The Queen Charlotte Track is a 73.5-kilometre walking and cycling trail through the Marlborough Sounds, running from Meretoto/Ship Cove to Anakiwa. You can experience it as a one-day walk or over three to four days, with four days allowing the full track. The best walking conditions are generally from spring to autumn. Most walks start from Picton, using water taxis to reach and leave the track.
Queen Charlotte Track Walks Compared
The Queen Charlotte Track can be experienced as a one-day walk, a three-day partial walk or a four- to five-day journey covering the full 73.5-kilometre route. Day walks suit travellers with limited time, while three-day walks cover a substantial section of the track. Four-day itineraries complete the full route, while five-day options add extra time to relax and enjoy the Marlborough Sounds between walking days.
| Walk Option | Approx. Distance | Best For | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day walk | Varies by section | Travellers short on time | Walk a selected section of the track with water taxi transport |
| 3-day walk | 53 km | Active walkers with limited time | Cover a substantial section of the track over three walking days |
| 4-day walk | 73.5 km | Completing the full track | Walk from Meretoto/Ship Cove to Anakiwa at the standard multi-day pace |
| 5-day walk | 73.5 km | Travellers wanting a more relaxed experience | Complete the full track with an additional rest day to enjoy the Marlborough Sounds |
The four- and five-day options cover the same full Queen Charlotte Track. The five-day itinerary simply adds an extra night and rest day, making it a good choice for travellers who want more time to enjoy the Marlborough Sounds.
Go New Zealand’s multi-day independent packages can include accommodation, water transport, daily luggage transfers and packed lunches, taking care of the main logistics while you walk independently.
Queen Charlotte Track Route and Hiking Highlights
The Queen Charlotte Track runs 73.5 kilometres from Meretoto/Ship Cove to Anakiwa through the Marlborough Sounds. The route combines native bush, sheltered bays and elevated ridgelines, with views across Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. It can be walked in sections or as a complete multi-day journey, with accommodation and water access available along the route.
Stretching through the heart of Marlborough Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track is one of New Zealand’s most scenic walking trails. Winding from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, it passes through native bush, follows peaceful bays and climbs onto ridgelines with panoramic views over the Sounds.
The traditional route begins at Meretoto/Ship Cove, reached by water taxi from Picton. From here, the track climbs through native forest before descending towards Resolution Bay and Endeavour Inlet.
The middle sections continue through regenerating bush and sheltered bays towards Camp Bay and Punga Cove. This part of the track generally feels more relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coastline and native birdlife.
The section from Punga Cove towards Torea Saddle is one of the most demanding parts of the route. It climbs onto the ridgeline between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, where walkers are rewarded with some of the broadest views on the track. Eatwell’s Lookout is a popular optional side trip along this section.
The final stage continues from the Portage area towards Anakiwa, moving through open ridges, farmland and native bush before descending towards the water.
Highlights along the route include:
- Meretoto/Ship Cove
- Endeavour Inlet
- Punga Cove
- Eatwell’s Lookout
- Views across Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds
- Torea Saddle
- Davies Bay
- Anakiwa
- Native birdlife including tūī, korimako/bellbirds, pīwakawaka/fantails and weka
Queen Charlotte Track Day Walks from Picton
Queen Charlotte Track day walks are ideal for travellers who want to experience part of the trail without committing to a multi-day hike. Water taxis from Picton provide access to several sections of the track, allowing you to choose a walk based on available time and fitness before returning to Picton later the same day.
Some sections can be reached by road, while others are accessible only by boat. This flexibility makes the Queen Charlotte Track particularly well suited to day walkers.
Popular options include walks beginning at Meretoto/Ship Cove, Endeavour Inlet, Punga Cove and Torea Bay, with routes ranging from shorter coastal walks to longer ridgeline sections.
A day walk works particularly well if you are:
- Staying in Picton for one or two nights
- Arriving from Wellington by ferry
- Visiting Marlborough as part of a wider South Island itinerary
- Short on time but still want to experience the track
- Unsure whether a longer multi-day walk suits your fitness
Because water taxi schedules determine when many walks begin and finish, it is important to choose a route that fits the available transfer times. Booking the walk and water transport together can make the day much easier to organise.
