The Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds has rapidly become known as the finest and most diverse coastal track in New Zealand.
It is located at the top of the South Island, accessed by boat from Picton to its beginning at the scenic and historic reserve of Ship Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound. This is an area steeped in both Maori and European history. Today the stunning Marlborough Sounds are known as a maritime and eco-tour haven – popular all year round with sailors, hikers, trekkers, mountain bikers, adventure seekers and eco-tourists.
The Queen Charlotte Track is 71km long and most people walk the track over four days, although there is the ability to do any combination from one to five days. One of the advantages of this walk is the ability to catch a water taxi if on any given day you decide not to walk. The track is also popular with mountain bikers and certain sections are able to be biked all year round. Most sections of the track are wide and benched and all major streams have been bridged. Boots and a good level of fitness are recommended for this track. Running shoes or walking sandals can also be suitable during the height of summer. Just ask us about current track conditions and we’ll be happy to advise you!
Queen Charlotte Track options are also varied, to suit your particular level and taste. Guided walks are for those who want to combine their walking experience with the knowledge and security of a professional guide, great gourmet food and local wine, and top-notch track accommodation. Unguided track packages are for more independent hikers, who wish to walk the track independently but with certain elements like accommodation, water transport and daily lunches pre-arranged.
The track is administered by the Department of Conservation but relies on the goodwill of a number of private landowners through whose land it passes.As part of your guided walk package, $18 goes to the Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative, which was formed in 2010 to help ensure the sustainability of the 71km track and to ensure that this will always be a place of rare beauty and freedom. Private landowners make their land available for your hiking and biking enjoyment for this small fee, which helps with maintenance, improvements and access. Please respect the land made available for your enjoyment by this special public/private partnership.
For further information on the walking packages available, please click on the links below:
Guided - Queen Charlotte Track Walks
Independent - Queen Charlotte Track Walks
