Passing through undisturbed stands of beech and rimu, around coves and inlets and along skyline ridges, the track provides stunning views down into Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, which along with the Pelorus make up the entire Marlborough Sound area. Marlborough’s climate allows good year-round walking conditions.

The lush, subtropical native bush is home to many of New Zealand’s native birds including the Bellbird, Tui, the New Zealand Pigeon, Morepork, to name just a few. Seabirds include the Sooty Shearwaters, White-faced Storm Petrel, Weka, Blue Penguin, several species of shag and the Australasian gannets. Quiet moments near the shore can easily become a rewarding wildlife experience.

Well-maintained, the Queen Charlotte Track attracts walkers of all ages, most choosing four day / three night options. Strategically placed throughout the 71km length of track is a range of accommodation options to suit all requirements. The Queen Charlotte Track’s “lodge to lodge” experience provides a unique walking holiday.

1

Walk or Bike?

Attracting walkers of all ages our well-maintained track and Marlborough’s climate allows for good year-round walking conditions. A stay on the Queen Charlotte Track can take as many days as you want (most hikers tend to choose a four day / three night option).

Most people choose to walk the track in 4 days and 3 nights but you can take as many days as you wish to walk or bike the track.

Walk Options
Bike Options

2

Choose your Accommodation

With the freedom to arrange your accommodation from comfortable lodges or back-packers rooms, friendly homestays or campsites planning a hike or bike along the Queen Charlotte Track is easy and the Cougar Line is the best transport to help you move along the track with ease.

Reservations are ESSENTIAL – choose from campsites, backpackers, resorts & lodges or comfortable homestays along the track.

Accommodation Options

3

Book your Transport

Simply book your place on our boat, tell us where you want to go, hand us your pack, sit back and enjoy the wonder of the Queen Charlotte Sounds and track.

Use our EASY booking/enquiry form to book your Cougar Line transport for the duration of your stay on the track. We carry your pack each day free of charge to your accommodation along the track.

Known as a long track but not a steep track the Queen Charlotte Track
stretches from Ship Cove / Meretoto to Anakiwa - a distance of 71 km.

Walk

Enjoy the spectacular Queen CharotteTrack carrying only a day-pack while Cougar Line transfers your luggage to your next destination...

find out more

Bike

Experience the longest dual purpose track in New Zealand
while Cougar Line transfers your luggage to your accommodation...

find out more

Visitors to the Queen Charlotte Track will find this a unique walk as it passes through lush coastal forest, historic bays, and along skyline ridges with unsurpassed views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. This walk is as much about a walking holiday as it is an environmental, cultural and lifestyle experience.

Queen Charlotte Track History

In 1979 the Queen Charlotte Track as it is now known was developed by the Department of Conservation in conjunction with many local organisations in Marlborough.

In 1998 the track won the New Zealand Tourism Award for Best Visitor Attraction. The Queen Charlotte Track is now known as Marlborough’s iconic attraction ~ a truly unique New Zealand Experience.