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 Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealandspectacular 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.

 

IMPORTANT: Queen Charlotte Track Pass

The Queen Charlotte Track is a unique New Zealand partnership between the Department of Conservation, Marlborough District Council and private landowners.

A Q.C.T.L.C. Pass is required for all Q.C.T.L.C. private land between Kenepuru Saddle, Torea Saddle, Te Mahia Saddle or Anakiwa, when hiking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track.

Track Pass

Pass Fees are as follows:

  • $12 , valid for up to 4 consecutive days.
  • $25 yearly pass also available.
  • School Children free.

The pass fee contibutes to the sustainability of the track and assists with maintenance, enhancements and access.

 


Queen Charlotte Track water transport. Servicing all stops on the Queen Charlotte Track

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