As Queen Charlotte Track specialists, the tours featured on this website offer value for money, exceptional service and a commitment to the track environment.
Our independent walking packages offer the freedom of unguided tramping, but with added luxuries like pre-arranged accommodation and lunches. We have arranged a series of package options for travellers from the more basic but comfortable budget options through to the most exclusive boutique properties and five star resorts available within access to the track. This range of packages have specially designed for you to cater for your every desire and need.
As a general rule, if you are more independent of spirit but would still like certain elements such as your accommodation, transport and daily lunch arranged, then the independent packages are for you. Or, perhaps you want a custom package designed – we can do that for you too!
If you would like an upmarket tour with an emphasis on gourmet food and wine with everything provided including interpretation on the area, then a guided walk is for you.
Another offering for all our independent walkers is a guided visit to the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary in the outer Queen Charlotte Sound prior to starting your walk at Ship Cove. For an additional $75 per person on any of our independent walk packages, join with one of our knowledgeable local guides to visit this rarely visited sanctuary accessed by boat en route to the start of the track and experience a close encounter with New Zealand wildlife.
Motuara Island has a new loop track for summer 2008/2009, a lookout with spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding islands, Cook Strait and the North Island on a clear day as well as some amazing birdlife including South Island Saddleback (Tieke) which is extinct on the New Zealand mainland as well as friendly bush robins, little blue penguins and stately wood pigeons (kereru).
It truly is a special addition to your Queen Charlotte Track experience - all you need to do is select this tour extra on booking.
Click on the independent walking packages below for more detailed information and bookings:
Standard Four Day Independent Walk
Standard Five Day Independent Walk
Boutique Five Day Independent Walk
As part of your independent walk package, $12 goes to the Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative, which 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 today 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.