Queen Charlotte Track. Photo: Gideon Climo

Queen Charlotte Track

Nelson/Marlborough region

Map showing location of Nelson/Marlborough region.

Deep in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, South Island, New Zealand, is the spectacular Queen Charlotte Track. Stretching from the legendary Ship Cove to Anakiwa, home of the Outward Bound school, the track passes through lush coastal forest, around historic bays and along skyline ridges, affording travellers unsurpassed views of both Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. The 71-kilometre track is easy walking track standard and is suitable for both walkers and mountain bike riders, taking three to five days to complete walking, or two to three days for mountain bikers. Much of the track’s charm is its relative ease of access, which allows visitors to walk or bike the track in sections. It is also possible for visitors to arrange for a boat operator to transport their packs between accommodation places. Historic Ship Cove is the favoured point for beginning the track.

There are many places to stay along the way, either in private accommodation or in Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites. Road and boat transport services are available from Picton. Queen Charlotte Track is classified as a walking track, being wide and benched. All the major streams are bridged; however stout walking boots and a good level of fitness are required.

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 (please read the mountain biking section for more information).

Track category

Plan and prepare for a walking track.

Walking track Walking track

Time:  

3-5 days one way

Distance:  

71 km

Highlights:

Boat at jetty, Marlborough Sounds.

Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds are renowned for their scenic blend of bush-clad hills and tranquil bays.

Long Island as seen from Motuara Island, Queen Charlotte Sound.

Long Island - Kokomohua Marine Reserve

Accessible only by boat, Long Island - Kokomohua Marine Reserve offers visitors the chance to explore an environment typical of the Marlborough Sounds.

 
 
Maps

Parkmaps are detailed maps for those visiting and using New Zealand's national parks and other conservation land. They are available from DOC visitor centres.

Information

Nelson/Marlborough track update

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry
all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Contact

For more information about the Queen Charlotte Track, contact:

Picton Visitor Centre i-SITE Information Centre
Phone:      +64 3 520 3113
Address:   The Foreshore
Picton
Email:   picton@i-SITE.org
Full office details

or

Nelson Regional Visitor Centre
Phone:      +64 3 546 9339
Address:   Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa
79 Trafalgar Street
Nelson 7010
Email:   nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details