Independent Walks, Accommodation and Luggage Transfers
Independent Queen Charlotte Track walks combine self-guided hiking with comfortable accommodation and luggage transfers along the route. Rather than carrying a full overnight pack, walkers can have their main bag transported between accommodation and carry only a lighter day pack while walking.
Along the trail, you'll find a variety of accommodation to suit different travel styles, including cabins, motels, hotels and lodges. Many are positioned close to the water, making the overnight stops part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
Go New Zealand’s multi-day independent walking packages can combine the main elements needed for the journey, including:
- Accommodation along the track
- Water transport from Picton
- Return transport at the end of the walk
- Daily luggage transfers
- Packed lunches on selected packages
- Transfers from Picton accommodation
- A planned walking itinerary
Luggage transfers allow you to carry only what you need for the day, such as water, waterproof clothing, warm layers, food and personal items.
This style of independent walking provides the freedom to walk at your own pace without having to coordinate accommodation, boat transfers and luggage movements separately.
Accommodation availability and water transport need to match your walking itinerary, so booking the main components together is particularly useful for multi-day walks.
Combine the Queen Charlotte Track with Cycling or Kayaking
The Queen Charlotte Track can be combined with cycling or kayaking for travellers who want to experience the Marlborough Sounds in more than one way. Selected sections of the trail are open to mountain bikes, while sheltered bays and inlets provide excellent kayaking opportunities alongside the walking route.
Mountain biking works particularly well on selected sections of the track where the terrain and access suit cycling. Kayaking provides a completely different perspective, with the chance to explore the coastline and sheltered water from sea level.
Multi-activity itineraries can combine hiking with time on the water or selected cycling sections, creating a more varied experience of the Marlborough Sounds.
If you prefer an itinerary that mixes activities, explore Queen Charlotte Track hiking, cycling and kayaking experiences to find an option that suits your interests, fitness and available time.
Queen Charlotte Track Difficulty and Fitness
The Queen Charlotte Track suits a wide range of walkers, but completing the full route requires moderate fitness because of its hills, long walking days and repeated climbs between bays and ridgelines. Day walks can be selected to suit different abilities, while three- and four-day itineraries require greater endurance and preparation.
The track is generally well formed, but some sections are more demanding than others. Longer ridgeline stages include sustained climbs and descents, and track surfaces can become wet or muddy after rain.
For a multi-day walk, it helps to be comfortable with:
- Walking for several hours at a time
- Covering long distances on consecutive days
- Climbing and descending hills
- Walking on uneven or muddy surfaces
- Carrying a day pack
- Walking in changing weather
Regular walking before your trip will make the longer sections more enjoyable. Include some hills and longer practice walks where possible rather than relying only on flat walking.
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip are recommended. Walking poles are optional but can be useful on longer climbs and descents.
One of the advantages of using luggage transfers is that you do not need to carry a heavy overnight pack, which can make the longer walking days considerably more comfortable.
Know your limits when selecting a day walk or multi-day itinerary. The Queen Charlotte Track offers enough access points and walk lengths to choose an experience that matches your fitness and available time.
Getting to the Queen Charlotte Track from Picton
Picton is the main gateway to the Queen Charlotte Track, with road and water access available at different points along the route. Meretoto/Ship Cove, the traditional starting point for the full walk, is reached by water taxi from Picton, while Anakiwa at the southern end of the track is accessible by road.
Anakiwa, Mistletoe Saddle, Torea Saddle and Kenepuru Saddle are accessible by road. Anakiwa, Mistletoe Bay, Torea Bay, Camp Bay, Endeavour Inlet, Resolution Bay and Meretoto/Ship Cove can also be reached by sea.
For walkers completing the full track, the journey will typically involve:
- Staying in Picton before the walk.
- Travelling to the Picton waterfront.
- Taking a water taxi to Meretoto/Ship Cove.
- Walking between pre-booked accommodation.
- Having overnight luggage transferred ahead each day.
- Finishing at Anakiwa.
- Returning to Picton by arranged transport.
Go New Zealand’s multi-day packages can include the water transport, luggage transfers and connecting transfers needed for the walk, reducing the number of individual bookings you need to coordinate.
Picton is also well positioned for a wider New Zealand itinerary. Travellers from Wellington can arrive directly by Cook Strait ferry, while nearby Blenheim makes it easy to combine the Queen Charlotte Track with Marlborough’s wine region.
