Queen Charlotte Track: Complete Walking Guide to the Marlborough Sounds
The Queen Charlotte Track is widely considered New Zealand’s most diverse coastal walk. This 73.5-kilometre trail winds through the forested peninsulas of the Marlborough Sounds. It links historic Ship Cove in the north with the quiet shores of Anakiwa in the south. Walkers climb high ridgelines with sweeping sound views, then descend into sheltered bays for a swim or a meal. Unlike many of New Zealand’s multi-day hikes, the Queen Charlotte Track combines genuine wilderness with surprisingly comfortable overnight stays.
Queen Charlotte Track Overview: Ship Cove to Anakiwa
Photo by MarlboroughNZ @BareKiwi
Most walkers complete the track over three to five days. There is no fixed itinerary. Water taxis can drop hikers at almost any point along the route. This makes it one of the most flexible multi-day walks in the country. You can walk the full length, tackle one or two sections, or combine walking with kayaking.
The track begins at Meretoto Ship Cove, a historic reserve. Captain James Cook anchored here on five separate voyages between 1770 and 1777. Since there is no road to Ship Cove, walkers need to arrange a water taxi from Picton to start the track. Most people walk south toward Anakiwa, finishing close to Picton and avoiding a long return journey.
The Queen Charlotte Track is generally graded as easy to intermediate. The longest single day covers around 25 kilometres. The toughest climbing comes on the ridgeline above Kenepuru Sound. Overall, this is an accessible multi-day walk well suited to fit beginners, not just experienced trampers.
Day-by-Day Highlights Along the Track
From Ship Cove, the trail climbs through native bush to a high lookout. On a clear day, views stretch as far as Mount Taranaki on the North Island. The track then descends to Resolution Bay. From there, it continues to the shoreline of Endeavour Inlet, a popular overnight stop with several lodges.
The second day is typically the easiest, as it follows the shoreline for most of its length. Small native birds are common in the forest here. The many beaches along the way make excellent lunch stops. The third day brings the toughest climbing of the entire Queen Charlotte Track, rising from Camp Bay to the Kenepuru Saddle. This ridgeline separates Queen Charlotte Sound from Kenepuru Sound. The views across both inlets rank among the best on the trail.
The final stretch continues along high ridgelines through mānuka and native shrubland. It descends past Mistletoe Bay toward Davies Bay. From there, an easy coastal walk leads to the track’s end at Anakiwa, a short drive from Picton.
Wildlife and Scenery on the Queen Charlotte Track
Photo by Pseudopanax
Conservation work across the Marlborough Sounds has paid off for local wildlife. Bellbirds and tūī fill the forest canopy with song. Kererū move between fruiting trees, and weka often patrol close to the path, especially around lunchtime. Out on the water, stingrays and dolphins are regular sights. Seabirds sweep low across the inlets throughout the day.
The marine environment plays just as large a role as the forest. Mussel farms and salmon operations dot the sounds. Much of that fresh local seafood appears on menus at lodges along the track. Pair a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with fresh Greenshell mussels after a long day of walking. It’s easy to understand why this track has such a loyal following.
Where to Stay: Lodges, Huts, and Campsites
One defining feature of the Queen Charlotte Track is its range of accommodation. Unlike many backcountry routes, walkers can choose comfortable private lodges at several overnight stops. Many include restaurants, hot tubs, and even swimming pools. DOC campsites are also available at points such as Mistletoe Bay and Davies Bay for those who prefer something simpler.
Several operators offer self-guided packages that include accommodation, water taxi transfers, and daily luggage transport between lodges. This setup lets walkers carry only a light daypack each day rather than full overnight gear. Guided multi-day options are also widely available for those who prefer expert local knowledge along the way.
Track Passes and Practical Information
Photo by MarlboroughNZ @BareKiwi
The Queen Charlotte Track crosses both public conservation land and private property. Walkers need a valid track pass for the privately owned sections. Day passes and multi-day passes covering up to five consecutive days are both available. Buy them online or at the Picton Visitor Centre before setting out.
Dogs are not permitted on the track at any time. Treat or boil all drinking water from streams and taps along the route, even where basic supplies exist at campsites. Mobile phone coverage is patchy across much of the Marlborough Sounds. Plan transport and check-ins in advance rather than relying on calls from the trail.
Mountain Biking the Queen Charlotte Track
Beyond walking, the Queen Charlotte Track is one of New Zealand’s longest dual-purpose trails. Mountain bikers can ride the full length year-round. The exception is the busiest summer months, December through February, when the track is reserved for walkers only. A full ride typically takes around 13 hours. Several local operators offer bike hire and shuttle support for riders tackling all or part of the route.
Best Time to Walk the Queen Charlotte Track
Photo by MarlboroughNZ @BareKiwi
The Queen Charlotte Track is walkable in every season thanks to the mild Marlborough climate. Most visitors choose the warmer months between November and March. December through February is the busiest period. Outside summer, the trail is quieter and accommodation easier to book, though warm layers are still worth packing. Weather across the Marlborough Sounds can shift quickly, so come prepared for sun, wind, and rain within the same day.
Getting to the Queen Charlotte Track from Picton
Picton is the gateway to the Queen Charlotte Track. It sits at the northern tip of the South Island, a short ferry ride from Wellington across Cook Strait. Water taxis depart regularly from Picton to Ship Cove and other points along the trail. Most lodges arrange pickups directly with these operators.
For visitors who want to explore more of the wider region, our Marlborough day tours and activities page covers everything from Sounds cruises to local food experiences. The Queen Charlotte Track also sits close to one of the country’s premier winemaking regions. Our New Zealand wine tours page outlines how to pair Marlborough wine tasting with your hiking trip.
Combining the Track with Abel Tasman National Park
Many travellers pair the Queen Charlotte Track with the Abel Tasman Coast Track further west. Both sit within a few hours of each other on the South Island’s northern coast. Our Abel Tasman National Park guide covers New Zealand’s smallest but busiest national park, famous for golden beaches and turquoise water. Combining both tracks into a single Marlborough and Nelson itinerary makes for one of the best coastal hiking trips available anywhere in the South Island.
Queen Charlotte Track
The Queen Charlotte Track winds through the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island, tracing pristine turquoise bays and lush coastal forest. The historic Ship Cove marks its most iconic landmark.
