queen charlotte track luxury walk
Many of the short walks can be enjoyed from these places. You may spot bright rows of tiny fungi adorning rotting wood and shiny-leaved karaka standing in groves along the shore, their large berries ripening to a rich yellow. There are no facilities along the way for repairing bikes; please make sure you have adequate tools and equipment and are competent to complete your own repairs. A permit is required - contact the local DOC office. This is the longest and most arduous section of the journey; most mountain bikers will need to push their bike in various places here. Their initial project has been wilding pine control in inner Queen Charlotte Sound. Spring (September to December) and autumn (March to May) are excellent times to walk from a temperature perspective. dinner: instant soup, pasta/rice, dried vegetables/fruit, cheese or dehydrated meals). You will need to carry your own cooker and food with you. The track passes through private land in this section. Find walking maps and guidebooks, self guided walking holidays and hiking tours. Sections of the track cross private land. From your lodgings at the acclaimed Bay of Many Coves Resort, travel each day to a different section of the track returning at day’s end to a luxurious one bedroom apartment with beautiful views over the bay of the same name. At Meretoto/Ship Cove, you can take the Waterfall Track to a small waterfall in the forest (40 minutes return). Why not do a tour of the wineries whilst you are here. Whoever designed this track was a walker, because the track takes full advantage of the landscape’s scenic appeal. Bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors to the Sound and you may be lucky enough to see them from the track frolicking and cruising out from the shoreline. However, from the top of the ridge you will be well rewarded with magnificent panoramas of the Sounds. Wool and modern synthetics are better than cotton as they dry quickly and give more warmth. Walking: At your own leisure Private land fees: A Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (Q.C.T.L.C.) We do however suggest to try to avoid January and February when the area gets very crowded with holiday makers. Some also have cooking shelters and picnic tables. If you use this reserve, respect the rights of any nearby residents. If you prefer smaller properties with an emphasis on luxury, personal service, local delicacies and conservation, this is the package for you! Queen Charlotte Sound was an important trade route long before the inter-island ferries plied its waters. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more. Ship Cove/Meretoto > Endeavour Inlet. If you wish to get away tonight let us know and we will reimburse you for the last nights’ accommodation. The trip begins with a boat ride through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to Ship Cove, famed as Captain Cook’s favourite anchorage. Walking in and out of your accommodation each day whilst walking from point to point engenders a real sense of satisfaction on completion. Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough, New Zealand +64 3 962 3280 +64 3 962 3280 Freephone NZ 0800 377 378 Australia 1800 044 633 info@tuataratours.co.nz Walking at your own pace is genuinely encouraged and supported. These fees go toward the upkeep of the camp facilities. The Queen Charlotte Track can be walked year round and passes through a range of terrain. Anakiwa, Mistletoe Saddle, Torea Saddle and Kenepuru Saddle are all accessible by road. It allows you to walk further than you could've on your own AND you sleep and eat as you're on a relaxing holiday. Stir up the leaf litter and you may attract a darting piwakawaka or fantail or a South Island robin, looking to feast on insects of the forest floor. Queen Charlotte track is beautiful it's a shame it's so unaccessible and that you have to pay to walk it. Then in the evenings enjoy the luxury of Tarquin, stunning Marlborough wine and food, the highlight of Tarquin cruising. From here, it’s downhill to the shoreline and to Furneaux Lodge. Immerse yourself in the area's natural charms by exploring the Queen Charlotte Track. This is the fastest method. Further information is available from Picton Information Centre, travel companies and accommodation houses. Departs: Picton. Experience the spectacular Marlborough Sounds whilst walking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track. You can choose to walk or bike the track independently, carrying all of your own clothing and equipment, or you can simply carry a day pack and have your main gear (less than 15kg please) transported by one of the water taxi companies. On the ridges higher up, beech trees dominate. I felt in such safe hands. The rooms have en suites and most have views of the sea. Located in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui area in the Marlborough region, Forest waterfall, Queen Charlotte Track Image: Nick Thompson | Creative Commons, Queen Charlotte Track - first marked lookout about 1hr 15 min from Anakiwa carpark Image: Daniel Rauber | Creative Commons, Queen Charlotte Track at Davies Bay Image: Daniel Rauber | Creative Commons, Queen Charlotte Track brochure (PDF, 2,404K). Tourism Awards & Certified in sustainable nature-based experiences. Please contact us for current pricing and availability. Full access to the Queen Charlotte track in superb comfort. Most visitors to Meretoto/Ship Cove take time to explore the historic site and enjoy reading the interpretation panels around the site. Some sections have limited water, especially during drought conditions. When I first began looking