Your ultimate guide to New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte Track

For a bucket list trek showcasing the best of New Zealand’s coastal views, verdant forests and spectacular waterways, look no further than the Queen Charlotte Track at the top of the south.

The Marlborough Sounds – an intricate maze of waterways and steep, forested hills at the north-eastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island – is an exhilarating landscape. Formed by rising seas that drowned ancient valleys millions of years ago, it blends rugged hills with a dazzling network of coves, peninsulas and islands. It’s a world that feels untouched and timeless.

It’s through this sparsely populated landscape that the iconic Queen Charlotte Track stretches like a ribbon for 73.5 kilometres, from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa. It invites adventurers to pass through its native forests and historic bays, along skyline ridges and through geological and cultural history, with panoramic views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds and their astonishing 1500 kilometres of coastline on tap.

Hike the iconic Queen Charlotte Track for a journey through nature and history.

The Queen Charlotte Track

The one-way trail is a shared path, both an iconic walking track and one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Rides’ for mountain bikers. You can cover the whole distance hiking (‘tramping’, if you want to speak Kiwi) over four or five days or two to three days by bike, and can travel solo or with a tour group.

Don’t want to tackle it all at once? Pick a section to do as a day walk, taking water transfers in and out. Or pick your accommodation and try a few different parts of the track over a wilderness weekend.

While Māori people have occupied the Sounds for at least 800 years, the track itself began as a network of paths carved by European pioneers. Remnants of their communities are now protected, their histories signposted through the track.

Beginning at Ship Cove, where the first sustained contact between Māori and Europeans took place, the walk gives wilderness and wildlife lovers a chance to experience some of New Zealand’s ancient bushland. You’ll find towering native beech and podocarp forests through to lush lowland bush with punga groves and wetlands.

Sections of the track cross land that was previously farmed but is now returning to native bush. It’s here the cover of palms and manuka and kanuka trees gives protection to ferns, flowering orchids and emerging seedlings, the forest giants of the future. These sections offer sudden and stunning views of the blue waters below – they’re perfect places to stop for a break or to take a photo or 50.

Bird life is prolific, so listen out for the calls of the tūī and bellbird. You’re sure to meet a few inquisitive wekas, but don’t be tempted to feed them.

Bridges connect the adventure when you bike though Queen Charlotte Track.

Who to go with

While you can make your own way along the track, tried and tested adventure companies can make the journey easier and provide insights, support and even gear en route, whether hiking, mountain biking or taking an e-bike (or a combo of all three).

Wilderness Guides has been known for crafting premium adventures through the Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track for 23 years, sharing local knowledge of the area’s nature, wildlife and history. Enjoy hiking or mountain biking the scenic trails with a friendly and experienced guide. Choose from single and multi-day guided or independent packages, with options for luggage transfers, premium accommodation and restaurant dining.

Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company makes journeys hassle-free with kayaking, walking and biking experiences to suit your ability and expectations, just as they’ve done for 28 years. Guided walks include accommodation, meals and luggage transfers, while freedom walks offer independence with essential support. Mountain biking challenges riders with rough terrain and steep sections, perfect for two- or three-day adventures.

Choose guided or independent hikes and bike trips with expert guides and top-notch stays.

What to bring

Even travelling on your own, one of the best things about doing the Queen Charlotte Track is not having to lug your own heavy pack. It’s easy to arrange luggage transfers to your next accommodation, so you only ever need a light day pack for essentials like water and snacks. A number of transport companies – like Cougar Line, Beachcomber Cruises and E-ko Tours – operate water taxi services to make life easier and lighten your load.

While the track is usually in good condition it can get muddy after rain, so hikers need sturdy walking shoes or boots and a decent level of fitness to manage the track’s elevations and descents. Bikers require an even higher level of fitness, with some sections most suited to experienced riders.

The weather can change quickly, so be prepared for different conditions. And don’t forget sun protection. You’re also going to want your camera, this is a place of true beauty.

Lighten your load on the Queen Charlotte Track with easy luggage transfers.

Where to stay

Immersed in forest and surrounded by a constant thrum of crickets, you may feel far removed from the rest of the world. But accommodation options abound for multi-day trips, from campsites and backpacker hostels to cosy lodges and luxury resorts.

Around 4.5 hours from the start of the track, down a bush path, waterside Tawa Cove Cabins is a perfect first-night stopover. These secluded modern log cabins tucked into the hill offer a welcome reward after the day’s work. If you’ve still got energy, take a dip, drop a fishing line or explore a little more of Marlborough Sounds up close by kayak or paddle board. Home-cooked dinners can be delivered to your door, where you can enjoy the views from the deck before sinking into well-earned slumber in your comfy bed.

Want to add some five-star luxury to your hike? Bay of Many Coves is what you’re looking for. Nestled between native bush and a private bay, the resort offers a choice of stylish one- to three-bedroom apartments, with more private walking trails and pristine waterways to explore. Stay longer to indulge in a spa treatment, lounge around the pool or build up your energy with delicious fine dining from any of the three restaurants, or just chill while watching dolphins and fur seals from your deck.

Escape to a private bay with trails and a stylish stay. (Image: Bay of Many Coves)

What you need to know

Most of the Queen Charlotte Track is wide and well-formed with some toilet facilities and benches along the way (did we mention those views?). All major streams are bridged.

While the track isn’t arduous, visitors should have a reasonable level of fitness, and some pre-trip training is advisable. (But a water taxi option is only a phone call away if you’re not up to it on the day.)

Accommodation is plentiful but book well in advance to nab your preferred spot. While the track is open all year round, some accommodation providers operate seasonally.

A Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative Pass is required to cross private land between Kenepuru Saddle and the end at Anakiwa; if you’re completing this section or the entire track you’ll need to purchase the pass before starting. These can be bought from the Marlborough tourism offices in Blenheim and Picton, or through the QCTLC Queen Charlotte Track app. The app is also useful for tracking wildlife spotted in the area.

Always check track conditions before you set out, and leave your dogs at home.

Start planning your  Queen Charlotte Track adventure.