Queen Charlotte Track
Queen Charlotte Track
Queen Charlotte Track
4.5
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4.5
915 reviews
Excellent
701
Very good
187
Average
23
Poor
2
Terrible
2
kay r
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Friends
I had a fabulous hike on the QCT with Wilderness Guides--my friends and I did a guided tour with seven other hikers. We'd recently completed the Milford Track and I expected QCT to be easier but QCT was actually somewhat more challenging. Our tour guide, Sean, was so knowledgeable about NZ flora and fauna and he also kept us entertained with great stores along the trail. There were endless vistas from atop the hills of the Marlborough Sound and much (most?) of the trail was shady and in the bush. I enjoy the QCT as much as the Milford which is not what I'd expected going into this. QCT is truly a great walk not just in NZ but in the world. I would gladly do it all over again.
Written 10 February 2025
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.
John H
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
The track distances were challenging, made easier by having our bag carried forward. We were rewarded with wonderful views. The track conditions were relatively kind, even though day 3 was a bit long for our old legs. The resorts were outstanding. We thought Wildness Guides NZ were really easy to deal with and their prices were great. We would recommend them to anyone.
Written 22 December 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.
Margaret R
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Friends
My grandson and I booked the 5 day Gourmet walk with Wilderness Guides for the Queen Charlotte track. Everything about this Company is exceptional. The organisation in the office to make sure everything fits together is so professional and friendly. We had a fantastic guide (Sean) who had a great personality and was so knowledgeable on the flora and fauna of the area.
The walk is quite strenuous, especially the third day, but is definitely worth the effort, it is stunning, such beautiful scenery, and a different view around every bend, and you know at the end of every day you have a great place to stay with excellent food and wine to look forward to.
A wonderful experience, and sense of achievement.
The walk is quite strenuous, especially the third day, but is definitely worth the effort, it is stunning, such beautiful scenery, and a different view around every bend, and you know at the end of every day you have a great place to stay with excellent food and wine to look forward to.
A wonderful experience, and sense of achievement.
Written 11 February 2025
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.
Trav341
Toowoomba, Australia113 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
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).
Written 1 April 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.
Snarth
Philadelphia526 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We 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.
Written 16 April 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.
Debbie B
Nelson Bay, Australia15 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
Fantastic walk. The prettiest multi day walk I’ve done. Helped immensely by Beachcomber Cruises from Picton who took us to the beginning of the track and then moved our backpacks on each day to our destination. Meant we could just carry a day pack and not have to worry about our tents and gear until picking them up next to our campsites in the afternoon. Made it so much more enjoyable. Thanks Beachcomber Cruises.
Written 26 January 2025
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.
Rydel100
Melbourne, Australia137 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
We did the 3 day self guided walk of the Queen Charlotte Track with Wilderness Guides. This was an absolutely fabulous walk and can't recommend it enough. The lodge accommodation was far better than I expected, as was the walk. The scenery was spectacular and although parts of the walk were bit of a challenge (for a relatively unfit 60 year old), I was able to complete it ok.
Written 5 January 2025
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 20 February 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.
aussieastrogirl
Jervis Bay, Australia3,492 contributions
Feb 2023
Queen charlotte track
Not as spectacular as the Routeburn and not as difficult but a lovely coastal walk with good facilities.
We organized our own trip. We took Cougar lines from Picton to Ship cove and they moved our luggage daily. Remember to ask the people who provided this initial service for a quote if you want to cut short some of the walk during your trip as they will give you a much better rate than if you do it separately.
The great thing about the Queen Charlotte track is that you can pull out any day and catch the boat to the next hotel and enjoy your day there.
Left Ship Cove at 9am and arrived at Furneaux Lodge at 3pm. Great place to stay, good food. We bought snacks (fruit, nuts and muesli bars) in Picton that lasted us for the whole trip for lunches and snacks. We did buy lunches from Punga Cove Resort but it was not necessary.
We walked from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove Resort in pouring rain and howling wind in 3.25 hrs. The track was slippery and wet but it was a lovely part of the track showing glimpses of the different coves. Amazing water colours even in the storm.
We decided to cut the next day short because, even though it was predicted to be sunny, the track was so wet. We caught a Beachcomber Boat from Punga Cove to Torea Bay and arrived at 11am. Then we walked up a steep hill for 1/2 hr to the start of the QCT. We walked from there to Te Mahia Bay Resort and arrived at 3pm. We saw the turn off to Lochmara Lodge which is one hours walk off the track. Spectacular views of both Sounds.
We left Te Mahia at 10am and got to Anakiwa at about 1:30, with lots of stops for photos, side tracks and lunch. The beech trees along this part of the track were lovely. We had coffee and ice cream at the Green Caravan Café while waiting for the boat to take us to Picton.
Not as spectacular as the Routeburn and not as difficult but a lovely coastal walk with good facilities.
We organized our own trip. We took Cougar lines from Picton to Ship cove and they moved our luggage daily. Remember to ask the people who provided this initial service for a quote if you want to cut short some of the walk during your trip as they will give you a much better rate than if you do it separately.
The great thing about the Queen Charlotte track is that you can pull out any day and catch the boat to the next hotel and enjoy your day there.
Left Ship Cove at 9am and arrived at Furneaux Lodge at 3pm. Great place to stay, good food. We bought snacks (fruit, nuts and muesli bars) in Picton that lasted us for the whole trip for lunches and snacks. We did buy lunches from Punga Cove Resort but it was not necessary.
We walked from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove Resort in pouring rain and howling wind in 3.25 hrs. The track was slippery and wet but it was a lovely part of the track showing glimpses of the different coves. Amazing water colours even in the storm.
We decided to cut the next day short because, even though it was predicted to be sunny, the track was so wet. We caught a Beachcomber Boat from Punga Cove to Torea Bay and arrived at 11am. Then we walked up a steep hill for 1/2 hr to the start of the QCT. We walked from there to Te Mahia Bay Resort and arrived at 3pm. We saw the turn off to Lochmara Lodge which is one hours walk off the track. Spectacular views of both Sounds.
We left Te Mahia at 10am and got to Anakiwa at about 1:30, with lots of stops for photos, side tracks and lunch. The beech trees along this part of the track were lovely. We had coffee and ice cream at the Green Caravan Café while waiting for the boat to take us to Picton.
Written 5 March 2023
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 15 January 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.
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 21 October 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 2 December 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 5 January 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 28 October 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 29 October 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 22 October 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 21 May 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 21 June 2019
We are staying at the Portage. Can we walk from here to the track and do a small part of it?
Written 4 February 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 5 February 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 19 January 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 19 January 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 15 December 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 17 December 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 21 November 2018
Hello Stephen, we walked from Punga Cove lodge so try park near there maybe, return walk time approximately 2 hours
Written 23 November 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 12 November 2018
Beachcomber and Cougar Line are water transport companies that can accommodate you. :)
Enjoy your time on the Queen Charlotte Track
Written 17 December 2018
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