Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
The Queen Charlotte is one of those tracks that has something for everyone; whether you want the full tramping/camping experience, a luxury multiday walk, a super scenic mountain bike ride, or an experience to share with elderly relatives or young children. It would also be a superb option to spice up your long training runs!
Distance: 73km (ish) one-way
Elevation: 2750m gain
Lush native forest and calm turquoise bays, the Marlborough Sounds are an extensive network of ocean-drowned valleys, steeped in Māori culture and European history. The Queen Charlotte Track stretches from Meretoto/Ship Cove all the way to Anakiwa, is a part of the Te Araroa Trail, and maybe best of all - water taxi services offer luggage transfers for all their passengers!
Let’s take a look at the options:
Tramping (basic) 3-5 days
There are several DOC campsites sprinkled along the track, with fantastic facilities, gorgeous outlooks and are super affordable ($10/night/pp).
An example itinerary is:
~Ship Cove to Schoolhouse Bay 6km
~Schoolhouse Bay to Camp Bay 22km
~Camp Bay to Cowshed Bay 25km
~Cowshed Bay to Anakiwa 21km
However if you’d like to extend your trip, we’d recommend walking from Camp Bay to Black Rock, then on to Davies Bay, and having a short walk out on the final day.
Tramping (boujee) 4-5 days
The pinnacle of luxury hiking! Imagine taking a gorgeous stroll with a tiny daypack, then spending the afternoon ocean swimming, soaking in a hot tub, eating a hearty meal and sleeping in clean sheets… Dreamy! There are a plethora of accommodation options along the track, including Furneaux Lodge, Camp Bay Resort, Portage Hotel and more!
Mountain Biking 2-3 days
If you have a moderate level of fitness and experience, the QC will be a walk (or ride) in the park! Certain sections can be steep, but most of the track is wide, graded and not technical at all. There is the option to avoid the ridge-top section in the middle and ride along Kenepuru Road instead. Staying in lodges and taking advantage of the luggage transfer service means that your bike will be light as a feather! There are no bike-repair facilities along the way, so make sure you’re confident making your own repairs.
Trail Running 2-3 days
Load up your vest with all your favourite snacks and go for the most scenic run of your life! Forget roots trying to trip you up and knee-deep mud - the QC is all about getting k’s under your belt. Smash out your run then spend the evening carb loading and hot tub soaking!
Example itinerary:
Day 1: Bay of Many Coves Resort 40km
Day 2: Anakiwa 35km
There are a few things to book for the QCT, see below for more details:
DOC campsites
Private Accommodation
Track Pass
Water Taxis