at doing walks in Australia I thought I had to limit myself to a few days as I can't carry too much with me. Purchase the pass through the the Q.C.T.L.C. If you do need to go to the toilet away from a toilet facility, go at least five metres off the track and bury your toilet waste in the shallow organic layers of the topsoil, well away from any flowing water. The results of their efforts can be seen from the Queen Charlotte Track in the dead and dying pine trees on many hillsides. Walking: Easy / 12 kms / 3 – 4 hrs Many Māori place names in this area commemorate his exploits. The 72 kilometre Queen Charlotte Track is a hiking and mountain-biking paradise. Definitely recommend! You will experience lush native bush and dazzling sea views, ridges and hilltops, beaches and coastline forest. Dutchman Abel Janszoon Tasman was the first European to sight the Sounds on his visit to New Zealand in 1642. We walk via Schoolhouse and Resolution Bays on our way to Endeavour Inlet and your stunning accommodation. Landowners adjacent to the track and hunters using it for access to hunting areas can apply for a dog permit for limited dog access on other parts of the track. See the map (link below) for where these sections are. Relax in comfort at your accommodation at the marina or take a walk around the foreshore. In Mistletoe Bay, the James Vogel Nature Track allows you to explore the forest behind the picnic and camping area (45 minutes return). ACCOMMODATION AND DINING The Sounds Restoration Trust seeks to restore the native ecosystems and iconic landscapes of the sounds by tackling threats such as plant and animal pests. There’s always time to walk and explore further if you’re up to it. There is also private accommodation at Te Mahia Bay. Always carry enough water for the day with you. Do not put rubbish or food scraps in the toilets. Cook took advantage of the shelter and food available in the Sounds and made Meretoto, which he renamed “Ship Cove”, his New Zealand base. Walk from the town of Sarria to the iconic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Boat owners can use them for picking up and dropping off passengers and luggage only. Some landowners have riparian (private) rights to the foreshore. Can you book accommodation along the Queen Charlotte Track for me? The pass fee contributes to track maintenance, enhancement and access. Walking: Moderate / 21.5 kms / 6 -7 hrs Public access to most bays and beaches in the Marlborough Sounds is guaranteed by the unique Sounds Foreshore Reserve. From Resolution Bay the track passes over a ridge and into Endeavour Inlet. No fires are allowed along the Queen Charlotte Track due to risk of fire spreading and the closeness of private land. Carry antihistamines if you are allergic to their stings. Pass, buy your pass here. Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner at accommodation 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. In summer, you may occasionally hear the calls of the long-tailed and shining cuckoo, while twilight stimulates the rasping calls of weka and the haunting cry of ruru, the morepork. Read reviews on TripAdvisor and see our trip photos on facebook. There are no rubbish facilities along the track: take your rubbish away with you. Many jetties in the Sounds, such as the Outward Bound New Zealand one at Anakiwa, are privately owned. Jealous, his brothers capsized the waka, which became the South Island, its intricately carved prow forming the Marlborough Sounds. This is an approximately 20-metre wide strip of publicly owned land above the mean high water mark. Camping is not permitted at Meretoto/Ship Cove but there are toilet facilities. Use the toilets where they have been provided and avoid polluting bush margins and waterways. To ensure the toilet systems run efficiently and don’t smell, close the toilet lid after use, and close the toilet door. The pass only covers access to the private land sections and does not cover camping or other fees on the Queen Charlotte Track. If you have time it might suit you best to mix the methods of travel in order to facilitate the best experience. The staff provided a lot knowledge on the area and made us all feel at ease. Set amongst stunning scenery in the magnificent Marlborough Sounds, Punga Cove is the perfect retreat, surrounded by nature. Its location in Endeavour Inlet makes Punga Cove a great choice while walking or mountain biking the Queen Charlotte Track, or for a longer Marlborough Sounds holiday. Season: All year round. The hike was tough but manageable, and it was made better knowing that at the end of the day there was a delicious dinner and wine to consume and catch up with the rest of the group. The sections of track on these properties only exist through the good will and cooperation of the land owners. The sections of track on these properties only exist through the good will and cooperation of the land owners. What a memory. The Marlborough area is famous for its wine and food all of which is weaved seamlessly into this walk, a magical encounter for all the senses on and off the track. Q.C.T.L.C. Closing the door will improve the vent efficiency and help to remove smells. The final hour’s walking is on an easy path through mature beech forest to Anakiwa. The Four Day Gourmet Guided Walk is the classic way to enjoy the Queen Charlotte Track along with the support, knowledge and guidance of your local guide. Accommodation: Either Punga Cove or Mahana in ensuite rooms. One legend tells how Maui, the Polynesian hero and explorer was paddling his waka with his brothers when, with a magical hook, he pulled up an enormous fish, which formed the North Island. With time up your sleeve you can wake late and enjoy the sound of the forest and the surrounds of spectacular Furneaux Lodge. View a print formatted version of this map (PDF, 787K), Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/marlborough/places/queen-charlotte-sound-totaranui-area/things-to-do/tracks/queen-charlotte-track/. The school also manages and maintains the toilet block at the Anakiwa end of the track. 