Day walkers should always check their return water taxi time before choosing a section, as walking distances need to fit the scheduled pickup.
Queen Charlotte Track walkers should carry suitable footwear, waterproof clothing, warm layers, water, sun protection and basic personal supplies. Multi-day walkers using luggage transfers can place most overnight clothing and toiletries in their transferred bag, leaving only the essentials in a lighter day pack.
Day-pack essentials
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layer
- Quick-drying walking clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Drinking water
- Snacks or packed lunch
- Personal medication
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Blister treatment
For multi-day walks
Pack separately in your overnight bag:
- Change of clothes
- Additional warm layers
- Toiletries
- Nightwear
- Spare walking socks
- Swimwear
- Additional medication or personal supplies
Always check the weather before setting out and carry enough water and food for the planned section.
Weather in the Marlborough Sounds can change, so waterproof clothing should be carried even when the forecast looks settled.
Go New Zealand’s independent packages can include daily luggage transfers and packed lunches, making it easier to keep your walking pack light.
The Queen Charlotte Track passes through coastal forest, regenerating native bush and open ridgelines, providing habitat for native plants and birdlife throughout the Marlborough Sounds. Walkers may see or hear bellbirds, tūī, fantails, kererū and weka, while the forest includes beech, kāmahi, rimu, nīkau palms, ferns and climbing kiekie.
The Queen Charlotte Track's coastal forest, teeming with ferns, nikau palms, and climbing kiekie vines, provides a stunning backdrop for your journey. Home to various bird species, such as bellbirds, tuis, and playful fantails, it also offers glimpses of seabirds along the shoreline, enhancing the track's natural charm.
Dive into New Zealand's ancient forests, housing native beech, kamahi and towering rimu trees, some of which predate Captain Cook's arrival. Observe as the track traverses through land reverting to its native state, with nikau palms and manuka sheltering ferns, orchids and seedlings, ensuring a future generation of forest giants.
Lookout points and open ridges present panoramic views across the Marlborough Sounds' hills and sea-flooded valleys. Listen for the calls of bellbirds and tūī, and keep an eye out for native woodpigeons, silvereyes, weka and seabirds.
Staying on the formed track, carrying out rubbish and respecting wildlife and private land all help protect the natural environment.
The Queen Charlotte Track, is open to walkers all year round, offering a unique experience in each season.
- Spring (September-November): This season presents an ideal opportunity to enjoy the path with fewer visitors. Cyclists, however, should note the Ship Cove to Camp Bay section is closed from March 1st to November 30th annually.
- Summer months (December-February): The Queen Charlotte Track sees an influx of visitors due to domestic holidays, resulting in a lively atmosphere. The longer, warmer days make this season perfect for social walkers and cyclists who enjoy meeting fellow adventurers while appreciating the beauty of the trail.
- Autumn (March-May): This season provides warm, calm days and cool evenings, creating near-perfect conditions for traversing the Queen Charlotte Track.
- Winter (June-August): walkers can still enjoy the trail with temperatures ranging from 10 to 24°C, offering crisp, clear days that showcase the track's natural splendour.
The Queen Charlotte Track passes through a landscape with centuries of Māori history and later connections with European exploration and settlement. Meretoto/Ship Cove is one of the route’s most historically significant locations, while the modern track developed from earlier bridle paths and access routes before becoming a recognised walking trail in the 1980s.
The Queen Charlotte Track, renowned as one of New Zealand's premier hiking and biking trails, holds a captivating history that dates back centuries. Established in the early 1980s by local landowners, this trail invites you to follow the footsteps of Māori settlers and European explorers, unveiling the region's rich heritage.
Captain Cook's voyages inspired the name "Queen Charlotte," as he sought refuge in the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound during his three voyages of exploration. Named after Queen Consort Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the sound became a significant location in Cook's encounters with Māori and subsequent interactions between Māori and Europeans.
The track itself traces its origins to a network of pioneer bridle paths, evolving from humble beginnings into the walking track it is today. Historical remnants along the trail provide insights into earlier settlement and activities in the Sounds, including mining, whaling, fishing and forestry.
Meretoto/Ship Cove remains one of the most important historical places encountered by walkers, adding another dimension to a journey that is often best known for its coastal scenery and native bush.
