Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds has rapidly become known as the finest and most diverse coastal track in New Zealand.

Mountain Biking

The Queen Charlotte Track is widely rated as the best single track in New Zealand and is one of this country’s 23 Great Rides and there is little wonder why!

Mountain Biking

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, near the famous Marlborough wine region and 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.

Adventure is waiting here for you.

How fit do I need to be?

The enjoyment of any walk is better if you have a reasonable degree of fitness – that does not, however, mean you need to be a marathon runner!
If you are active 2 or 3 times a week (walking, golfing, running, gym) then this is an excellent base for doing a multi-day walk like the Queen Charlotte Track.
In the lead up to the trip, try to do at least one long walk (up to 8 hours) and also some hill walking as the Queen Charlotte Track does have some steeper sections.
What sort of footwear should I use – boots or shoes?

We recommend comfortable footwear with a good grip on the sole.

The Queen Charlotte Track features clay, loose rocks, and natural soft sections from decades of natural leaf litter in some areas. This means (especially after rain) the track may be loose or slippery underfoot.

Walking shoes or boots are suitable at all times of year.

Running shoes are not generally recommended due to the lack of ankle protection, although trail running shoes would suffice if this is your only option.
"Street shoes" or "city-style" runners will have smooth soles and are notoriously slippery when the track is wet, so we do not advise wearing these.

We would not recommend wearing new boots for a multi-day trip – boots or shoes should be well worn in for maximum comfort and minimum blisters!
We also have famous New Zealand hikers’ wool available to purchase at our office just in case.
Are walking poles necessary?

Walking poles are a useful accessory but not essential.
Many walkers use them these days and find they do preserve your back and knees.
This is definitely a personal preference.
In most places the Queen Charlotte Track is well-formed, wide and with a good surface although at times of heavy rain, the clay base to the track can become slippery and poles are welcome.
A good Manuka stick picked up along the trail and returned to the bush at the end works just as well!
We do have walking poles available for hire if you don’t wish to bring one from home – pre-booking for these is essential.
Can I catch the water taxi if I don’t think I can walk the long day?

Absolutely! This is one of the wonderful appeals about the Queen Charlotte Track that on the long day, or any day for that matter, you can opt to travel by boat and take in the sights of the Marlborough Sounds from the water.
These water taxi rides are always an additional cost to package prices but we can assist with advice and booking before or during your trip.
Payment is required before departing, and can be paid on the day at the lodge directly.
If your spouse or travelling companion does not wish to walk or bike and you do, water transport can even be arranged throughout.
Do we need to book breakfast and dinner along the track?

Each accommodation features an excellent restaurant on site, and all guests with bookings will have a seat for breakfast and dinner regardless of your package.

For Guided Walk packages, these are all included as part of your package along the Queen Charlotte Track with us.

For Independent Walk packages, you can choose per-person to pre-pay for 3-Course Dinner (inc. 1 drink) and breakfast (inc. 1 drink) at each lodge along your package as part of your booking.
Our "Add On Per Person - Pre-Paid Breakfast & Dinner" is the most convenient option for those travelling internationally or for any other reason you wish to pay ahead of time. This allows you to sit back and relax while selecting off of the menu.
I'm travelling solo, can I book a walking package?

Yes, solo travelers are encouraged to book and enjoy the track for either Independent or Guided packages.

We do not "pair up" individual guests, so there is a required Single Supplement as part of your booking.

If you are traveling with friends, there may be availability for a "triple-share" room for your group, but these are subject to availability at each lodge.

Guided Walks

Independent Walks

Which Walking Package Is Right For Me?

Inclusions	Independent Walk - 3 Day	Independent Walk - 4 Day	Independent Walk - 5 Day inc. rest Day	Independent Walk - 5 Day	Guided Walk - 4 Day	Guided Walk & Kayak - 4 Day	Guided Walk - 5 Day inc. rest day
Pre-trip briefing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Information pack	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Knowledgeable local guide	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pick up/drop off from Picton accommodation	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Water transport to the start and back from the end of the track	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Meal inclusions	Lunch daily	Lunch daily	Lunch daily excluding rest day	Lunch daily	Breakfast, dinner, & lunches while on track	Breakfast, dinner, & lunches while on track	Breakfast, dinner, & lunches while on track excluding lunch on rest day
Accommodation type	Standard ensuite	Standard ensuite	Standard ensuite	Standard ensuite	Upgrade ensuite	Upgrade ensuite	Upgrade ensuite
Add-on Upgrade rooms available?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Included	Included	Included
Distance	53km (33miles)	73.5km (45.6miles)	73.5km (45.6miles)	80km (50miles)	73.5km (45.6miles)	53km + 16km	73.5km (45.6miles)
Guided Kayaking options	No	Replace final walking day with kayaking back into Picton	Available as Add-On for your rest day, or replacing final day	Replace final walking day with kayaking back into Picton	See the Guided Walk & Kayak	Final day kayaking back into Picton	Available as Add-On for your rest day
Guided First Day Add-On	Add-on Available	Add-on Available	Add-on Available	Add-on Available	Included in package	Included in package	Included in package
Included on every walk: Daily Luggage transfers \| Queen Charlotte Track private land pass \| Excess luggage storage

Your Local Guide

Let our team show you the Queen Charlotte Track and Marlborough Sounds.

Our team live, work and play in this fantastic region - your guides are local people. Call us on +64 3 5735432. Freephone (NZ only): 0800 266 266. Freephone (Aus only): 1800 281 827

Get in touch

How fit do I need to be?

What sort of footwear should I use – boots or shoes?

Are walking poles necessary?

Can I catch the water taxi if I don’t think I can walk the long day?

Do we need to book breakfast and dinner along the track?

I'm travelling solo, can I book a walking package?

1 Day Guided Walk and Wildlife Experience

4 Day Guided Walk

4 Day Guided Walk & Kayak

5 Day Guided Walk

3 Day Independent Walk

4 Day Independent Walk

5 Day Independent Walk with Rest Day

5 Day Independent Walk

Which Walking Package Is Right For Me?

Inclusions

Independent Walk - 3 Day

Independent Walk - 4 Day

Independent Walk - 5 Day inc. rest Day

Independent Walk - 5 Day

Guided Walk - 4 Day

Guided Walk & Kayak - 4 Day

Guided Walk - 5 Day inc. rest day

Sea Kayaking

Mountain Biking

Plan and Prepare

Let our team show you the Queen Charlotte Track and Marlborough Sounds.

Independent Walk
- 3 Day

Independent Walk
- 4 Day

Independent Walk
- 5 Day inc. rest Day

Independent Walk
- 5 Day

Guided Walk
- 4 Day

Guided Walk & Kayak
- 4 Day

Guided Walk
- 5 Day inc. rest day