Queen Charlotte Track

New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track is a stunning 71 km coastal walk through the Marlborough Sounds, offering a mix of native bush, secluded bays, and panoramic sea views. This well-maintained track can be tackled as a multi-day tramp or broken into day walks, with water taxis providing flexible transport between sections. The track is famed for its lush scenery, abundant birdlife, and the chance to spot dolphins and seals in the sounds below.

Highlights & What to See

• Tōtaranui / Queen Charlotte Sound – the track's namesake, with crystalline waters perfect for a refreshing dip after a hike.
• Mistletoe Bay – a sheltered cove with a campground and eco-accommodation, ideal for a peaceful overnight stop.
• Ship Cove – the historic starting point where Captain Cook made landfall; a monument and interpretive panels tell the story.
• Kenepuru Sound views – from the ridgeline, gaze across the intricate waterways of the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds.
• Fur seal colonies – look for seals basking on rocks near the shoreline, especially around the outer reaches of the sound.
• Native forest – walk through towering beech and podocarp forest, home to bellbirds, kererū, and the occasional kākā.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers take 3 to 5 days to complete the full track, staying at lodges or campsites along the way. If you're short on time, pick a section like the 11 km from Ship Cove to Resolution Bay for a rewarding half-day walk. Water taxis make it easy to start and finish at different points, so you can tailor the experience to your schedule. Allow at least a full day for any single section to truly soak in the scenery.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Picton – the gateway town to the Marlborough Sounds, with a lively waterfront, cafes, and the Edwin Fox maritime museum.
• Marlborough wine region – just south of Picton, explore world-class Sauvignon Blanc vineyards and cellar doors in Blenheim and Renwick.
• Abel Tasman National Park – a 2-hour drive west, this golden-sand paradise offers the Abel Tasman Coast Track and kayaking adventures.
• Kaikōura – 1.5 hours south, famous for whale watching, seal colonies, and fresh crayfish.

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