5 Day Queen Charlotte Track Freedom Walk with 2 Nights at Portage

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.

No, you have the option to arrange for water taxis to transfer your pack between your accommodations along the track. This allows you to only carry a smaller day pack while walking.