See & Do > Queen Charlotte Track > Bike Meretoto / Ship Cove to Camp Bay

Bike Meretoto / Ship Cove to Camp Bay

Put your bike on a boat and enjoy the hour-long cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, spotting dolphins, seals and seabirds along the way.

Your destination is Meretoto / Ship Cove, one of Captain Cook’s favourite anchorages, and a meeting place of two cultures. It’s worth spending some time to explore the beautiful bay and read some of its unique history.

That’s also an excuse to delay the inevitable steep climb up out of the cove. Once you’re at the top it’s a rattling and exhilarating ride down, over rock, mud, brook and tree root. Alternatively, you can skip the steep hill by starting at Resolution Bay.

There's a range of accommodation from lodges to campsites, and even a selection of bars and restaurants. Treat yourself to a crisp glass of Marlborough wine or craft beer as reward for your first day’s ride.

Take a plunge in the sea, a soak in the hot tub, and prepare for your next day’s ride.

Length

Approx 5 hr, 28.5 km

Grade

Intermediate – Advanced (Grade 3-4)

Open

This section of the track is open to mountain biking from 1 March to 30 November each year.

Pick up / Drop off points

Ship Cove, Resolution Bay, Endeavour Inlet, Punga Cove

Toilets

Ship Cove, Schoolhouse Bay campsite, Tawa Saddle, Endeavour Inlet, Camp Bay campsite

Water

Ship Cove, Schoolhouse Bay campsite, Camp Bay campsite

Camping

Schoolhouse Bay campsite (DOC), Camp Bay campsite (DOC)

Conditions & closures

See DOC's site

Map

Search & book

Backpacker

Anakiwa Lodge

Bike Meretoto / Ship Cove to Camp Bay

Put your bike on a boat and enjoy the hour-long cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, spotting dolphins, seals and seabirds along the way.

Map

Search & book

More like this

Share this page