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. Pigs are rarely seen by walkers and if you are lucky enough to meet one, the pig will usually take fright and quickly disappear into the bush. Wasps are common in late summer and autumn, particularly on beech trees. The level of service is second to none. See the New Zealand Meteorological Service information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year. Biking the Queen Charlotte Track - Conservation Blog May 9, 2013. December through February is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. Here you can catch a bus or a boat to Picton or to nearby accommodation (see transport details under commercial operators on page 24 of the brochure). Wander to the back of the lodge and explore the forest complete with a plethora of Rimu trees. The Outward Bound School at Anakiwa has a long history with the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose from three walks of varying length and challenge, with options that may include Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay. A lovely walk through mature native bush, with the water sparkling through the trees below you, is a fitting finale to this wonderful hike. If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. And you need walk only with a day pack as your overnight luggage goes onwards by water taxi each day. Students can be seen helping to maintain the track as well as using it as part of their course activities. The outer sounds are also associated with the renowned Polynesian explorer Kupe. Round-trip boat service takes you to the start of your route and picks you up at the end. Where the track follows the shoreline, take time fossicking in the rocky strip between land and sea, especially at low tide. You can walk your dog between Anakiwa and Davies Bay only. (On your boat trip to or from Meretoto/Ship Cove it is well worth taking time out to explore Motuara Island, rich in bird life and its association with Cook’s visits.). Occasionally, gannets are seen hurtling into the water to catch unsuspecting fish. The Track is part of the Te Araroa pathway. He and his men spent Christmas of that year sheltering their ships — the Heemskerck and Zeehaen — from a storm near D’Urville Island but they never set foot ashore. private land between Kenepuru Saddle, Torea Saddle, Te Mahia Saddle and Anakiwa as marked on the Queen Charlotte Track map (PDF, 787K). March through May and September to November is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking. Most of these toilets are long drops, however some campsites have flush toilets. While walking or riding, you may notice the ground disturbed in places alongside the track. separate bag for transporting gear with a water-proof liner as bags are not left under cover on jetties, at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set, toilet gear: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand-sanitising lotion. Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner at accommodation Throughout the year colours change as trees bear flowers and fruit. All of the accommodations are of high quality but are enhanced by their position right on the sound. Of special note, however, is Eatwell lookout and its’ 360 degree views over Endeavour Inlet and Bay of Many Coves. Queen Charlotte Track: Tramping in luxury! Queen Charlotte Track, 71 km, 44 miles, about 4 days. Toilets are provided on the track and at the track entrances, see Queen Charlotte Track map (PDF, 787K). At Auswalk, we offer 4 day self-guided Queen Charlotte Track walk. The European name Portage, in the mid-section of the track, bears testament to this practice, meaning “hauling, or “carrying”. I was a little intimidated to do my first big walk, but Auswalk couldn't have made this a better experience. Marlborough Sound at your doorstep and a la carte restaurant this makes a great place to rest and soak up the tranquil environment. Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner at accommodation This is one of the best transport options for the Abel Tasman walk. Have the right gear and skills required for the trip and always check the latest information about facilities you plan to use and local weather conditions. This is the easiest of all the days but no less rewarding. For personal hygiene walkers should carry hand sanitising lotion. The track today skirts around Endeavour Inlet with views of the inlet virtually the whole way. 71 km one way Elevation: +565m / – 569m / Max Height 76m Let us tantalise your taste buds with fresh local seafoods and local produce, all matched to the best of Marlborough’s wine selection. There are also several short side-trips along the way. Biking is permitted on the track all year round except for the section between Meretoto/Ship Cove and Kenepuru Saddle, which is closed to bikes over the busy summer season, from 1 December to 28 February each year. The Pass fee contributes to track maintenance, enhancement and access. Accommodation: Either Portage Hotel, Raetihi Lodge or Lochmara in ensuite rooms. A concerted effort has been made to keep costs to a minimum by making good use of natural materials such as local rock, and using culverts and dry stone walling to negate bridges being built. Early miners took the antimony ore on a tramway down the valley to a wharf, from where it was shipped to England to be processed and used for hardening lead and pewter. Begin with a scenic cruise to Ship Cove and explore one of Captain Cook’s favourite places. Mimic the bellbird or tui and you may well be rewarded with an answering call. