There are a large variety of accommodation
options available from hotel, motel, B&B,
backpacker to holiday park. Please refer
to Getting
to Picton for accommodation
in Picton.
Can
I buy last minute items upon arrival in
Picton?
Yes.
Do
I need to buy all food and provisions before
leaving Picton?
No, there are shops along the
track to buy any food that you may require.
Walking
How
difficult is the Queen Charlotte Track?
How fit do I have to be?
The track is regarded as a "long"
track not a "steep" track. Therefore,
distances each day, especially between Camp
Bay and Anakiwa can be long and therefore
challenging. If you are moderately fit,
however, you should be able to achieve this
walk.
Do
I have to carry a big pack?
No. You only ever have to carry
a light day pack because your luggage is
transferred each day by water taxi.
Can
I walk the track unguided?
Yes, you can walk the track either
unguided or with a guide. Both unguided
and guided walkers can have their packs
carried for them from any of the access
points along the track by arrangement with
transport operators.
What
is the difference between the GUIDED and
UNGUIDED walks?
Guided walks can provide another
dimension to this walking holiday such as:
A guide
All meals
Upgraded accommodation
Pre and post tour functions
However, if you prefer to have more independence
walking the track an unguided walk may be
a better option. See individual operator
listings for more information.
Biking
Is
the track open all year?
No, the section from Ship
Cove to Camp Bay
is closed from 1
December to 28 February each year.
Can
I hire a bike and accessories or do I have
to bring my own bike and accessories to
bike the Queen Charlotte Track?
No, because the water transport
companies carry your packs as part of your
water transfers, panniers are not required.
Also the terrain is too rough for easy carriage
of panniers on the bikes.
What
is the track surface like to ride?
The track has a clay base which
means that in dry conditions it is hard
and relatively easy riding, but when it
has rained it is extremely slippery and
difficult to ride. Caution is recommended.
While some sections of the track are easy
to ride, other sections have tree roots,
bluffs and rocky areas that make riding
more challenging.
Do
I have to carry a big pack?
No. It doesn't matter if you
are freedom or guided walking, you only
ever have to carry a light day pack because
your luggage is transferred each day by
water taxi.
How
much experience do you need to ride the
Queen Charlotte Track? How difficult is
the track, how fit do I have to be?
The Queen Charlotte Track is regarded
as a technical track so to ride the whole
track, you need to be a reasonably skilled
rider. If you are less skilled or unsure
of your abilities, there are easier options
such as the section from Waterfall to Anakiwa.
How
many days does it take to ride the Queen
Charlotte Track?
Less
Experienced
Recommended over 3 days: Ship Cove to Camp Bay, Camp Bay to Torea Saddle/Portage Bay, Torea Saddle/Portage Bay to Anakiwa
Experienced
Recommenced over 2 days: Ship Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage Bay and then Torea Saddle/Portage Bay to Anakiwa
Visitors may come across wild pigs from time
to time along the track rooting for food, especially the section between
Camp Bay and Torea Saddle, over the winter months.
These wild pigs are very shy and will run away from walkers, if walkers
are lucky enough to spot one.
The pigs were released by Captain Cook at Ship Cove as a food source &
have spread through out New Zealand. ....
Track Updates
