The Queen Charlotte Track is a unique partnership between the Department of Conservation, Marlborough District Council and private landowners.
Deep in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, South Island, New Zealand, the Queen Charlotte Track stretches 70 km from the legendary Ship Cove to Anakiwa. The track is easier tramping track standard and is suitable for both walkers and mountain bike riders, taking 3-5 days to complete walking, or 2-3 days for mountain bikers.
There are many places to stay along the way, either in private accommodation or in Department of Conservation campsites. Road and boat transport services (who will carry your pack for you each day) are available from Picton. Mountain biking is allowed on the track all year round except for the section from Ship Cove to Kenepuru Saddle, which is closed in the busy summer season between 1 December and 28 February.
View the Queen Charlotte Track brochure (3,560K).
Pass required: A Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (Q.C.T.L.C.) Pass is required for all Q.C.T.L.C. private land between Kenepuru Saddle, Torea Saddle, Te Mahia Saddle and Anakiwa.
More information on the Q.C.T.L.C. Pass
Alert/Important notice
Possum control operation
From 27 May 2013 the department is undertaking a 1080 operation for one day in the Ship Cove/Cannibal Cove area, including part of the Queen Charlotte Track. The operation is highly weather dependent meaning a specific day cannot be confirmed.
Any tracks and camp/amenity areas will be cleared of bait immediately after the drop.
Please follow the instructions on signs placed at normal entry points and of staff on the day of the operation.