Queen Charlotte Track

Queen Charlotte Track is a 73.5 km one-way walking (tramping) route in the Marlborough Sounds, running through native bush between the Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and Kenepuru Sound. The common endpoints are Meretoto/Ship Cove in the north and Anakiwa in the south.

The route is set up as a long multi-day walk (typically 3–5 days on foot). It climbs from near sea level up to a ridgeline high point of about 470 m, then repeatedly descends back toward the sounds over the length of the track.

Start planning around logistics: there’s no road to Meretoto/Ship Cove, so you’ll need boat transport to begin there, and transport operators can move packs between accommodation points during a multi-day itinerary.

This track is designed for shared use with mountain bikers. Expect mixed management and conditions along the way—tight/blind corners near the track edge, steep drop-offs in places, and slippery clay surfaces (particularly in winter or after wet weather).

Private land sections require a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative pass to walk or ride them; these crossings run between Kenepuru Saddle and Davies Bay near Anakiwa (the pass does not replace any camping fees).

The track is managed for both hiking and cycling year-round, but work in progress and newly formed soft sections can affect ride/walk comfort in places; the overall route is maintained and marked for navigation.

Camping is based on DOC-managed campsites plus private accommodation along the route. DOC campsites include toilets and water supply, while cooking generally requires carrying a portable cooker and packing out rubbish.

More information: Wikipedia, A Detailed Guide to Walking the Queen Charlotte Track in ..., Queen Charlotte Track - Department of Conservation