Queen Charlotte Track: The Essentials – 4 Days

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

AVAILABILITY

This trip is not available in the winter months of June, July and August due to the accommodations closing over winter. January and February are warmer and generally busier as it is peak season your booking may attract a surcharge. Spring (September to December) and autumn (March to May) are excellent times to walk.

WALKING

This track is mostly undulating but well-graded. Walks on average about 17 km a day, with some elevation so please consider this when choosing this walk. There’s always time to walk and explore further if you’re up to it. There’s also time to relax and enjoy all of the lodges and hotels, and the gorgeous surroundings of the Sounds. 

GETTING THERE AND AWAY

There are many ways to get to and from the track. If you have time, it might suit you best to mix the methods of travel to facilitate the best experience.

1. By car, you can drive to Picton from anywhere on the South Island. It makes the most sense to fly to Christchurch in order to facilitate a ‘drive and explore’ of the east coast, namely Kaikoura and Akaroa (Banks Peninsula). From the North Island, simply take the ferry across from Wellington.
2. Fly to Wellington and get an onward flight to Blenheim where you can get picked up for an extra cost. This is the fastest way of getting to the start of the Queen Charlotte Track.
3. Fly to Wellington and take the ferry across Cook Strait which arrives right next to your hotel in Picton.
4. Fly to Christchurch and catch the famous Coastal Pacific train to Picton. This train journey is touted as one of the greatest in the world. From the train station, it’s a short 3 to 4-minute walk to your hotel.

WEATHER

December through February is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. As mentioned earlier, book well in advance for January and February due to the summer School Holidays. March through May and September to November is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking.

See the New Zealand Meteorological Service for information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For over 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays. However, we know that you’ll still have many questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.