Dreaming of the Great Walks - Queen Charlotte Track

Secluded bays provide perfect moorings for small yachts and perfect photos too | Kaye Wilson

Plenty of space to walk at your pace along the Queen Charlotte track | Kaye Wilson

Stunningly located lodges provide comfortable accommodation on the Queen Charlotte Track | Mahana Lodge

The beautiful blue waters of the Queen Charlotte | Kaye Wilson

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

self-guided walk

Accommodation

1 night motel, 2 nights lodge

Meals

3 Lunches
1 Breakfast

Price

4 daysfrom

$NZD

View Inclusions

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Inclusions
Bike Information
Accommodation
Trail Surface
Suggested extensions
Related articles
Grading
Departure dates
Essential information
FAQs
Videos
Trip reviews
Why walk with us
Similar trips

Trip Code: SOG6966

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Trip highlights

Hike the best sections of the Queen Charlotte Track over three days
Scenic boat trip along Queen Charlotte Sound
Visit Meretoto/Ship Cove, significant as a landing place and safe haven for explorers in both Maori and European history
Varied walking along shorelines and up onto ridge tops, through native forest and with panoramic views
Enjoy a comfortable bed, hot shower and delicious meal in a scenic location after each day on the trail

Whether you subscribe to the Maori legends or geological processes that formed the Marlborough Sounds, its network of sunken river valleys, islands and maze of peaks, intricate bays, coves and beaches is truly unique in New Zealand. There is no better way to learn some of its history while taking in the superb natural beauty of the region than by exploring the Queen Charlotte Track on foot. Walk the best sections of this meandering multi-use trail at your own pace. Stay each night in cosy lodges with fine food, hot showers and a comfortable bed. The views are superb, the vegetation is diverse and the walking varies from low level coastline to moderate ridgelines no higher than 500m above sea level. Access to the track relies on the cooperation of local landowners as the track crosses a combination of private land and public nature reserves. It is a privilege to visit this land. Water taxi transfers to and from the trailheads add a different perspective to the experience and allow opportunity to spot marine wildlife such as seals, dolphins, penguins and albatross.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Picton, trip briefing

Make your own way to Picton, the gateway to Marlborough Sounds, and check-in to your accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront of this picturesque seaside town with its sheltered harbour and bustling marina, or take one of several short walks through native bushland for fabulous views over Queen Charlotte Sound. There are many great cafes, restaurants and galleries plus an aquarium and floating maritime museum. An important trip briefing will occur in the late afternoon/ evening at 5:00pm.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Queen Charlotte Track - Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (17 km, 6 hrs)

You will be collected at 8:30am this morning from your accommodation and transferred to the Picton marina for the scenic water taxi journey to Ship Cove (departing 9:00am). Considered one of the most important meeting places between New Zealand Maori and Europeans, the site is a historical reserve. It was a significant place of habitation for local Maori as well as the place where Captain Cook first stepped ashore, and subsequently anchored many times during the 1770's, while exploring the New Zealand coastline. The Queen Charlotte Track commences from here with a gradual steady climb through native bush, including spectacular podocarp and beech forest. With wonderful views and sections of untouched native forest, today is considered the finest section of the whole track. Historic Furneaux Lodge is a fitting destination for a fantastic day, and is also your accommodation for tonight.

Meals: L

Day 3
North Endeavour Inlet (Furneaux Lodge) to Mahana Lodge (11.5 km, 4 hrs)

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning as today’s walk is shorter and easier than yesterday. From Furneaux Lodge the track follows the coastline all day, with lovely views of the inlet as you trace its shore. Passing through nature reserve, regenerating native forest and farmland there is also some history along the way. Interpretation panels at the head of Endeavour Inlet describe local antimony mining operations that burgeoned in the 1880's. Walk beside a small beach at Camp Bay, nearing the end of today's walk, before passing Punga Cove to reach your accommodation for tonight at the delightful Mahana Lodge, set amongst native bush and established gardens. Relax with evening birdsong in the peace and tranquility of the gardens while the resident chef prepares a delicious dinner or meander over to Punga Cove Resort to enjoy a meal in their restaurant.

