Queen Charlotte Track – End to End – 6 Days

The trip starts in Picton in the Marlborough area, we also pick up in Blenheim. Relax in comfort at your accommodation at the marina or take a walk around the foreshore. If you are contemplating walking Abel Tasman then we provide all transfers to and from the track or Nelson (or nearby).

Walking: At your own leisure
Meals: None
Accommodation: Picton in ensuite rooms

Be transferred by water to your drop-off point at Ship Cove at the start of the Queen Charlotte Track. Explore the location where Captain Cook landed 5 times and met with the South Island Maoris and the Cook memorial that celebrates these voyages. Within minutes of beginning the walk, we are walking through an old-growth forest. There’s a 1000-year-old Rimu tree to admire and there’s plenty of time to enjoy the lookouts and the views over Queen Charlotte Sound. We walk via Schoolhouse and Resolution Bays on our way to Endeavour Inlet and your stunning accommodation. Each day we walk in and out of your fabulous accommodation with your luggage seamlessly transported ahead which you’ll find waiting in your room.

Walking: Moderate / 15.6 km / 4 – 5 hrs
Elevation: +993m / -997m / max height 257m
Meals: Breakfast, walkers’ lunch and dinner at the accommodation
Accommodation: Furneaux Lodge in an ensuite room

This is the easiest of all days but no less rewarding. With time up your sleeve, you can wake up late and enjoy the sound of the forest and the surroundings of the spectacular Furneaux Lodge. Wander to the back of the lodge and explore the forest complete with a plethora of Rimu trees. The track today skirts around Endeavour Inlet with views of the inlet virtually the whole way. Thick native forest, lush coastal vegetation and Ponga ferns set into deep gullies make the walk worth every step, particularly as tonight’s accommodation is just as good as the previous nights.

Walking: Easy / 12 km / 3 – 4 hrs
Elevation: +565m / – 569m / Max Height 76m
Meals: Breakfast, walkers’ lunch and dinner at the accommodation
Accommodation: Either Punga Cove or Mahana in ensuite rooms

This is the big day, but devoid of any real incline so easily doable. Be prepared to be awestruck by the recurring views over Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds as you skirt across the escarpment. Whoever designed this track was a walker, because the track takes full advantage of the landscape’s scenic appeal. From time to time there are sections thick with beech and tree ferns, creating a welcoming cocoon-like experience. The highlight of this day is the consistency of the gorgeous scenery this track has to offer. Of special note, however, is Eatwell lookout and its’ 360-degree views over Endeavour Inlet and the Bay of Many Coves.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 23.5 km / 7 – 8.5 hrs
Elevation: + 1288m / -1277m / Max height 469m
Meals: Breakfast, walkers’ lunch and dinner at the accommodation
Accommodation: Either Portage Hotel, Raetihi Lodge or Lochmara in ensuite rooms

The final walk is an excellent compendium of the days gone by, views, forest, sand, the odd view over luxury houses tucked away in isolated coves plus a lot more. The last 6 or 7 km is a magnificent gentle stroll through large tree ferns and beech forest finishing at Anakiwa Bay, the end of the Queen Charlotte Track. We transfer you back to Picton by water taxi and your accommodation. We can split this last day if you wish. Please speak to the office regarding this or if you wish to get away tonight let us know and we will reimburse you for the last night’s accommodation.

Walking:  Moderate to Challenging / 21.5 km / 6 -7 hrs
Elevation: +1351m / -1364m / Max Height 380m
Meals: Breakfast and walkers lunch
Accommodation: Picton in ensuite rooms

A relaxed morning may include a further explore of Picton or the Marlborough wine-growing region. Why not do a tour of the wineries whilst you are here.

Meals: Breakfast