Queen Charlotte Track
Queen Charlotte Track
Queen Charlotte Track
4.5
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- Sharon D13 contributionsQueen Charlotte Track 4 day Guided TourWow ….. just ….. Wow!! From start to finish the Queen Charlotte Track guided walk was just awesome! Fantastic, breathtaking scenery all along the track, accompanied by a great group of walkers, fabulous food and drink, outstanding accommodation (Furneaux Lodge was by far the best!) and definitely not forgetting to mention Jake, our guide. Jake’s enthusiasm was infectious. Throughout the 4 days he was exceptional - any questions asked were answered promptly in full detail with the addition of descriptive interesting facts or information, stories and often humour. Jake’s engagement / relationship with each member of the walking party was professional, yet thoughtful and caring. Jake was an outstanding guide who encouraged everyone to keep going each day, especially when the paths were a little ‘challenging’ !! Gary and I would not hesitate to recommend Wilderness Guides - we have made so many unforgettable memories on the Queen Charlotte Track and hope to come back one day to do it all again !!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 20, 2024
- Trav341Toowoomba, Australia111 contributionsQueen Charlotte Track - do it if you can!It's a lovely walk following a ridge line, mostly through forest with regular views of the Sounds. I'd strongly recommend Tuatara Tours if you want a guided walk. They are helpful, experienced and efficient. Our guide Marcus was excellent, well informed and skilled at managing the varied group interests. At 78 years of age I was the oldest and slowest but reasonably well prepared & fit with years of walking and exercise and I never felt outside my comfort zone. The accommodation and food was excellent and the group members delightful company. The track terrain is not particularly challenging but a couple of the days are long (25 & 21 kms approx).Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten April 1, 2024
- Snarth524 contributionsGreat day trip with Wilderness Adventures and guide JamieWe did a day trip consisting of a water taxi from Picton to the start of the Queen Charlotte Track, a hike as far as the Furneaux Lodge, and water taxi back. Our guide, Jamie, was an excellent companion and very informative about the history, flora and fauna of the region. The walk is lovely and would be nice in any weather, but we were lucky enough to have a rainbow following us around. The scenery is just splendid and the hike is invigorating and just enough for a day.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
908 reviews
Excellent
694
Very good
187
Average
23
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2
Terrible
2
Eve I
Sydney, Australia41 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
What a fabulous way to start the year! We thoroughly enjoyed mother nature over days soaking up the beautiful views and atmosphere. A really easy graded track with just enough uphill to justify indulging at excellent accomodation and meals along the way.
We call this “gliking” - glamour hiking!
We call this “gliking” - glamour hiking!
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoBee
1 contribution
Nov 2020 • Couples
Queen Charlotte track is beautiful it's a shame it's so unaccessible and that you have to pay to walk it. For this reason I don't recommend this walk and recommend you go to Nelson and do abel tasman instead where it's free and water taxi companies aren't overpriced. Abel Tasman is a better walk with better beaches anyway. Wish picton council would make it a more tourist friendly. Picton is a budget Queenstown.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimandJudy2017
Christchurch, New Zealand16 contributions
Jan 2020
Beautiful scenery, photographic viewpoints, picnic spots. Road is fine, though winds a bit. I would recommend coming from west to east if possible as stopping bays are on the seaside therefore, no crossing the road.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spidernz
Gisborne, New Zealand170 contributions
Jan 2021
We did the 17km walk from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, which many say is the prettiest section. A water taxi drops you off at the start point, the first hour is pretty much uphill (but not massively steep) then the next hour downhill to Resolution Bay. Steady and undulating after that. Moderate fitness will get you there with an hour to spare at Furneaux before another water taxi picks you up. We are a middle aged couple, one of us with very limited fitness :) but the track is mostly wide and reasonably smooth - several groups had people much older than us doing it easily. Lots of breaks in the bush to reveal stunning views of the Sounds, this section of the QCT is well worth the effort (and the beers and hot chips, although a bit expensive) at the end made it even better. Also reasonably sheltered, the Sounds had a howling gale blowing, but we hardly felt any of it, and were also mostly sheltered from the occasional rain. A few toilet facilities along the way, but everything else is bring your own everything. Do it !