Meals: L

Day 4
South Endeavour Inlet (Mahana Lodge) to Torea Bay (23km, 8 hrs)

An early start will be necessary today to make the most of every moment as it is the longest day on the track. It is the most challenging but also has the most spectacular views, which makes the effort worthwhile. Starting near sea level and eventually reaching the highest point on the trail (475m above sea level) there are some steep sections along the ridgeline. Be sure to stop frequently for photos and breathe in the far-reaching panoramas of Marlborough Sounds. At the end of the day, the track drops down to the ocean at Torea Bay. From here you will be collected by water taxi at 4:45pm for the return to Picton, arriving at 5.30pm (approx) where tour arrangements officially end. Option: you can arrange the morning water taxi from Mahana Lodge to Picton if you don't feel like walking today (own expense). The water taxi will come and pick you up at either 10.15am (arriving in Picton at 12.30pm) or 11.30am (also arriving in Picton around 12.30-12.45pm). Trip arrangements end on arrival in Picton and the afternoon will be at leisure in this instance.

Meals: B,L

Inclusions

What's included

1 night motel accommodation in Picton (twinshare) with private bathroom
2 nights comfortable lodge along the Queen Charlotte Track (twinshare) with private bathroom
1 breakfast, 3 lunches
Drinking water
Daily luggage transfer - 1 bag/small suitcase per person, must NOT exceed 15kg in weight
Scenic water taxi transfers between Picton and Queen Charlotte Track (Ship Cove, Torea Bay)
Transfers between the hotel and marina in Picton
Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) Track Pass
Excess luggage storage if required (or your hotel in Picton can also arrange this)
** You will also receive the Dreaming of the Great Walks Training Programme including: curated hikes, 90 minute endurance training workshop with a personal trainer, monthly training plan, monthly hike prep workshop, workshops on hiking gear, foot health, functional movement and other areas - plus full support from a team of experts including personal trainer with over 20 years experience, Mindset and Resilience Coach and speakers and experts on various other topics throughout the training programme.

What's not included

Travel to/from Picton before/after the trip
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks other than water
Optional activities, extras and upgrades (such as additional water taxi transfers)
Items of a personal nature (eg. laundry, shopping, internet)
Daypack (there are limited numbers of 30 - 35L daypacks available to hire (additional cost applies). Please request in advance.
Travel insurance

Trail Surface

Multi-use Track

These types of track are regularly maintained and allow for mountain bikers as well as walkers. You should expect to encounter both along the way. Multi-use tracks are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly even, compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, moderately uneven terrain with tree roots and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side.

** Note that mountain bikes are not allowed on the Queen Charlotte Track on the section between Ship Cove and Camp Bay from 1 Dec to 28/29 Feb so walkers will not encounter bikes on the first two days of the walk during that time frame.

Accommodation

Motel

Accommodation is on a twinshare basis in modern rooms with kitchenette facilities for self-catering if required. All linen is provided and bathrooms are ensuite. Laundry facilities are available. The property is conveniently located for dining out options, shops, local walks and points of interest. There is mobile phone reception and wifi available.

Lodge

These properties include public and private lodges. They mostly offer a range of accommodation types, some also including restaurant and bar facilities catering to the public as well as to lodge guests. Some lodges may be smaller and more exclusive. They have unique settings such as beach or water frontage, natural bush surroundings, scenic vantage points and /or no road access. Some have been refurbished to preserve original heritage values and character while also providing modern facilities. Environmentally sustainable operating practices are a focus and some are solar powered. Rooms all have ensuite or private bathrooms, with modern comforts and linen provided. Common lounge and outdoor seating areas create a relaxed homely feel. Mobile phone reception and wifi are limited and not guaranteed.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 4 These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages. These adventures involve walking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Walking each day is over hilly and occasionally steep terrain. Care needs to be taken as there are some steep sections that have a clay surface and are slippery when wet. A very good level of fitness is required and your preparation should include climbing and descending stairs, hills or sand dunes on uneven terrain. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise - swimming, cycling, jogging, stair or hill walking - three to four times a week for three months prior to your journey. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.

Departure dates

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$NZD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Dreaming of the Great Walks - Queen Charlotte Track trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Trip reviews

Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.

Kaitiakitanga

A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Supporting Local

As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.