Queen Charlotte Track offers plenty of places to go from day trips exploring a section of the track to several days in a lodge resting, relaxing and enjoying the serenity of the Marlborough Sounds. Where to stay when considering walking the Queen Charlotte Track is answered with a number of Department of Conservation campgrounds as well as private operators within the track boundaries. Visitors have even been known to base themselves in Picton and pick off sections of the track using water taxi services when it suits.
Check Queen Charlotte Track Attractions, Things to do, Places to go for must-do activities. Remember to carry insect repellent, sunscreen lotion and water on all walks as well as a clothing layer for temperate changes.
Access to the Queen Charlotte Track is dependent on the goodwill of private landowners hence the focus on respect of the land, ensuring designated campsites are rubbish in, rubbish out with the only mark being footprints. And the purchase of a TRACK PASS to support visitor activities and services.
Fitness levels and walking distances on the Queen Charlotte Track:
- Average fitness levels are judged by the ability to walk up to 20 km a day although this can be tempered by breaks.
- The track is well maintained however in winter the clay surface can be slippery in parts. There are some steep sections which are well documented in the Queen Charlotte Track brochure (see travel pack section for details).
The track start is usually Meretoto Ship Cove as it is closer to Picton where a large percentage of the water taxis are located. In fact it is so popular there is a well regarded day trip to Ship Cove conducted by Cougar Line. The track finish or end point is Anakiwa, a small settlement well versed in hospitality with a string of accommodation options and the well known Outward Board Adventure Centre.
- Frequently asked questions about Queen Charlotte Track?
- I don’t know if I can walk that far every day?
- What does the grade of the walk mean?
Check out the helpful guide Walking track categories by the Department of Conservation on required fitness levels for graded walks.
Queen Charlotte Track estimated walk times
| TRACK SECTION | DISTANCE (KM) | WALK DURATION
Based on Queen Charlotte Track data |
| Meretoto Ship Cove to Resolution Bay | 4.5 | 1 ½ – 2 hours |
| Resolution Bay to head of Endeavour Inlet | 10.5 | 2 ½ – 3 ½ hours |
| Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay / Punga Cove | 12 | 4 hours |
| Camp Bay / Punga Cove to Torea Saddle, Portage Lodge | 24 | 7 – 8 ½ hours |
| Torea Saddle/Portage to Mahia Saddle | 7.5 | 4 hours |
| Te Mahia Saddle to Anakiwa | 12.5 | 4 hours |
Can I catch the water taxi if I don’t think I can walk the long day?
It is part of the joy of the Queen Charlotte Track that you are in charge of how far you walk in a day. There is always a water taxi and/or private accommodation on hand. Payment for water taxis is either cash or pre-booked.
Offers Queen Charlotte Track Multi pick-up and drop-off along the track. Daily luggage transfer. Based in Picton.
- In demand Water Transport
- Transporting tradesmen and equipment to and from the Queen Charlotte Sound
- Quick delivery of building materials and equipment in our high speed barge
- Queen Charlotte Track water transport
- Mountain bikes to the Queen Charlotte Track
- Day walks
- Kayaks and groups
Offer Queen Charlotte Track, Pelorus Sound coves and Nydia Track pick up and drop off services.
Check Queen Charlotte Track Top Things to do for must-do activities. Remember to carry insect repellent, sunscreen lotion and water on all walks as well as a clothing layer for temperate changes.
Queen Charlotte Drive
Queen Charlotte Drive is the ‘secret’ way to enjoy the Marlborough Sounds from a vehicle. It is one of those short magical road trips where you want to turn around and repeat the journey …
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