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property. With such good access by road and/or sea, most sections of the track can be used for day walks. Accommodation: Picton in ensuite rooms. The spectacular walking track, stretching from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa, passes through lush coastal forest, around coves and inlets, and along skyline ridges offering breathtaking views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. I know I'll be back for a third trip and then some! Plus 4 walkers lunches, Itineraries can be flexible to shorten the walking or slow the trip down by adding more rest days, Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s authored comprehensive track notes and maps, 24/7 support from our representatives on the ground, All transport including private transfers to and from Hobart, Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday, 3 nights’ comfortable accommodation with ensuites, Auswalk guide pack including comprehensive walk notes, maps, lunch bag and container, 5 nights’ accommodation at the Pullman Bunker Bay, Caves House or Seashells and in Gnarabup and Margaret River in rooms with ensuites, Minimum of wasted time in vehicles being transferred, Private transfers from Margaret River and luggage transport so you can walk pack free, Chef-prepared cooked breakfasts, two-course a la carte dinners and substantial Walkers Lunches, Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack and national park admission, 24/7 support from our driver and representatives on the ground. Over the four days you will walk the Queen Charlotte Track from start to finish – all 73 scenic kilometres of it. Beyond the saddle, the track drops into Resolution Bay, where there is a DOC campsite at Schoolhouse Bay and further along, private cabin accommodation. Sections of the track cross private land. By car you can drive to Picton from anywhere in New Zealand. Traildino grading: EW, Easy walk, nature trail. Part of the beauty of this historic destination is the remoteness, there are no roads leading to Furneaux Lodge. Book your tickets online for Queen Charlotte Track, Picton: See 871 reviews, articles, and 670 photos of Queen Charlotte Track, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 19 attractions in Picton. Water taps are provided at the DOC campsites and washing sinks are provided in the cooking shelters. Elevation: + 1288m / -1277m / Max height 469m To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee. Walk 17km (approximately 5.5 hours), starting with a gradual climb to the viewpoint overlooking outer Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and Motuara Island. Toilet facilities are provided and maintained by DOC with help from private landowners and commercial operators. Campsite fees: See individual campsite pages for fees. For further pass information contact the Q.C.T.L.C. Eventually the track descends to Torea Saddle between Portage and Torea Bay. Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. A day walker with a light day pack will take less time than a tramper with an overnight pack. One of the advantages of this walk is the option to catch a water taxi if on any given day you decide not to walk. Glorious views over the magnificent Queen Charlotte Sound, stunning native forest and the well-deserved gourmet reputation of the Marlborough area all work in concert to make a tremendously pleasurable immersive experience. Listen and watch for forest birds as you walk along the track. Water taxis allow for great flexibility, allowing you to walk the Queen Charlotte Track in a way that suits you; starting or finishing your walk in a place of your choosing or even missing out a section if you like - this is an especially useful feature if you have younger kids with you. Elevation: +993m / -997m / max height 257m Sitting patiently near the shore proves a worthwhile experience for watching wildlife. Walk spectacular coastline, clifftops, rocky coves and idyllic bays. From the train station it’s a short 3 to 4 minute walk to your hotel. The Queen Charlotte track is a 71km, 4-5 day walk in the Marlborough Sounds on the north coast of the South Island. You will need to deposit the camp fees for the DOC campsites in the self-registration box at each site or prepay at the Picton i-Site or the DOC Office in Picton. The campsites at Bay of Many Coves and Black Rock are not at sea level so you will need to carry everything you need to these sites. If starting from Meretoto/Ship Cove, boat operators are available to carry your pack between accommodation places. © Copyright 2021 Auswalk Walking Holidays Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved 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. At Anakiwa are a carpark, shelter, toilets and phone near the track end, and a public jetty opposite the Outward Bound school. Walk time: 8 hr (3 hr to Bay of Many Coves campsite, 6 hr to Black Rock campsite)Distance: 24.5 km. It winds downward and follows the shoreline to the head of the inlet, where interpretation signs recall the antimony mining era. If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch. The Outward Bound School welcomes visitors enquiring about the school and the courses it provides. If staying overnight in accommodation houses and