Queen Charlotte Track

Winding along the ridgelines and coves of the Marlborough Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track is one of New Zealand's most celebrated multi-day walks. This 70 km trail offers a perfect blend of coastal forest, panoramic sea views, and rich history, all wrapped in a mild climate that makes it accessible year-round. Whether you hike the full route or sample sections by boat, you'll be rewarded with the serene beauty of the Sounds and a genuine sense of escape.

Highlights & What to See

• Ship Cove – The traditional start point, where Captain Cook made landfall five times; a monument and interpretation panels set the scene.
• Furneaux Lookout – A short side track from the main trail delivers a jaw-dropping panorama of Queen Charlotte Sound and the outer islands.
• Resolution Bay – A peaceful cove with a historic whaling station site and a lovely beach for a swim.
• Echo Peak – The highest point on the track (487 m), offering 360-degree views over both Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
• Mistletoe Bay – A sheltered inlet with a DOC campsite and kayak hire; perfect for a mid-trail overnight.
• Anakiwa – The southern terminus, with a swingbridge over the Grove Arm and easy access to water taxis back to Picton.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers allow 3 to 5 days to complete the entire track, staying at DOC huts or private lodges along the way. If you're short on time, the best day-walk section is from Ship Cove to Resolution Bay (about 4–5 hours), which packs in the most dramatic coastal scenery. Alternatively, mountain bikers can tackle the full route in 1–2 days (the track is dual-use). Plan to end each day at a water-taxi-accessible bay so you can lighten your pack by having luggage transferred.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Picton – The gateway town for the Marlborough Sounds, with the Edwin Fox museum and a lively waterfront.
• Marlborough Wine Region – Just a 30-minute drive from Picton, world-famous for Sauvignon Blanc; stop for tasteries at Cloudy Bay or Brancott Estate.
• Kaikōura – Two hours south, famous for whale watching, dolphin encounters, and the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway.
• Abel Tasman National Park – A 3-hour drive north offers golden beaches and the Abel Tasman Coast Track, another great multi-day option.
• Nelson Lakes National Park – About 2.5 hours west, with alpine lakes and the shorter Lake Rotoiti Nature Walk.

Please check official sources for current details.