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5 Day Queen Charlotte Track Independent Walk with 2 Nights at Lochmara

Sep-Apr

South Island

Wilderness Guides

from

NZ$1630

per adult

Book Now

Smiling couple enjoying views of the Marlborough Sounds from Queen Charlotte Track

Experiences

Hiking & Walking

Family-friendly Tours

Multi-Day Short Tours

South Island

Start: Picton

Duration: 5 days

Distance: 73.5 kms

Difficulty: 3

Details

Explore Queen Charlotte Track Your Way with a 5 Day Independent Walk

This independent 5-day walk lets you experience the Queen Charlotte Track without the stress of planning. You’ll enjoy hand-picked ensuite accommodation, daily luggage transfers, packed lunches, and organised transport to and from Picton. All you need to do is choose where to stop for photos and soak in the views.

The highlight? Two nights at Lochmara Lodge, nestled in peaceful bush surrounds with access to the water and optional activities like swimming or kayaking. The other nights are spent at Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove—both offering warm Kiwi hospitality, great meals, and a chance to unwind with a glass of local wine.

Elevated view of Marlborough Sounds from the Queen Charlotte Track

Family hiking through forest beside a small waterfall on Queen Charlotte Track

Family resting at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the water near Ship Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track

Couple capturing the coastal scenery from a lookout bench on the Queen Charlotte Track near Ship Cove

Captain Cook monument at Ship Cove in Marlborough Sounds, with visitors walking by

Two hikers enjoying the view from The Saddle on the Queen Charlotte Track between Ship Cove and Furneaux Lodge

Parents and children enjoying a nature walk through forest on Queen Charlotte Track

Walkers passing a Māori carving at Ship Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track

Hikers with walking poles and backpacks taking in the view near Ship Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track

Group of walkers exploring native bush on the Queen Charlotte Track

Why This 5 Day Independent Walk is Perfect for Nature Lovers

This walk gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace while still enjoying comfort at every stop. Without a heavy pack, you can focus on the sweeping coastal views, native forest, and the peaceful vibe that defines the Marlborough Sounds. It’s a gentle adventure that suits both seasoned hikers and relaxed explorers.

Each day brings a new stretch of stunning scenery and the chance to spot native wildlife or take a dip in the clear water. Evenings are just as special, with delicious food, quality wine, and relaxed conversation with fellow walkers. It’s the ideal mix of activity, nature, and creature comforts in one of New Zealand’s most iconic regions.

INCLUSIONS

Meal Inclusions: Day 1 – lunch only, Day 2 – lunch only, Day 3 – lunch only, Day 4 - no meals, Day 5 – lunch only
4 nights twin-share ensuite accommodation (contact us to upgrade to seaview rooms)
Water transport to and from track
Daily luggage transfers
Picton accommodation transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Breakfast and dinner

Itinerary

Day 1: Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet

A pre-tour briefing will be held the day prior to departure. Details will be provided with your booking confirmation.

We’ll collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join a water taxi to Ship Cove, where your walk begins. This scenic and historic reserve, a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook in the 1770s, is also of cultural significance to local Māori. The trail takes you through stunning podocarp and beech forest interspersed with punga ferns and other native foliage. Often regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track, the day’s walk concludes at the historic Furneaux Lodge.

Travel Time: 6 hours

Distance: 17 kms

Day 2: Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay/Punga Cove

Smiling family group walking through vibrant native bush on Queen Charlotte Track

Today’s coastal walk from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove passes through regenerating native bush, accompanied by the melodic calls of bellbirds, fantails, and other native birds. From Furneaux Lodge, the track leads through native bush, crossing a small swing bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet. Here, you can pause to learn about antimony mining, an industry that thrived here in the 1880s. Continue along the main track into Big Bay, where pristine native beech forest awaits, before making your way toward Camp Bay. Five minutes from Camp Bay, you’ll arrive at your accommodation for the evening at Punga Cove.

Travel Time: 4 hours

Distance: 11.5 kms

Day 3: Punga Cove to Torea Bay/Lochmara Lodge

Three hikers with backpacks admire the view over Marlborough Sounds from Queen Charlotte Track

This challenging but rewarding day follows the ridgeline between Punga Cove and Torea Saddle, offering grand views around every corner. Marvel at the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds from the iconic Eatwell’s Lookout. At various points, you’ll enjoy views of both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. This spectacular section of the track is truly unforgettable. For those seeking a rest, an optional boat ride through the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound is available. At the end of the day’s walk, take a water taxi to your accommodation at Lochmara Lodge.

Note: An optional boat trip to Lochmara Lodge is available for non-walkers (additional cost).

Travel Time: 6 hours

Distance: 23 kms

Day 4: Lochmara Lodge to Anakiwa

Shaded walking track through native bush with sea glimpses near Punga Cove

Begin your final day by leaving Lochmara Lodge via a private side track that ascends to the main trail. Rejoin the ridgeline and enjoy stunning views back towards Picton and the turquoise waters of Kenepuru Sound. The day’s walk features a mix of open farmland and native bush, culminating in a grand finale. Don’t miss a photo stop at the picturesque Davies Bay – it’s a perfect moment to capture memories of your journey. The trek concludes at Anakiwa Jetty, where you’ll return by boat to Picton, arriving by late afternoon.

Travel Time: 6 hours

Distance: 19.5 kms

Frequently asked questions

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:

Parka or raincoat
Warm jacket
Warm/thermal top (polypropylene)
T-shirt
Warm pants
Shorts
Woollen/polypropylene socks
Comfortable walking boots or walking shoes
Sun hat
Warm/ Insulated hat
Sunglasses
Day pack (available to hire)
Drink bottle (at least 1 litre)
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Blister patches/moleskin/lambs’ wool
Swimsuit & towel & sandals for beach wear

If overnighting, you will also need:

Change of clothes to wear at the lodge(s) – smart casual is fine
Toiletries
Nightwear
Any required medication
Additional/spare supplies relating to specific dietary needs

Optional:

Binoculars
Camera
A walking stick/pole

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.