Queen Charlotte Track
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Queen Charlotte Track
Time: From 1 hour to 5 days one way, Total Distance: 70 km
The Queen Charlotte Track is less fashionable that its Abel Tasman neighbour but with less people and killer scenery, traveller feedback suggests its a sleeping giant worth visiting. Most people walking the whole track start at Ship Cove (see map) which is only accessible by water taxi. Many people also choose to take water taxis or drive to access a short walk along other parts of the track from places like Anakiwa. You can also get your gear transported by boat leaving you to walk or bike in comfort, this also means you can skip some sections if you want a rest! Accommodation along the track ranges from campsites to 5 star resorts so its an experience for everyone.
Do realise that this track is also open to mountain bikers all year. Remember they can get just as much of a fright as you when you encounter one another. There are no bikes allowed on the section between Ship Cove and Kenepuru Head between December and February.
You need to buy a Track Pass to access the private land sections of track. Please see www.qctlc.com for more information on the Pass and where to buy it.
$10 for a day pass
$18 for a multiday pass
$25 for a yearly seasonal pass
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC MarlboroughCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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3.0/5
A straightforward hike but some areas through regrowth bush and less pristine areas.
Also busy as part of the Te Araroa trail.
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4.5/5
We only did a short track to the lookout but it had nice views and good sign postage all along the way.
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3.5/5
We could not start early enough to take the boat to Ship Cove, so we just did the first little section of the walk from Anakiwa - there could be maybe boats for late people.......
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4.5/5
The walk is quite nice even if you are doing just a day walk.
And, I think the DOC huts are quite cheap, you also have a great view over the bay.
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4.5/5
Very beautiful walk, did not expect it to be so beautiful on top of the mountains after walking through the forest.
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5.0/5
Great walk, a great start to the South Island.
We went 12.5km each way. Easy fitness level - is just fine.
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4.5/5
Great walk, no problems on the way, we decided to do just the free part of the track.
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4.0/5
We did a small return trip to the first lookout.
The path is nice and fresh and offers a very nice view at the lookout. A well chosen idea if you only want a 10km track.
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4.0/5
We have paid for a water taxi, it took us to Ship Cove, we have split the trek into three days, 27, 25, 22km, campsites are really cool.
The water taxi could take your luggage during the trip (included in the fare), very beautiful multi day trip with astonishing views, water taxi was a little bit too expensive.
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3.0/5
The toilets were disgusting.
The view and the main track was nice. Too long distance between campsites.
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3.5/5
We could not start early enough to take the boat to Ship Cove, so we just did the first little section of the walk from Anakiwa - there could be maybe boats for late people.......
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4.5/5
The walk is quite nice even if you are doing just a day walk.
And, I think the DOC huts are quite cheap, you also have a great view over the bay.
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4.5/5
Very beautiful walk, did not expect it to be so beautiful on top of the mountains after walking through the forest.
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4.5/5
We only did a short track to the lookout but it had nice views and good sign postage all along the way.
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3.0/5
A straightforward hike but some areas through regrowth bush and less pristine areas.
Also busy as part of the Te Araroa trail.
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4.0/5
We did a small return trip to the first lookout.
The path is nice and fresh and offers a very nice view at the lookout. A well chosen idea if you only want a 10km track.
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4.0/5
We have paid for a water taxi, it took us to Ship Cove, we have split the trek into three days, 27, 25, 22km, campsites are really cool.
The water taxi could take your luggage during the trip (included in the fare), very beautiful multi day trip with astonishing views, water taxi was a little bit too expensive.
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4.5/5
Great walk, no problems on the way, we decided to do just the free part of the track.
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5.0/5
Great walk, a great start to the South Island.
We went 12.5km each way. Easy fitness level - is just fine.
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4.5/5
If you only have one day in the area and want to do a section of the track, do this!
Camp Bay to Endeavour Inlet. It is free, you go through rainforest, see great views of Charlotte Sounds, plenty of running streams.
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5.0/5
It is great that you do not have to walk the whole track if you do not have time, for 3-5 days.
We did just a part of it and the view on the top was great. Incredible!
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5.0/5
Stunning natural beauty, fairly predictable weather and like minded outdoorsy folk.
A must do!!
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3.5/5
Only did part of the track but felt there could have been less trees blocking the views but was amazing scenery when we did see it.
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4.5/5
Very nice track with a lot of nice views!
Awesome, small beaches. A lot of nice, friendly people.
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4.5/5
We stayed at Anakiwa and walked until the lookout point.
Very stunning view over the Sounds, really lovely!! Sometimes the walk is a little squishy, but that is part of it.
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3.5/5
Very well used.
The track was busy. Very beautiful, but a muddy, muddy track. Transport to and from the track was expensive.
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3.5/5
Day trip along Mistletoe Bay to Hilltop, nice and lovely, but is less spectacular than Abel Tasman, nice views of the Sounds.
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4.5/5
We walked a section of the track to a fantastic view point.
Amazing views from the top of the hill.
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4.5/5
Well prepared path.
We cycled it with our little one from 1.5 years old in the backseat of the bike. Nice views.
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4.5/5
Biking from Torea Bay to Camp Bay was a physically challenging but very rewarding experience.
The track offers spectacular views of the Sounds, particularly Eatwell's Lookout (worth the 15 minute hike up!).
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