Queen Charlotte Track Self Guided 4 Days/3 Nights - Luxury Accommodation
Queen Charlotte Track
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.
Regarded as one of the classic New Zealand walkways the Queen Charlotte Track is a long track, not a steep track.
Itinerary:
If you are flying into Blenheim we arrange your transport to Picton.
Day 1 – 17km
Take the water taxi to Ship Cove at the start of the track
The track climbs away from the beach, passing through a largely unmodified forest, where the high canopy is complemented by a diverse understorey of shrubs and small trees. On the ridges higher up, beech trees dominate. 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/Tōtaranui. Beyond the saddle, the track drops into Resolution Bay.
From here it follows a well-graded old bridle path over a ridge and into Endeavour Inlet. It winds downward and follows the shoreline to the head of the inlet, where interpretation signs recall the antimony mining era.
Tonight’s accommodation is at Furneaux Lodge.
There are complimentary Kayaks and Paddle Boards for guests to use
Day 2 – 12km
From Endeavour Inlet the track stays near the shoreline and leads through regenerating forest rich in small birds. It rounds Big Bay to Camp Bay.
Todays walk is the shortest and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent surrounds.
Stay the night at Punga Cove Resort.
There are complimentary Kayaks and Paddle Boards for guests to use
Day 3 – 23km
This is the longest and most arduous section of the journey, however, from the top of the ridge you will be well rewarded with magnificent panoramas of the Sounds.
Climb out of Camp Bay to Kenepuru Saddle and follow the ridge separating Queen Charlotte Sound from Kenepuru Sound. Above Bay of Many Coves and Kumutoto Bay are two DOC campsites, Bay of Many Coves and Black Rock, each with drinking? water, toilets and a cooking shelter. Eventually the track descends to Torea Saddle between Portage and Torea Bay.
Overnight at Portage Resort Hotel.
Day 4 - 21km
This part of the journey also follows the ridge line. Here gorse and mānuka are prolific, sheltering shrubs and trees that will one day shade the way. A side walk leads to the Onahau Lookout just before the descent to Te Mahia Saddle begins.
Beginning on the road above Mistletoe Bay, this section follows old bridle paths high above the water. The track rounds an obvious point and descends to the DOC campsite at Umungata (Davies Bay). The final hour’s walking is on an easy path through mature beech forest to Anakiwa.
At Anakiwa there is a car park, shelter, toilet and a jetty. Here you will catch a boat to Picton (gets in at 4.30pm), where I’ll be waiting for you. From here we will return to Nelson or Blenheim airport / accommodation
Trip Summary
Distance: 73km
Time: 4 days/3 nights
Trail: Easy tramping track - moderate fitness required
Availability: October to April
Price:
$2595 per couple / twin share Oct 2024 $2895 per couple / twin share Nov 2024 - April 2025
Includes:
Private transfer Blenheim to Picton and return
Boat transfer to start the track and pick up at the end
3 nights premium accommodation on the track
Luggage transfer each day, leaving you with only a day bag to carry on the track
Packed lunch from your accommodation for the following day
Queen Charlotte Track trail passes (essential).
Other options: Ex Picton $200 discount