The Queen Charlotte Track is 73km of incredible views, brilliant coastal scenery and lush native forests. Most people walk the full length of the track over 4-5 days.
An easy, convenient and economical way to get to and from the Queen Charlotte Track from Picton is with the Round Trip Track Pass.
This pass includes water transfers with Cougar Line to Ship Cove/Meretoto to start the track, and pick up at Anakiwa at the end, plus daily luggage transfers to your next stop's accommodation.
Sorry we do not offer a pickup service.
Picton has a number of pay and display parking areas which allow overnight stays. We suggest leaving plenty of time for car parking during busy summer months before your check-in time.
Council info on parking in Picton
We can arrange accommodation and water transfers to and from Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove in Endeavour Inlet, depending on availability. We can also provide advice on all accommodation options along the track.
Yes we can, to many accommodation points along the track. Ask about our luggage transfer service when booking your trip with us.
Our Round Trip Track Pass includes daily bag transfers.
Definitely. Check out our Cruise & Walk options to spend a day on the track, or stay one or more nights along the track and tell us where you want to be dropped off and picked up when you book.
In the summer there are up to three daily departures to choose from.
The most popular way to walk the Queen Charlotte Track is north to south, from Ship Cove/Meretoto to Anakiwa.
If you’re walking or biking between Punga Cove and Davies Bay (near Anakiwa) along the Queen Charlotte Track, you’ll require a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) pass to access sections of the track that cross private land.
Passes are available for purchase from the Cougar Line office and aren’t included in Cougar Line’s standard fares.
Ticket fees:
School children are free
Most people walk the full length of the 73km Queen Charlotte Track over 4 days, for example:
Day 1: Ship Cove/Meretoto - Furneaux Lodge
Day 2: Furneaux Lodge – Punga Cove
Day 3: Punga Cove – Torea Saddle
Day 4: Torea Saddle – Anakiwa
For details on this itinerary see our Suggested walk itinerary
It's key that you are prepared, even on a day outing along the Queen Charlotte Track. We suggest you bring the following.
Each section is different in length and grade - with walk times ranging from 4 - 8hrs.
For full details on length, time to walk, gradient and difficulty go to Suggested Walk Itinerary
For walkers it is. Thanks to Marlborough’s temperate climate and the track’s low altitude, it is safe to walk throughout the year. Just ensure you pack plenty of warm clothing in winter.
For mountain bikers, Ship Cove/Meretoto to Punga Cove is closed from 1 December to the end of February each year – the stretch from Punga Cove to Anakiwa is open year-round.
Sturdy footwear such as hiking boots or sneakers are recommended. The track is well-graded, wide and solid but there may be mud and slippery patches after rain.
No. The Queen Charlotte Track has a number of DOC and private campsites and a range of lodges, including budget-friendly backpacker options, but no tramping huts.
For more info on what's available see Accommodation along the track
Water is available at accommodation along the track - to buy and on tap where you're staying. DOC campsites along the track have untreated tank water that must be boiled before drinking. You should always carry enough drinking water for the day.
Yes – there are campsites at Resolution Bay, Endeavour Inlet, Portage, Mistletoe Bay and Davies Bay.
For more information visit Accommodation along the track