having your luggage transported, take everything suggested for day visitors plus the list below: Before your trip, confirm with each accommodation house what will be provided, including meals, packed lunches, bedding and towels. The project uses traps, some of which can be seen from the Queen Charlotte Track and toxins (including diphacinone, pindone and cyanide). Buy your pass here. Anakiwa, Mistletoe Bay, Torea Bay, Camp Bay, Endeavour Inlet, Resolution Bay and Meretoto/Ship Cove can be accessed by sea. 4 Day Freedom Walk - Queen Charlotte Track Our 4 Day Freedom Walk allows the independent walker to enjoy the track in a hassle-free adventure. There is a surcharge at this time and the walking temperature is slightly warmer, however its New Zealand so there’s no need to worry unless you are really susceptible to heat. 4 Day Guided Queen Charlotte Freedom Walk (self-guided) Your Queen Charlotte Freedom Walk includes transfers, 3 nights track accommodation in 4 Star Lodges and packed lunches. Three Capes, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul, Waterfall Bay, Fortescue Bay and Port Arthur. It rounds Big Bay to Camp Bay where there is a DOC campsite and, a little further on, private accommodation. Discover historic bays, skyline ridges and unsurpassed views of the stunning Marlborough Sounds. The water taxis will transport you and your bags to different… The accommodations are all amazing and located right on the water and virtually on the Queen Charlotte Track so even when you’re relaxing in the evening you feel as though you are still on the walk. I do like my comforts, and the fact there was comfortable accommodation to come back to, alongside delicious meals after incredible hikes was just wonderful. Sections of the track are on private land and a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (Q.C.T.L.C.) It is possible to bypass Camp Bay by using a direct track to Kenepuru Saddle. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track. The Queen Charlotte Track has a programme of regular upgrades and re‑routes to improve the track gradient, surface, and drainage. We transfer you back to Picton by water taxi and your accommodation. Do not tie up or leave your boat unattended at any jetty in the Sounds. I've been on a few walking holidays now and the guides really know their stuff. Māori tradition offers several stories explaining the origin of the Marlborough Sounds, called “Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui”, or “The Prow of the Canoe of Maui”. The Trust is supported by DOC, the Marlborough District Council, local landowners, national funding agencies and local businesses. Pass if crossing private land between Kenepuru Saddle, Torea Saddle, Te Mahia Saddle and Anikiwa, food and water (some nearby lodges do meals and snacks; check opening hours), first aid kit: insect repellent, personal medication (e.g. From your lodgings at the acclaimed Bay of Many Coves Resort, travel each day to a different section of the track returning at day’s end to a luxurious one bedroom apartment with beautiful views over the bay of the same name. Dogs are not permitted elsewhere on the Queen Charlotte Track or on any of the walking and tramping tracks off it. Allow two to three days to ride the entire track, but sections of the track make good day rides, particularly between Meretoto/Ship Cove and Kenepuru Saddle (27 km) and between Mistletoe Bay and Anakiwa (12.5 km). And this is the direction our scheduled boats run so this makes it easier to plan your trip with us. Within minutes of beginning the walk we are walking through old growth forest. After 50 minutes walking, you will reach a lookout point at a saddle, where you will enjoy good views of both the inner and outer Queen Charlotte Sound. Terms and Conditions Meals: Breakfast and walkers lunch Explore the location where Captain Cook landed 5 times and met with the South Island Maoris and the Cook memorial that celebrates these voyages. This part of the journey also follows the ridge line. The most popular way to walk the Queen Charlotte Track is north to south, from Ship Cove/Meretoto to Anakiwa. Make sure you have your Q.C.L.T.C. “Queen Charlotte” was the name he gave the Sound. This 70km spectacular walking track, stretching from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa, passes through lush coastal forest, around coves and inlets, and along skyline ridges offering breathtaking views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. This track is undulating, well graded and without much incline or decline. The carved bollards at the bridge at Meretoto/Ship Cove signify the iwi of the area. Fly to Wellington and get an onward flight to Blenheim where we can pick you up. As of 1 July 2010, the private land owners require walkers to have a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (Q.C.T.L.C.) On this 5 Day Unguided Walking Package, everything is the same as the Queen Charlotte Track 4 Day Independent Walk; with the added bonus of a rest day to explore the Marlborough Sounds. The trip starts in Picton in the Marlborough area, we also pick up in Blenheim. Pass is required for access across all Q.C.T.L.C. You may see various species of shag searching for food or sitting, statue-like, on a rock, drying their feathers before flying off or diving for more food. Pass is required to walk or ride the track in these sections which are between Kenepuru Saddle and Davies Bay near Anakiwa. At sea level the forests are particularly lush: ferns, tree ferns, nikau palms, climbing kiekie and perching plants flourish, making up a spectacular coastal forest that has been lost in so many other places.