Queen Charlotte Sound walking tracks
Track category
Walking track
Description
Lochmara Bay, Queen Charlotte
Sound
Governors Bay Track
Time: 10 min one way
This walking track leads to a wonderful swimming beach from Queen Charlotte Drive.
Kumutoto Bay Track
Time: 1 hr return
This is a short walk in inner Queen Charlotte Sound.
Mistletoe Bay tracks
The two walking tracks here are:
- James Vogel Track, 45 minute circular track with a link to the Queen Charlotte.
- Peninsula Walk, 1 hour round trip on the peninsula between Mistletoe and Waterfall bays.
Motuara Island Track
Time: 30 min one way
The track on this predator-free island leads to a lookout over outer Queen Charlotte Sound.
Getting there
Queen Charlotte Drive, between Picton and Havelock, is the main road in the Sounds. Other roads are narrow, winding, and most are unsealed.
Water taxi services are available from Picton, Havelock, and French Pass to parts of the Sounds. You can also hire yachts, launches, motor boats, and sea kayaks.
Places to stay
There are no huts or campsites on these walks.
Accommodation at Mistletoe Bay is run by a Trust.
Plan and prepare
- The weather in the Sounds is generally mild, but conditions can change quickly, especially on the water. Ensure that you have adequate equipment and experience, and, if you are going out on the water, check the marine weather forecast.
- Light fires only in designated areas.
- Boil, filter, or treat water for drinking. On some tracks you must carry water.
- In late summer and autumn, carry antihistamine if allergic to wasp stings.
Guides and commercial tourism providers