Written February 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bec
Birmingham, UK546 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
We did the entire track over 4 days with our full packs. The walk is challenging with a full pack (we are training which is why we wore them), I’d love to come back again and do it with day packs and use the boat service for our luggage.
It is absolutely beautiful, yes the views are ‘similar’ but every time there was a clearing we would say ‘wow’! Crystal clear turquoise waters with the chance to spot some wildlife - we saw a stingray from above, as well as two dolphin pods on the boat ride to ship cove.
There are good accommodation options to suit the many, whether it be camping or luxurious lodges.
Some sections are quite exposed, especially on the Torea Saddle, but as long as you are prepared for extreme weather (as you should in NZ) you will be fine.
My one negative is that there were some long sections without a toilet, some times being over 3 hours. I am fine with a ‘nature’ toilet, however it is impossible to walk 50m off the track as suggested on the signposts by DOC without risking getting lost or serious injury (very steep hills both sides of track). Just something to consider if DOC have a boost in funds.
It is absolutely beautiful, yes the views are ‘similar’ but every time there was a clearing we would say ‘wow’! Crystal clear turquoise waters with the chance to spot some wildlife - we saw a stingray from above, as well as two dolphin pods on the boat ride to ship cove.
There are good accommodation options to suit the many, whether it be camping or luxurious lodges.
Some sections are quite exposed, especially on the Torea Saddle, but as long as you are prepared for extreme weather (as you should in NZ) you will be fine.
My one negative is that there were some long sections without a toilet, some times being over 3 hours. I am fine with a ‘nature’ toilet, however it is impossible to walk 50m off the track as suggested on the signposts by DOC without risking getting lost or serious injury (very steep hills both sides of track). Just something to consider if DOC have a boost in funds.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andyffnz
Auckland, New Zealand44 contributions
Jan 2022
Being 'Gentlemen Hikers' we apricated the various accommodation options along the track. We did two sections - Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge on day one and then onto Punga Cove on the second day.
The waling was easier on the second day with less hill climbs, but with sore-ish legs from the previous day, we walked somewhat slower. There was also light drizzle which made some parts of the track a little slippery.
The scenery is spectacular and being immersed in the bush (which changes constantly) and associated bird life was ethereal.
If you get the chance, and are able, defiantly try and do this - even for a day or two. We had the track mostly to ourselves and with hardly any phone coverage, felt like we had stepped back in time.
The waling was easier on the second day with less hill climbs, but with sore-ish legs from the previous day, we walked somewhat slower. There was also light drizzle which made some parts of the track a little slippery.
The scenery is spectacular and being immersed in the bush (which changes constantly) and associated bird life was ethereal.
If you get the chance, and are able, defiantly try and do this - even for a day or two. We had the track mostly to ourselves and with hardly any phone coverage, felt like we had stepped back in time.
Written January 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carole T
Wellington, New Zealand79 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Stunning views along the track. The first two days the walking was great. The 3rd and longest day the track was very steep uphill for many kms - more challenging than expected
Climb out of Portage is also very steep going 407m elevation in approximately 2.5 km
Great accommodation options along the way including campsites for the budget conscious
We booked start and end water taxi transfers with cougar line and they transferred our luggage each day as part of the package
Great to have your luggage in room on arrival each day
Climb out of Portage is also very steep going 407m elevation in approximately 2.5 km
Great accommodation options along the way including campsites for the budget conscious
We booked start and end water taxi transfers with cougar line and they transferred our luggage each day as part of the package
Great to have your luggage in room on arrival each day
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon D
Medstead, United Kingdom13 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Wow ….. just ….. Wow!!
