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 return
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.
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.
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Ride More Places
Bike Gear Stories
Women and families learning ...
Buying Guides
Solution Finder
Types of Riding Stories
Support and inspire other riders and families to ride
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.
goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride
Women
Padded Bike Underwear
Pants for Biking
Tops for Biking
Jackets & Over Trousers for Biking
Riding Clothing for Larger Sizes
Warmth Accessories
Bike Saddles
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Bells
Hydration
Handlebar Grips
Kids & Youth
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Riding Clothing
Jackets for Biking/Outdoors
Protective Padding
Bike Gloves
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
Handlebar Grips
Bike Saddle
Bike Locks
Hydration
Family
Ride with a baby/ 1 year old
Ride with a 2-6 year old
Ride with a 4 + year old – on their own bike
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
Create a Family Biking Holiday
Ride More Places with Kids
Men
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Bike Tops,Jackets & Over Trousers
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Handlebar Grips
Bike Bell
Be comfortable & confident
Successfully Ride an E-Bike
Beginner Rider
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
Be Visible on the Bike
Enjoy a Biking Holiday
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Clothing & Bags
Padded Bike Pants & Underwear
Pants & Shorts for Biking
Bike Tops
Bike Jackets
Over Trousers for Biking
Headbands & Neck Warmers for Biking
Bags, Baskets & Panniers for Biking
Rider Safety & Protection
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
First Aid & Personal Care
Hydration
Bike Tow Ropes
Bike Parts & Care
Bike Saddles
Handlebar Grips
Bike Locks
Bike Carriers
Bike & Chain Cleaning
Bike Tools & Tool Kits to Carry
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Towing Kids who ride their own Bike
Bike Trailers for Kids
Kids Balance Bikes
HIRE Kids Bike Seats
Be Comfortable & Confident
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Be Visible on the Bike
Beginner Riders
Get Started – Ride with a baby
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
Bike Path Riding
Beginner to Fitness
Multi-Day
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding Bikepaths
Multi-Day with Kids
Bike Path Riding Guide
Ride more Bikepaths
Mountain Biking
Women Beginner to Intermediate
Men Beginner to Intermediate
Multi-Day
With Kids of all ages
Kids Mountain Biking
Multi-Day with Kids
Mountain Biking Guide
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Riding in Traffic
Be Visible in Traffic
Commuting
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding in Traffic
E – Biking
E-Biking in Traffic
E-Biking on Bikepaths
E-Biking on MTB Trails
A Biking Holiday
E-Biking Guide
Multi-Day Riding
Multi-Day on Bike Paths
Multi-Day on MTB Trails
Multi-Day with Kids on Bike Paths
Multi-Day with Kids on MTB Trails
Multi-Day Guide
A Biking Holiday
Family Biking Holiday
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Family Riding
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
On Bikepaths with Kids
MTB with Kids
In Traffic with Kids
Family Biking Holiday
Family Riding Guide
Ride More Places with Kids
Kids Attached or Towed Buying Guides
Rear Kids Bike Seat
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat
Front Kids Bike Seat
Towing Kids who ride their own bikes
Kids Bike Trailers
Kids & Youth Buying Guides
Kids Bike Helmets
Kids Riding Clothing
Kids Padded Bike Pants
Kids Padded Protection
Kids Handlebar Grips
Kids Balance Bike
Comfort on the Bike Buying Guides
Womens Bike Saddle
Mens Bike Saddle
Padded Bike Pants
Bike Jackets
Carrying Gear
Handlebar Grip
Hydration
Rider Safety Buying Guides
Bike Helmet
Mountain Bike Helmet
Protective Padding
Be Visible
Bike Glove
Bike Light
Mountain Bike Light
First Aid & Personal Care
Gear & Care for Bikes Buying Guides
Bike Carriers
Bike Cleaning
Bike Locks
Chain Cleaning and Lube
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Women & Families Learning
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Clothing for Biking
Family Biking
Improve your Riding
Carrying Gear
Care for ‘you’
Care for your Bike
Ride More Places
Ride more Bikepaths
Ride more NZ Cycle Trails
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Ride more Places with Kids
Riding Gear
Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Padded Bike Underwear & Pants
Bike Gloves
Bike Jackets
Protective Padding
Bike Locks
Bike Lights
Bike Tools to Carry
Handlebar Grips
Bike and Chain Cleaning
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Kids Bike Trailer
Towing kids who ride their own bike
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Balance Bike
Types of Riding
Bikepath Riding
Family Riding
E-Bike Riding
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.