3-5 Days 70 km

Highlights

  • Views of Queen Charlotte Sounds
  • Undisturbed native forest
  • Mix n match walking, kayaking or cycling

Proximity

Easy - Intermediate

Stunning coastal views and native bush make the Queen Charlotte Track a uniquely Marlborough walking and biking experience.

Marlborough
Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough

Queen Charlotte Track itinerary

The Queen Charlotte Track offers a spectacular journey by foot or bike. Discover historic bays, skyline ridges and unsurpassed views of the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

Day 1

Ship Cove/Meretoto > Endeavour Inlet

Begin with a scenic cruise to Ship Cove and explore one of Captain Cook’s favourite places. Climb upwards through rich native forest to a ridge dominated by beech trees and great views of Queen Charlotte Sound. From here the track descends into Resolution Bay before rising again and winding down to the Shoreline of Endeavour Inlet.

5 hours walking

Day 2

Endeavour Inlet > Camp Bay

Day two is an easy walk, following the shoreline for most of today where the forest is rich in small birds. The many small beaches you will pass make great places to stop for lunch.

4 hours walking 

Day 3

Camp Bay > Torea Saddle

Today is the longest and most challenging section of the journey, as you climb out of Camp Bay to the Kenepuru Saddle. The ridgeline here separates Queen Charlotte Sound from Kenepuru Sound offering stunning panoramic views across the sounds, before descending to Torea Saddle and Portage Bay, where you can rest for the night.

8 hours walking

Day 4

Torea > Anakiwa

Enjoy more amazing views as you climb the ridgeline and wind your way through shrubs and manuka towards Mistletoe Bay. Follow old bridle paths high above the water as you make your way around the point and descend into Davies Bay. The final section is an easy walk to the track end at Anakiwa.

8 hours walking

Department of Conservation

Click on the link below for more information and detailed maps about this hike.

Queen Charlotte Track(opens in new window)

More information

Getting there

  • Most people begin the track at Ship Cove.
  • As there is no road to Ship Cove, you will need to arrange water transport  in Picton.
  • Some commercial operators will carry your pack between your overnight stays.

Need to know

  • This is a shared-use track for hikers and mountain bikers.
  • Sections of the track require a track pass, which can be purchased from the Picton, Blenheim and Havelock i-SITE Visitor Information Centres.
  • There are seven DOC self-registration campsites.
  • Private accommodation is available right along the track. 

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