From start to finish the Queen Charlotte Track guided walk was just awesome!
Fantastic, breathtaking scenery all along the track, accompanied by a great group of walkers, fabulous food and drink, outstanding accommodation (Furneaux Lodge was by far the best!) and definitely not forgetting to mention Jake, our guide.
Jake’s enthusiasm was infectious. Throughout the 4 days he was exceptional - any questions asked were answered promptly in full detail with the addition of descriptive interesting facts or information, stories and often humour.
Jake’s engagement / relationship with each member of the walking party was professional, yet thoughtful and caring.
Jake was an outstanding guide who encouraged everyone to keep going each day, especially when the paths were a little ‘challenging’ !!
Gary and I would not hesitate to recommend Wilderness Guides - we have made so many unforgettable memories on the Queen Charlotte Track and hope to come back one day to do it all again !!
From start to finish the Queen Charlotte Track guided walk was just awesome!
Fantastic, breathtaking scenery all along the track, accompanied by a great group of walkers, fabulous food and drink, outstanding accommodation (Furneaux Lodge was by far the best!) and definitely not forgetting to mention Jake, our guide.
Jake’s enthusiasm was infectious. Throughout the 4 days he was exceptional - any questions asked were answered promptly in full detail with the addition of descriptive interesting facts or information, stories and often humour.
Jake’s engagement / relationship with each member of the walking party was professional, yet thoughtful and caring.
Jake was an outstanding guide who encouraged everyone to keep going each day, especially when the paths were a little ‘challenging’ !!
Gary and I would not hesitate to recommend Wilderness Guides - we have made so many unforgettable memories on the Queen Charlotte Track and hope to come back one day to do it all again !!
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manda Rae
10 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
What a wonderful walk , highly recommended. First day drove to Mistletoe Bay and walked back to Anakiwa and second day got the boat out to Resolution Bay and walked to Furneaux Lodge. Great boat ride by Cougar Line and very friendly staff at Furneaux Lodge! Had the best hot chocolate after a good walk.
Written May 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheKwoks
Auckland Central, New Zealand26 contributions
Jan 2021
Best 3 days of Track. Would however recommend minimum 4 days unless you are happy and moderately fit to walk each day over 20km. We walked 28.5km on Day 1 with little time to spend at the end and walked 23km on Day 2 with plenty of tme to spend swimming by Camp Jetty. Anakiwa was beautiful and the views is just magnificent. We water taxied daily back to Picton which gave us more options for food.
Written January 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. We are 2 moderately fit adults (19 and 35) doing the hike from Ship Cove to Bay of Many Coves campsite over 2 days.
We plan on camping but unfortunately we couldn’t find any availability at the Miner’s Camp Campground at the end of our walk on Day1 so we were thinking to carry on for a further 11.5 km to Camp Bay DOC campsite. We understand that will be a long day of walking but is it doable, considering we will get the water taxi company to transport our big packs to Camp Bay ? Thanks
Written October 21, 2021
Dorothy S
Mandalay, Myanmar
I am planning to hike the 4 day Queen Charlottes Trek in late Dec 2019 early Jan 2020. One of the reviewers mentioned that 'bikers and hikers' don't mix. Is it frightening for hikers to have the bikers flying by? Has anyone been injured before? What is the current situation....Dec 2019....more hikers or bikers?
Written December 2, 2019
Only 7 bikers past me on my last hiking day. They where slow. I met one guy he full down the track, because he was a little to fast
Written January 5, 2020
How steep is the path from Lochmara Lodge to Mistletoe Bay?
Does it take about 2.5 hours to hike, one way?
Is the path from Lochmara Lodge to Mistletoe Bay well marked?
And, is a pass required if you are just taking the 2.5 hour walk?
Thanks,
Ellen
Written October 28, 2019
Hi Ellen,
Thank-you for your questions.
The path from Lochmara Lodge to Mistletoe is constant and a medium grade path.
