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Trail · Picton, Marlborough
Queen Charlotte Track
A 71 km track along the ridges between Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepuru Sound, from Meretoto (Ship Cove) to Anakiwa. Walked in three to five days or ridden by bike, with boats that carry packs and pick up walkers at several bays.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Queen Charlotte Track
The Queen Charlotte Track is 71 km and runs from Meretoto, Ship Cove, at the northern end of Queen Charlotte Sound, to Anakiwa at the head of the inlet. Much of the route follows ridges that separate Queen Charlotte Sound from Kenepuru Sound, with views on both sides, alternating stretches of native forest and open hills.
On foot, the track usually takes three to five days. By bike, it is rated intermediate to advanced and can be done in two days; the section between Meretoto and the Kenepuru Saddle is closed to bicycles from December to February. Along the way there are Department of Conservation campsites and private accommodations in the bays.
Part of the track crosses private land. Between the Kenepuru Saddle and a little past Mistletoe Bay, adult walkers and cyclists need the owners’ cooperative pass, the proceeds of which go to track maintenance. The pass is paid separately; check the current schedule.
What makes the track convenient is boat transport: boats from Picton drop off and pick up people at points such as Meretoto, Resolution Bay, Endeavour Inlet, Camp Bay, Tōrea Bay, Mistletoe Bay and Anakiwa, and can carry luggage between accommodations. This lets you do just one or two sections in a day without carrying heavy loads.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Three to five days on foot for the whole track; one-day sections with round-trip boat transfers.
Best time
From October to April, with longer days and more boat departures. December to February is busier and the northern section is closed to bicycles. Start early to allow time for the return boat.
How to get there
The northern trailhead at Meretoto (Ship Cove) is only reached by boat from Picton, taking about 1 hour. The southern end, at Anakiwa, is about 22 km from Picton via Queen Charlotte Drive and also has boat service.
Tip
Arrange boat transport before you set out and note the return time: the last boat of the day does not wait. Carry water and something to eat, because not all bays have places to buy supplies.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Queen Charlotte Track
How many days does the Queen Charlotte Track take?
Three to five days on foot for the 71 km from Meretoto (Ship Cove) to Anakiwa. By bike, about two days. You can also do one-day sections with boat transfers.
Do you have to pay to do the Queen Charlotte Track?
Adults need the owners’ cooperative pass for the private land section between the Kenepuru Saddle and just past Mistletoe Bay. The pass is paid separately; check the current fee.
Can you do the Queen Charlotte Track by bike?
Yes, year-round, except for the section between Meretoto (Ship Cove) and the Kenepuru Saddle, which is closed to bicycles from December to February. It is an intermediate to advanced track.
How does boat transport work on the track?
Boats from Picton drop off and pick up walkers at several bays along the route and can transport luggage between accommodations. You must book and observe the timetables for each landing.