The Queen Charlotte Track
Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
Located at the top of the South Island, the Queen Charlotte is one of
New Zealand's most spectacular walking tracks. It is also one of
the most easily accessible, offering a spectacular trip through the Marlborough
Sounds, from the historic Ship Cove through to Anakiwa in the Grove Arm.
The track spans some 71 km. It passes through lush coastal forest, meanders
around historic bays, and along skyline ridges with 
spectacular
views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
Most of the track is wide and benched, and all major streams have been
bridged.
The entire 71 kilometres of the Queen Charlotte Track
is open to mountain biking from March to the end of November.
The track passes through a variety of vegetation types, from grassy farmland
to undisturbed native forests. At sea level, the forests are particularly
lush. Ferns, tree ferns, nikau palms, climbing kiekie vines and perching
plants make up a spectacular coastal forest.
Several forest birds are common along the track, including the bellbird,
tui, fantails and the weka. Along the shoreline shags (cormorants), gannets,
terns and shearwaters can also be glimpsed.
There are a number of accommodation options along the track route, providing
cabin, motel and hotel lodgings and tent sites, as well as a number of
DOC campsites, each with toilets and a water supply.
The entire track can be enjoyed in 3-5 days. Shorter walks are easily
arranged and provide a wonderful experience. If you prefer mountain biking
then around 13 hours is needed to complete the entire length of
the Queen Charlotte Track.
Queen Charlotte Track Tribute:
Important steps have been taken to protect the future of the Queen Charlotte Track to ensure it will always be a place of rare beauty and freedom. From 1 October 2007 all adult
unguided track visitors will be asked to contribute $5 to the Queen Charlotte Track Tribute Fund.
QCT Tribute tickets can be purchased from the dedicated ticket machine located at Picton Town Wharf prior to departure on a track experience. The money collected through the tribute system is invested in a trust fund that will be used to look after the best interests of the track. In the spirit of sustainability, the Queen Charlotte Track Tribute Fund is setting an example for the rest of the world.
If you would like to know more about the Queen Charlotte Track Tribute click here
Useful stuff to help you plan your trip
Queen Charlotte Track Map
Track distances and walking times
Accommodation & camping guide
Walking recommendations
Short walk suggestions
Day walks on the Track
"Pack transfers"
- making your walk easy !!
Mountain biking on the Track
Endeavour Express boat travel guide
Fares
Track transport timetable
Make a booking
Enquire for more information
Endeavour Express Homepage
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