the effort and take the time to go on a biking adventure with the family we want it to be an enjoyable experience. To help plan your adventure read about the John whanau experience riding the 12.5 km journey (one way) from Anakiwa to Mistletoe and then riding back the following day
Where is it ?
The Queen Charlotte Track is located in the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. Anakiwa can be accessed from
- Havelock – 21 minutes drive along the scenic but windy Queen Charlotte Drive
- Picton – 32 minutes drive along the scenic but windy Queen Charlotte Drive.
- You can also access both Anakiwa and Mistletoe by boat from Picton. Make enquires about schedules and transportation of bikes at the following operators
The Anakiwa to Mistletoe Bay section is a dual use track (open to both walkers and bikers – all year round)
Anakiwa is home to the Cobham Outward Bound School and some permanent residients and holiday homes
Facilities available at Anakiwa
Parking. There are parking options at the start of the track though the popularity of the track at summer can make parking a little limited at times.
Toilets. Toilet facilities are available at the start of the track as well Davis Bay.
Bike washing – A bike Washing Station is available
The ride and is it doable for you?
The length of this ride is 12 .5 km one way so 25km return. This is a single track through bush.
Day One
Left Anakiwa 11:30am – Biked to Davis Bay -stopped for a snack and hacky sac game. Biked to the lookout for a late lunch. Enjoyed the downhill from the lookout and arrived at Mistletoe at 2:30pm .
Stayed at Mistletoe Bay in the accommodation facilities. There are options of cabins, cottages and camping. Everyone enjoyed a well earned ice cream followed by a cold but refreshing swim off the jetty. There are a few small walking trails from the bay to enjoy as well as the stunning and peaceful environment.
Day Two
Left Mistletoe Bay 10:30am biked to the lookout for lunch. Down into Davis Bay for another hacky challenge before arriving back at Anakiwa at about 1:30pm. Where we washed our muddy bikes and more food was required ( I had left some additional food supplies in the car). Before heading home with happy slightly quiet kids )from being a little tired
The riding surface varies from compacted dirt to tree roots and rocks to negotiate. This is definitely a mountain biking track which can get muddy. There are rocky creek beds to go through and wooden bridges to ride.
The riding terrain – the ride is undulating. However the overall trend is a gradual uphill of approximately 6 km no matter which way you are riding to the lookout and then 6km down again.
Fitness level required. An reasonable good level of fitness is required to bike the undulating and uphill/ downhill nature of the track and for the distance of 12.5km
Type of bike. Mountain bike with gears
Alternative options for day rides Riding to Davis Bay and return. Riding to the lookout and return.
Be safe and comfortable when riding this section of The Queen Charlotte Track – Anakiwa to Mistletoe.
This is a back country trail ridden over a couple of days so we needed to be prepared with the right gear, a mountain bike that had been checked and serviced. Use our stories for multiday mountain biking to help support you to be prepared to ride the Paparoa. Â
Enjoy the experience and have fun
If the weather allows there is swimming at Davis Bay and Mistletoe Bay (both tidal beaches). We rode in October and decided to take on the challenge of a chilly swim. Though cold…you never regret a swim so there were smiles all around
Ice Creams and drinks are available at the Mistletoe Bay Store. Simple but well loved rewards.
Enjoying the views/ spotting the Ferry/ watching boats and any kayakers or Outward Bound participants.
Mistletoe Bay is an eco village practising sustainability. These facilities are utilised by schools for school camps and educational experiences. Therefore are educational opportunities in walks and in the surrounding environment.
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