Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Queen Charlotte Track
The hugely popular, meandering, 70km Queen Charlotte Track offers gorgeous coastal
scenery on its way from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa, passing through a mixture of
privately owned land and DOC reserves. Access depends on the cooperation of local
landowners; respect their property by utilising designated campsites and toilets, and carry-
ing out your rubbish. Your purchase of the
Track Pass
($15 to $18), available from operators
in town and on the track, provides the co-op with the means to maintain and enhance the
experience for all.
Queen Charlotte is a well-defined track, suitable for people of average fitness. Numer-
ous boat and tour operators service the track, allowing you to walk the whole three- to
five-day journey, or start and finish where you like, on foot or by kayak or bike. We're
talking mountain biking here, and a whole lot of fun for fit, competent off-roaders. Part of
the track is off-limits to cyclists from 1 December to the end of February, but there is still
good riding to be had during this time.
Ship Cove is the usual (and recommended) starting point - mainly because it's easier to
arrange a boat from Picton to Ship Cove than vice versa - but the track can be started
from Anakiwa. There's a public phone at Anakiwa but not at Ship Cove.
Estimated walk times:
TRACK SECTION
DISTANCE (KM)
DURATION (HR)
Ship Cove to Resolution Bay
4.5
1½-2
Resolution Bay to head of Endeavour Inlet
10.5
2½-3
Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay/Punga Cove
12
3-4
Camp Bay/Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage
24
6-8
Torea Saddle/Portage to Te Mahia Saddle
7.5
3-4
Te Mahia Saddle to Anakiwa
12.5
3-4
Sleeping & Eating
The beauty of the Queen Charlotte Track is that there are plenty of great day-trip options,
allowing you to base yourself in Picton. However, there is also plenty of accommodation,
nicely spaced along the way, and boat operators will transport your luggage along the
track for you.
