Queen Charlotte Track
Hike or bike 71km through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, with turquoise bays, lush forests, and luxurious lodges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Queen Charlotte Track
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike or bike 71km through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, with turquoise bays, lush forests, and luxurious lodges.
"An amazing hike! Beautiful views, an easy and well marked trail, and plenty of nice benches to enjoy the stunning views."
👟 Wear sturdy footwear
The Queen Charlotte Track is well-maintained but can have muddy sections. Good walking shoes are essential.
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially on longer Queen Charlotte walks. Refill points are available at lodges.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marlborough Sounds Vistas
Various points along the track
Experience breathtaking turquoise bays and lush green forests. The Queen Charlotte Sound walk offers stunning coastal scenery. ,
Luxury Lodge Stays
Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove Resort, Bay of Many Coves
Indulge in comfortable stays with delicious meals after a day of walking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track. ,
+1
Diverse Forested Sections
Mid-track areas
Trek through native beech and podocarp forests, with regenerating bush adding to the natural beauty. ,
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Accommodation Early
, Consider Transport Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy footwear
The Queen Charlotte Track is well-maintained but can have muddy sections. Good walking shoes are essential.
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially on longer Queen Charlotte walks. Refill points are available at lodges.
📱 Download offline maps
Cell service can be spotty. An offline Queen Charlotte Track map is a lifesaver for navigation.
📸 Capture the views
Bring your camera! The Queen Charlotte Sound walk offers countless photo opportunities.,
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy footwear
The Queen Charlotte Track is well-maintained but can have muddy sections. Good walking shoes are essential.
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially on longer Queen Charlotte walks. Refill points are available at lodges.
📱 Download offline maps
Cell service can be spotty. An offline Queen Charlotte Track map is a lifesaver for navigation.
📸 Capture the views
Bring your camera! The Queen Charlotte Sound walk offers countless photo opportunities.,
🚲 Bike or Hike?
The Queen Charlotte Track is suitable for both biking and hiking. Choose based on your preference!,
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Queen Charlotte Track's stunning Marlborough Sounds scenery and well-maintained paths, making it a joy for both hikers and bikers. The option to stay in beautiful lodges adds a touch of luxury to the adventure. Some find the track can be a bit muddy at times, and water taxi logistics require advance planning.
"An easy well maintained track shared with cyclists. A few muddy sections. Some lovely view points."
Kim-Anh Nguyen
"What an amazing hike!!! If you get the chance to hike it, do it!
Me and my friend hiked it over four days, three long days and a shorter one to finish the hike. We stayed at Furneaux Lodge, Ngahere Hou (stay here if possible, it was an absolute dream!!) and Mistletoe Eco Village. We were very happy with all the accommodations!
Beautiful views, an easy and well marked trail and plenty of nice benches to sit and enjoy the stunning views. Would do it again in a heartbeat! ⭐"
Fia Lindstedt
"Loved it, ran it over 3 days, Punga Cove, Portage resorts for accommodation. Both in amazing locations with all the necessary facilities. The track itself is well maintained and well sign posted, such a beautiful location and many amazing views."
Brian Lawson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors start from Picton. You'll typically take a water taxi or ferry to the trailhead, often Ship Cove. Plan your Queen Charlotte Track boat transport in advance.,
Key access points include Meretoto (Ship Cove) at the northern end and Anakiwa at the southern end. Picton is the main hub for Queen Charlotte tours.,
While there's no direct public transport to the very start, you can get to Picton via bus or ferry, and then arrange water taxis or shuttles.
You cannot drive directly to most trailheads. Parking is available in Picton, from where you'll arrange onward transport.
Water taxis are essential for accessing different sections and for transport between accommodations. Cougar Line is a popular operator.,
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Queen Charlotte Track pass is required for overnight stays and for day use if you're not staying at a DOC campsite. Book in advance.
Pass fees vary depending on whether you're camping or staying in lodges. Check the official DOC website for current pricing for the Queen Charlotte walking track.
Absolutely! Booking Queen Charlotte Track accommodation, including lodges and campsites, online is highly recommended and often required.,
Yes, many companies offer Queen Charlotte Track guided walk and Queen Charlotte Track packages, which can simplify logistics.,
The Queen Charlotte Track is open year-round. However, weather can impact conditions, so always check for any DOC Queen Charlotte Track alerts.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The full Queen Charlotte Track is approximately 71 kilometers (44 miles) long, typically completed over 3-5 days.,
Yes, there are several excellent Queen Charlotte Track day walks. Popular options include Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge or Torea to Punga Cove.,
Yes, biking Queen Charlotte Track is popular. It's a fantastic mountain biking trail, though some sections can be challenging.,
Many find the coastal sections with stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds to be the best part of the Queen Charlotte Track.,
While generally open, always check for any Queen Charlotte Track closed sections due to weather or maintenance before you go.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lodges along the track offer meals, and some have small stores. You can also pack your own food for a more budget-friendly Queen Charlotte walk.,
Limited supplies are available at some lodges and resorts. It's best to stock up in Picton before you start your Queen Charlotte hike.