It does take about 2.5 hours to hike, one way.
The path from Lochmara Lodge to Mistletoe Bay is very well marked and you will require a day pass to complete this part of the track.
Hope you enjoy your time on the Queen Charlotte Track.
Written October 29, 2019
We're looking at doing a shore excursion at Picton in January which involves a boat trip to Mistletoe Bay and then what is described as a 1 and a half hour trail walk which loops around a peninsula. Think this might be the James Vogel or Peninsula loop? Trying to understand how steep and difficult this walk might be and if it is possible to just go back the way we came if seems to get too hard. We are in our 60's. Keen to hear from anyone who has done this section and their experience, thanks
Written October 22, 2019
Hi, I'm planning to walk the track with my wife and son from 4th to the 9th of January and was wondering how busy the DOC campgrounds get? and do people get send away if they are full?
Written May 21, 2019
They are not camp grounds as you find in other parts of teh country. They are simple, with no designated tent spots. You rock up and put your tent up. Often with incredible views from your tent doorway. There are no amenities usually, just a toilet. Check whether there is water. Most have a shelter to keep out of the sun. It's untrue that "hardly anyone does the track from start to finish." Plenty do, but many use the existing lodges to stay at. The track however was certainly not crowded when we did in mid January. Have a wonderful time.
Written June 21, 2019
We are staying at the Portage. Can we walk from here to the track and do a small part of it?
Written February 4, 2019
Yes for sure. It’s about an 800m walk up hill to get to the track and then you can head either way along the track for as long as you wish.
Written February 5, 2019
We are planning on doing the Queen Charlotte Track in September. Is the track open and are the accommodation places open along the track?
Written January 19, 2019
It actual TRACK appears to be an "all year" operation.
I'm sure in the middle of the Southern Hemisphere winter (basically June-Aug, maybe some of September) some of the smaller accommodations might be "on holiday" or running at limited capacity. That would vary with the owners (basically they are all independent but "work together").
Well worth an email to the places you are thinking about staying at. The folk who owned these places seemed to say they have friends who take over whilst they are on holidays.
However, it's also probably the time they would do the bulk of any renovations to their properties rather than the "high" session (Spring and Summer - September to March).
It's an enjoyable walk - but take good wet weather clothing - anything can happen with weather in New Zealand at ANY time of the year.
Written January 19, 2019
Hi
We are 2 reasonably fit adults who want to do the 70 km walk. We will have a car so just wondering where we would leave it for 4 days.
We would like to stay in reasonable accom and have someone take our luggage to our next stop. Just wondering what our options are as well as pricing.
Look forward to hearing from you
Ana Clifton
Written December 15, 2018
Hi Ana C,
All accommodation and transport options can be found at the Queen Charlotte Track Inc web page. qctrack You can arrange luggage transport with your boat transport.
Below are the long term car parks found in Picton. More information can be found at Marlborough District Council - Parking in Picton.
Strait Shipping
Access from Lagoon Road
Long term - $6 per day
Interislander
Access from Auckland Street
Long term - $6 per day
Overflow parking
Ferry terminal, Auckland Street
Mixture of long term overflow and P60
Hope you enjoy your time on the Queen Charlotte Track and in New Zealand :)
Written December 17, 2018
Im wanting to get to Eatwells lookout...drive out along the road and then walk up. Where would be the best place to park and what would be the time for return walk ?...Thanks
Written November 21, 2018
Hello Stephen, we walked from Punga Cove lodge so try park near there maybe, return walk time approximately 2 hours
Written November 23, 2018
Hi is it possible to get a ferry back to Picton from different locations along the track? We might park our camper van in Picton and sleep there at night, rejoining the track in the morning.
Written November 12, 2018
Beachcomber and Cougar Line are water transport companies that can accommodate you. :)
Enjoy your time on the Queen Charlotte Track
Written December 17, 2018
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