Safety
The Sounds Foreshore Reserve
Walker at Onahau trig, Queen
Charlotte Walking Track
Public access to most bays and beaches in the Marlborough Sounds is guaranteed by the unique Sounds Foreshore Reserve. This is an approximately 20-metre wide strip of publicly owned land above the mean high water mark. If you use this reserve, please respect the rights of any nearby residents. Some landowners have riparian (private) rights to the foreshore.
Fire
- No fires are permitted in the open. The Marlborough Sounds is a restricted fire area. No fires are allowed unless a permit has been previously obtained from DOC or a Sounds Fire Warden.
- We encourage the use of gas cookers.
- During periods of extreme drought and high fire risk, the track may be closed and open fires are prohibited.
Water
- DOC cannot guarantee that giardia is not present in the water at the campsites or in the streams. All water should be treated, filtered or boiled for 3 minutes to make it safe to drink.
- Don’t use soap in streams.
- Always carry drinking water, particularly between Kenepuru and Te Mahia saddles.
- Water taps are provided at the DOC campsites and washing sinks are provided in the cooking shelters.
- Water supplies are limited, so use sparingly.
- During dry seasons a water supply may be empty.
Outward Bound School
The Outward Bound School at Anakiwa owns the Anakiwa jetty and requires access to it at all times. Boat owners should use Tirimoana jetty, 800 metres away. However, the Outward Bound School welcomes visitors enquiring about the school and the courses it provides. www.outwardbound.co.nz
Private land
Sections of the track cross private land near to private houses and baches. Please respect the owners’ property and do not take vehicles, firearms or dogs on the track. The sections of track on these properties only exist through the good will and cooperation of the land owners.
Rubbish
There are no rubbish facilities along the track: please take your rubbish away with you. Walkers leaving the track at Punga Cove are required to take their rubbish back with them to Picton.
Wasps
German wasp
Wasps are common in late summer and autumn, particularly on beech trees. Carry antihistamines if you are allergic to their stings.
Pigs
While walking or riding, you may notice the ground disturbed in places alongside the track. This may be caused by wild pigs rooting for worms, grubs and plant roots. Pigs are rarely seen by walkers and if you are lucky enough to meet one, the pig will usually take fright and quickly disappear into the bush.
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