About the Track

The track stretches from Ship Cove to Anakiwa - 71 kilometre (approximately 45 miles) of spectacular walking track passing through historic sites, secluded bays and lush coastal bush.

While the Queen Charlotte Track is not a steep track it is a long track. This means that the distances walked each day (especially from Camp Bay to Anakiwa) can be challenging.

The terrain of the track is regarded as undulating with hills ranging from sea level to a maximum of 400 metres. Most of the track is wide (1 to 1.5 metres in width), and all major streams have been bridged. The surface, being mainly clay soil, is hard and firm in dry conditions but can often be slippery when wet.

For walkers, the track requires boots and a good level of fitness, and the 71 kilometre trip can be done in 3-5 days while the entire Queen Charlotte Track is open to mountain biking from March 1 to November 30 each year. The trip takes about 13 hours.

While most people think of walking as a summer activity, the Marlborough Sounds enjoys a wonderful, temperate climate all year round, making the Queen Charlotte Track an ideal spring, autumn or even winter experience. The most popular season being November to May.