Queen Charlotte Track

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Queen Charlotte Track winds through the lush Marlborough Sounds, offering a sublime blend of coastal forest, secluded coves, and panoramic views over the shimmering sounds. This multi-day trek is a sensory feast: the scent of manuka and pine, the sound of birdsong and lapping waves, and the sight of golden sunsets over the water. Whether you walk the full 70 km or sample a section, the track delivers a quintessential Kiwi wilderness experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Marlborough Sounds vistas: Endless views of forest-clad ridges, turquoise bays, and distant islands – the track is a photographer's dream.
• Ship Cove: Start or finish at this historic cove where Captain Cook made landfall; the monument and sheltered beach are a fitting beginning.
• Furneaux Lodge: A historic lodge accessible by water taxi, perfect for a rest stop with a cold drink on the lawn.
• Bay of Many Coves: A series of pristine coves with crystal-clear water, ideal for a swim or kayak break.
• Kennedys Bay: A highlight section with elevated boardwalks and sweeping views; keep an eye out for native birds like the kererū and weka.
• Punga Cove: A scenic bay with accommodation and a café, offering a chance to refuel and watch the boats drift by.
• Anakiwa: The southern terminus, set on a calm inlet with a jetty and picnic spots – a peaceful end to the journey.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers take 3–5 days to complete the full 70 km track, but you can easily tailor it. If you have less time, do a day walk from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (about 4–5 hours) or the section from Anakiwa to Bay of Many Coves (6–7 hours). The track is well-graded and suitable for moderate fitness – you can also bike sections (check the seasonal cycle ban from December to February). Plan to stay at the Department of Conservation huts or private lodges; book ahead in summer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Picton: The gateway town with cafés, the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, and ferry connections to the North Island.
• Blenheim: Marlborough wine country – visit cellar doors for sauvignon blanc and cycle the Wairau Valley trails.
• Kaikōura: A 2-hour drive south for whale watching, seal colonies, and the dramatic Kaikōura Peninsula walkway.
• Nelson Lakes National Park: Alpine lakes and beech forest, about 2.5 hours west – great for a contrast of landscapes.
• Abel Tasman National Park: Another Great Walk with golden beaches and kayaking, accessible via a scenic drive and water taxi.

Please check official sources for current details.