The Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track runs almost the entire length of New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Sound. The track stretches from Ship Cove to Anakiwa - 71 kilometre (approximately 45 miles) of spectacular walking track passing through historic sites, secluded bays and lush coastal bush. Although the Queen Charlotte Track can be walked from either end, the recommended start is at Ship Cove.

Walk or bike from Resolution Bay on to Tawa Cove and to Endeavour Inlet where you will find Furneaux Lodge.

While most people think of walking as a summer activity, the Marlborough Sounds enjoys a wonderful, temperate climate all year round, making the Queen Charlotte Track an ideal spring, autumn or even winter experience. The most popular season being November to May.

Mountain Bikers

Travelling from Wellington or Christchurch to Picton? Take the afternoon boat to Ships Cove and you will ride through to Furneaux Lodge comfortably for your first night stay.

Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge section of the Queen Charlotte Track

This is an outstanding day walk taking in the history of ships cove, a boat ride through the outer Queen Charlotte Sounds, and some great views over Resolution bay, Tawa Bay and Endeavour Inlet. Arriving at Furneaux Lodge you will have time for a late lunch either in the café bar or in the restaurant. (reservations essential for restaurant) prior to heading out on the afternoon water taxi back to Picton, or stay the night and spend the afternoon kayaking in the inlet.

The Furneaux Lodge to Camp Bay section of the Queen Charlotte Track

This section of the track generally follows the coastline around Endeavour Inlet, much of which consists of regenerating native bush, with a predominance of manuka, kanuka and five finger.

Once farmland, this part of the walkway has reverted to nature and the forest is again resplendent. See groves of tree ferns in the gullies, some wearing "skirts" of old fronds and others standing unadorned such as the tall black tree fern (mamaku). See also a wonderful predominance of manuka, kanuka and broadleaf species such as five finger on the slopes. Small stands of original beech and patches of kohekohe/mahoe remain near the sea.

A wide range of birds inhabit the bush including silvereyes, tomtits and grey warblers.

Track Distances

Ship Cove to Resolution Bay—4km

2 hours: undulating, some fitness required Resolution Bay to Endeavour Inlet - 10km
3 hours: well formed, suited to all age groups Endeavour Inlet to Punga Cove - 11km
4 hours: well formed, suited to all age groups Punga Cove to Torea Saddle - 24.5km
8 hours: challenging, med/good fitness required Torea Saddle to Mistletoe Bay - 8km
3 hours: undulating, some fitness required Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa - 12.5km
4 hours: well formed, suited to all age groups