Yes, most Queen Charlotte Track lodges offer dining services, often with beautiful views.,
Some Queen Charlotte accommodation providers may offer meal packages or arrangements. Inquire when booking your Queen Charlotte accommodation.
For a multi-day Queen Charlotte trek, consider a mix of packed lunches, snacks, and pre-booked meals at lodges to balance cost and convenience.,
📸 📸 Photography
Look for elevated viewpoints overlooking the Marlborough Sounds, secluded bays, and the unique flora. Ship Cove and the saddle crossings offer great shots.,
Early morning and late afternoon light create beautiful golden hour shots. Midday can be harsh but still offers stunning turquoise water colors.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near lodges and private property. Always check local regulations before flying.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive views.
Yes, keep an eye out for native birds and marine life like dolphins and eagle rays, especially near the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many lodges offer family-friendly rooms and meals, making overnight stays more comfortable. Booking Queen Charlotte accommodation that caters to families is recommended. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly in the Marlborough Sounds. The Queen Charlotte Sound walk provides beautiful, engaging scenery without being overly strenuous for most families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and cooking at campsites will significantly reduce costs compared to dining at lodges. Utilize water taxis strategically for transport, and consider group bookings if traveling with friends to share costs. While some Queen Charlotte tours can be pricey, a Queen Charlotte Track self-guided trip focusing on camping is very achievable on a budget.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider a Queen Charlotte Track itinerary that balances activity with relaxation. Shorter walks, scenic boat cruises, and enjoying local Marlborough wine can enhance the romantic experience. The tranquility of the Sounds and the beautiful sunsets create an idyllic atmosphere for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Queen Charlotte Track: A Hiker's and Biker's Guide
Logistics are a significant part of the Queen Charlotte Track experience. Unlike many mainland tracks, access and movement along the trail heavily rely on water taxis and boat transport. Companies like Cougar Line are vital for shuttling hikers and bikers between trailheads and accommodations. This means booking your Queen Charlotte Track accommodation and transport well in advance is crucial, especially during peak seasons. Consider whether you prefer self-guided freedom or the convenience of Queen Charlotte Track guided walk packages.,
When planning your Queen Charlotte trek, remember that while the track is generally well-marked, carrying a Queen Charlotte Track map and a reliable GPS device or app is advisable. The terrain varies from coastal paths with sweeping views of the turquoise Queen Charlotte Sound to inland saddles and forested sections. Be prepared for some muddy patches, especially after rain, and always check for any DOC Queen Charlotte Track alerts regarding closures or conditions.,
Queen Charlotte Track Accommodation: From Luxury to Eco-Friendly
For those seeking a more immersive experience or on a tighter budget, there are also excellent campgrounds and eco-villages available. Ngahere Hou is frequently mentioned as a dream stay, highlighting the quality of even the more secluded options. When booking, consider the Queen Charlotte accommodation map to align your lodging with your daily walking or biking plans. Many accommodations are accessible only by water taxi, so coordinate your arrival and departure times.
It's important to note that Queen Charlotte accommodation can book up months in advance, particularly for the popular lodges. Booking your Queen Charlotte walk accommodation early is essential to secure your preferred spots and ensure a smooth Queen Charlotte trek. Some places offer Queen Charlotte Track packages that might include meals and transport, simplifying your planning.,
Biking the Queen Charlotte Track: Thrills and Scenery
When planning to cycle Queen Charlotte Track, consider a Queen Charlotte Track itinerary that allows for at least two days to fully enjoy the ride. Many riders opt for a Queen Charlotte Track self-guided trip, using water taxis to access different sections and staying at lodges along the way. The scenery is a major draw, with the trail weaving through native bush and offering spectacular views of the Marlborough Sounds.
For those looking for the best way to MTB Queen Charlotte Track in 2 days, strategizing your water taxi pickups and drop-offs is key. Popular routes often involve starting from Meretoto and finishing at Anakiwa, or vice versa. Remember to pack appropriate gear, including a helmet and repair kit, and be prepared for varying weather conditions. The biking Queen Charlotte Track is an unforgettable way to experience this stunning part of New Zealand.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit