3 Day Queen Charlotte Track Hike, Bike & Kayak Combo

In summer (December–February), daytime temperatures typically range from the early to late 20s°C, with very hot days reaching up to 30°C. Spring (September–November) offers milder conditions, ranging from 14°C to 20°C, while autumn (March–May) brings cooler, settled weather, with temperatures around 16°C–18°C in March, dropping to 10°C–12°C by May.

Winter (June–August) features crisp, calm days with overnight lows below 0°C and daytime highs up to 10°C. Rain is possible year-round, though January through March are the driest months. Dress in layers for comfort, including thermal undergarments, a fleece top, shorts, long trousers, a warm jacket, and a raincoat.

Recommended Personal Gear List for Biking the Queen Charlotte Track

Day Trips:

• Parka or raincoat
• Warm jacket and thermal top (polypropylene preferred)
• T-shirt and warm pants
• Shorts
• Wool/polypropylene socks
• Suitable riding shoes
• Sun hat and insulated/warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Day pack (available for hire)
• Water bottle (minimum 1 litre)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Blister patches/moleskin/lambs’ wool

Overnight Trips:

• Change of clothes for lodge or campsite
• Toiletries and nightwear
• Camping gear if required: tent, sleeping bag, cooker, food, etc.
• Any necessary medications
• Additional/spare supplies for specific dietary needs

Optional Items:

• Binoculars
• Camera
• Swimsuit, towel, and sandals for beachwear

Note: Each person is limited to one overnight bag or suitcase weighing no more than 15kg.

Biking the Queen Charlotte Track requires a high level of fitness, as it is more demanding to bike than to walk—but it’s an incredibly rewarding adventure!

Trail Difficulty Breakdown: Queen Charlotte Track

• 0% Novice (Grade 2): Ideal for confident riders comfortable on roads or easy trails. Expect gentler gradients with mostly firm surfaces, though occasional muddy or loose rocky sections may be encountered.
• 62% Intermediate (Grade 3): Best for cyclists with some experience and a good level of fitness. The trail offers mostly firm terrain but includes muddy or loose sections and obstacles like rocks and tree roots.
• 28% Advanced (Grade 4): Designed for fit, experienced cyclists with strong off-road skills. The terrain varies from firm to loose, featuring frequent rocks, roots, and technical challenges.
• 10% Expert (Grade 5): Only for highly skilled riders with excellent off-road expertise and peak fitness. Expect steep climbs, sharp descents, significant drop-offs, and complex navigation through rocks, roots, and ruts.

From Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch International Airport, Air New Zealand offers direct flights to Blenheim Airport, just a 20-minute drive from Picton. Affordable shuttle services are available, or you can rent a car.

Alternatively, you can take the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait to Picton or fly with Soundsair, a commuter airline based at Wellington Airport. From Christchurch, popular options include the scenic Kiwi Rail train journey to Picton, public bus services, or car rentals.

What is supplied:

• Kayaking & safety equipment
• Paddling jacket
• BA (Buoyancy Aid)
• Spray deck
• Kayak!

Day Kayaking:

• Change of clothing: shorts and a t-shirt for paddling, plus warm layers (shirt, long johns, polypropylene, socks)
• Raincoat for onshore use
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Towel
• Sandals, running shoes, or soft-soled shoes (avoid jandals/thongs, as they may get lost)
• Personal medical requirements
• Camera
• Stay prepared and enjoy the water!

Multiday Kayaking Trips:

• Two sets of warm clothing for off-water
• Two sets of clothing for paddling
• Raincoat for on shore
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Water Bottle
• Hat
• Towel
• Sandals, running shoes, jandals or other soft sole shoes for paddling
• Toiletries and personal medical requirements
• Book, cards or games
• Camera
• Headlamp or torch
• Sleeping bag
• Tent
• Sleeping mat
• Pillowcase (to stuff with soft items for sleeping)
• Cooker, lighter and fuel or gas – enough for the amount of days paddling and one between three persons is normally adequate
• Plate, knife, fork, spoon
• Cooking utensils – one set between three persons normally adequate

Stay prepared and enjoy the kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds!

When walking the Queen Charlotte Track, each person is limited to one item of luggage weighing no more than 15kg. This is because the luggage is transported by water taxi each day and needs to be lifted on and off the boats. A suitcase with wheels or a duffle bag works well for this purpose.

For any additional baggage, you can store it at our waterfront office. Alternatively, if you are staying in Picton before and after your walk, many local accommodation providers offer storage services for excess luggage.