Last updated October 2026
Step off the ferry in Picton and a network of mountain bike trails is close at hand on Victoria Domain, a 200 ha recreation reserve between Picton and Waikawa.
Marlborough District Council says the reserve has over 30 km of tracks for walking and mountain biking, and its Picton by Foot or Bike brochure lists 13 mountain bike trails from easy to advanced.
The easy Marina to Marina trail starts about 500 m from the ferry terminals, and the newest addition, the grade 2 Kanuka Trail, runs out to the Snout peninsula. There are access points all around the domain, from the Picton Marina to Waikawa Road.
Practical Information
- Access points
- Surrey Street, Sussex Street, Waikawa Road, Leicester Street, Shelly Beach, Picton Marina, Snout Track car park, Bobs Bay and Endeavour Park
- Size
- 200 ha recreation reserve between Picton and Waikawa
- Tracks
- Over 30 km of walking and mountain bike tracks; 13 mountain bike trails in the council’s brochure
- Grade
- Easy to advanced (council brochure); beginner to advanced (Marlborough NZ)
- From the ferry
- The Marina to Marina easy trail starts about 500 m from the ferry terminals
- Facilities
- Lookout, playground, picnic areas, Ridge Road drive and a dog-on-leash area
- Rules
- No camping, fires, motorbikes or shooting
- Managed by
- Marlborough District Council
- Status
- Check Marlborough District Council’s Victoria Domain page for current closures before you ride
About Victoria Domain
Victoria Domain lies between Picton and Waikawa, and Marlborough District Council manages it as a recreation reserve. It is a multi-use space: as well as the track network there is a lookout, a playground, picnic areas and the Ridge Road drive, and the council rates the reserve as having medium ecological values, with work under way on wilding pines, weeds and pests.
For riders, the draw is a large trail network right on the edge of town. The council’s brochure lists 13 mountain bike trails, and they cover a wide range. The Marina to Reservoir track is easy, while Leicester Old is an advanced, one-way downhill. The Ridgeline trail is 1,065 m long, and the Lions Centennial Trail is 3,140 m.
The domain is also handy for visitors arriving by sea. Marlborough NZ notes that the easy Marina to Marina trail, from Picton to Waikawa Marina, starts about 500 m from the Cook Strait ferry terminals and train station, so it is possible to ride straight from the ferry.
Riding the Kanuka Trail
The Kanuka Trail is the newest of the domain’s mountain bike trails. It is a two-way grade 2 (intermediate) trail, 3.5 km each way, that starts at the northern end of the Westside mountain bike trail and runs out to the Snout peninsula, with views over Picton and Queen Charlotte Sound.
In places it comes so close to the water that, as Marlborough NZ puts it, you “can wave to the passengers on the ferries”.
To drive to the start, take Sussex Street to the Snout Track car park, the last car park before the road drops back down the hill. To ride from town, take the Marina to Reservoir Track and then the Ridgeline Track or the road.
From the car park, follow the Snout Track walking and biking section or the parallel Westside Bike Track, and after about 700 m veer onto the Kanuka Trail. About 200 m before the peninsula it joins the walking track for the rest of the way, so slow down and watch out for walkers.
Sharing the Domain
Victoria Domain’s track network is shared by walkers and riders, and the Snout Track has a walking and biking section.
Ride to the trail’s grade, give way to walkers on shared sections, and keep an eye on direction rules: the brochure lists Leicester Old, G.D.S./new Ranui and The Doctor as one-way downhill trails. Motorbikes are not allowed anywhere on the reserve.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough District Council: Victoria Domain: the council’s facility page, with access points, facilities and reserve rules.
Marlborough NZ: Kanuka Trail: the regional tourism guide to the Kanuka Trail, with directions to the start.
Marlborough District Council: Cycling and walking maps: the council’s brochures, including Picton by Foot or Bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are on Victoria Domain?
The council’s Picton by Foot or Bike brochure lists 13, from easy to advanced. The domain has over 30 km of walking and mountain bike tracks in all.
Can I ride from the ferry terminal?
Yes. The easy Marina to Marina trail starts about 500 m from the ferry terminals.
Where do I start the Kanuka Trail?
At the Snout Track car park on Sussex Street. After about 700 m on the Snout Track or the Westside Bike Track, veer onto the Kanuka Trail.
How hard is the Kanuka Trail?
It is a two-way grade 2 (intermediate) trail, 3.5 km each way.
Is there anything for beginners?
Yes. The council brochure lists the Marina to Reservoir, Reservoir and Sussex St to Reservoir trails as easy, and Marlborough NZ lists the Marina to Marina trail as easy.
Can I camp or light a fire on the domain?
No. The council does not allow camping, fires, motorbikes or shooting.
Are dogs allowed?
The council lists a dog-on-leash area among the domain’s facilities but gives no general dog rule for the tracks, so check with the council before you take a dog.
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