The Queen Charlotte Track offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure, making it one of New Zealand's premier walking trails. Spanning 70 kilometres through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds, this three-day Standard Independent Walk from Ship Cove to Portage promises an unforgettable experience as you explore the unique landscapes and wildlife of the region. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the Queen Charlotte Track provides a diverse and rewarding adventure that caters to all levels of fitness.
Starting at the historic Ship Cove, where Captain James Cook once anchored, you will make your way to Furneaux Lodge on the first day, enjoying a gentle introduction to the track's splendours. Day two takes you through the serene Endeavour Inlet to the charming Punga Cove, offering opportunities to spot native birds and enjoy the tranquil bays along the way. The final day presents the most challenging yet rewarding section, leading you over the ridgeline with panoramic views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, before concluding at Portage.
NOT INCLUDED
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your Picton accommodation, followed by a water taxi transfer to Ship Cove. This picturesque and historically rich reserve was a preferred anchorage for Captain Cook during the 1770s and holds great cultural significance for local Māori.
The track winds through stunning podocarp and beech forest, interspersed with ponga ferns and other native New Zealand flora. This section is often regarded as the highlight of the Queen Charlotte Track. The day concludes at the charming Furneaux Lodge, where you can relax in a serene, historic setting.
After a hearty breakfast, set off on the next leg of your journey. The trail hugs the coastline, offering more stunning views of the inlet and surrounding hills. Today's walk is a gentler section, allowing you to enjoy the diverse landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds. Stroll through native bush and past charming bays and coves. Keep your eyes peeled for the plentiful birdlife, including the cheeky weka and the melodious tui.
Your destination today is Punga Cove Resort. Nestled in a secluded bay, this is a fantastic spot to rest and recharge. Enjoy a swim in the bay, soak in the hot tub, or simply relax with a book on the sun-drenched decks. Savour a meal at Punga Fern Restaurant, known for its incredible views and mouth-watering dishes. Reflect on your journey so far while planning for the final day’s adventure.
Option 1: Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage Bay (Approx. 8 Hours, 24.5 km)
This section offers a challenging hike along the ridgeline between Punga Cove and Torea Saddle near Portage. The effort is well rewarded with breathtaking views around every corner. At the end of the day, you'll be collected from Torea Bay at approximately 4:30 pm and returned to Picton around 5:00 pm.
Option 2: Water Taxi from Punga Cove to Picton
For a more leisurely end to your journey, take a morning water taxi from Punga Cove back to Picton. Departure times vary seasonally:
October to April: 10:00 am or 11:30 am (arrival in Picton at 11:30 am or 1:00 pm)
Winter (May to September): 11:00 am (arrival in Picton at approximately 12:30 pm).
Enjoy a scenic cruise around the bays before arriving in Picton by early afternoon.
The enjoyment of any walk is greatly enhanced with a reasonable level of fitness – but don’t worry, you don’t need to be a marathon runner! If you’re active 2–3 times a week, whether through walking, golfing, running, or going to the gym, you’ll already have a solid foundation for tackling a multi-day walk like the Queen Charlotte Track. To prepare, consider doing at least one longer walk (up to 8 hours) and incorporate some hill walking into your routine, as the track does include some steeper sections.
Personal gear list recommended for walking the Queen Charlotte Track:
If overnighting, you will also need:
Optional:
Please note that each person is allowed one overnight bag or suitcase, with a maximum weight of 15kg. Complimentary secure storage for any excess luggage is available at our office.
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.
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.
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.
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