4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self-guided walk
Accommodation
  • 1 night motel, 3 nights lodge
Meals
  • 4 Lunches

Price

5 daysfrom

$1640NZD

Trip Code: GQC

Trip highlights


  • Hike the full Queen Charlotte Track over four days at your own pace
  • Scenic boat trip along Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Enjoy a comfortable bed and hot shower in scenic locations after a day on the trail
  • Varied walking along shorelines and up onto ridge tops, through native forest and with panoramic views
  • Visit Meretoto/Ship Cove, significant as a landing place and safe haven for explorers in both Maori and European history

Maori legend tells of the formation of the Marlborough Sounds. With its network of sunken river valleys, islands, peaks, idyllic coves and delightful beaches it 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 entire length of this meandering 70 km multi-use trail, taking as much time as you choose each day then staying each night in cosy lodges with all the comforts you need. 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

Make your own way to Picton, the gateway to Marlborough Sounds, and check-in to your tour 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 aqaurium and floating maritime museum.

Meals:  Nil

You will be collected early this morning between 7.00am and 8.00am from your tour accommodation and transferred to the Picton waterfront for a trip briefing before departing on your scenic water taxi journey to Ship Cove (approx 1 - 1.5hrs). (During very busy periods, trip briefings will take place the previous evening; exact timing will be advised with your final documents.) 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 two main ascents and descents today affording wonderful views, plus sections of untouched native forest including a gigantic 1000 year old rimu tree, this day is considered the finest section of the whole track. Concluding at historic Furneaux Lodge, where you spend the night, this truly is a fantastic day.

Meals:  L

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. Information panels at the head of Endeavour Inlet describe local antimony mining operations that burgeoned in the 1880's. It is hard to imagine a village of 800 people at that location now. Explore the 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. Relax in the peace and tranquility of the gardens while listening to evening birdsong. Note: if Mahana Lodge is not available for your dates, you will have the option to stay at Punga Cove Resort or choose an alternative date. Mahana Lodge is a Bed & Breakfast property and therefore includes breakfast in the room rate, which is slightly different to the arrangements for every other night of the trip. Punga Cove is a different style of property and does not include breakfast so if you are staying there (as for every other day of the trip) you have a choice of onsite breakfast options at your own expense.

Meals:  L

Start early today to make the most of every moment as it is the longest day on the whole track. It is also the most challenging but 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, including the short detour to Eatwell's Lookout, named after a local landowner. The rewards are 360 degree views from the lookout, plus far-reaching panoramas of the Marlborough Sounds at every turn. Following the ridgeline for much of the day, be sure to stop for photos and breathe it all in. This is truly a magic section of the track. From Torea Bay Saddle, the track drops down to your accommodation tonight at Portage Hotel, surrounded by native bush and with more superb views over Kenepuru Sound from your room. Optional add-on: it is possible to take a boat trip from Mahana Lodge to Torea Bay, which then requires about a 30 min walk over the hill to Portage Hotel, if you don't feel like walking much today (additional cost applies).

Meals:  L

Ascend from the Portage Hotel to the main track on the ridgeline once again this morning. There is a steep climb for a couple of hours from here but once again the views are rewarding as you look towards Picton. This is the steepest part of the trail today and beyond this the walk mostly descends to sea level, with a few undulations along the way. Pass through manuka scrub, open farmland and a final stretch of beautiful beech forest. A picturesque beach in the sheltered Davies Bay provides an opportune place for a last rest before arriving at Anakiwa, the end of the Queen Charlotte Track. Reflect on the last four amazing days while you wait for your water taxi to whisk you back to Picton, arriving in the late afternoon. Trip arrangements end on arrival at the Picton waterfront. NOTE: if you have chosen the all-inclusive upgrade package, today's walk also begins with an ascent from Lochmara Lodge to the main track on the ridgeline. You will avoid the steep part of the track after that, referred to above, but still have fabulous views towards Picton and all the other highlights of the final track section. The overall walk is 4.5 km / 1 hr shorter today than the standard package (total 16km, 6 hours).

Meals:  L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.



Inclusions

  • 1 night motel accommodation in Picton (twinshare) with private bathroom
  • 3 nights comfortable lodge along the Queen Charlotte Track (twinshare) with private bathroom
  • 4 lunches
  • Drinking water
  • Daily luggage transfer - 1 bag/small suitcase per person, must NOT exceed 15kg in weight
  • Information booklet and route map (one per booking)
  • Scenic water taxi transfers between Picton and Queen Charlotte Track trailheads (Ships Cove, Anakiwa)
  • Transfer from hotel in Picton to marina on first day of walk
  • Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) Track Pass
  • Excess luggage storage if required (or your hotel in Picton can also arrange this)

  • Travel to/from Picton before/after the trip
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Drinks other than water - good drinking water is available at each night's accommodation and at marked locations along the trail
  • Optional activities, extras and upgrades (such as additional water taxi transfers, Motuara Island visit, local guide for first day of walk)
  • Items of a personal nature (eg. laundry, shopping, internet)
  • Daypack and/or Trekking Poles (there are limited numbers available to hire; additional cost applies). Please request in advance.
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

Trail Surface


Accommodation


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. Treks may involve carrying a full pack around 15kg. 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

Daily departures between 1 Oct and 31 May

Notes

1
This package is based on Mahana Lodge for the third night. Punga Cove will be used instead if Mahana Lodge is not available. Chef's Table 3 coure dinner at Mahana Lodge must be pre-booked and is payable locally at $90 per person, subject to change)
2
Single travellers will be required to pay a single supplement for the hotel in Picton. An additional supplement will apply to guarantee a single room at the private lodges.

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

$1640NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement (2023/24 season)NZD$690
  • Child sharing with 2 adults (n/a at Mahana Lodge)NZD$940
  • Single Supplement (2024/25 season)NZD$1090
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Queen Charlotte Self-Guided Walk 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.

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