Nelson / Marlborough
Queen Charlotte Track - OPEN
Northern Start
Ship Cove
Southern End
Anakiwa
Distance
66km
Time
3-5 days
Track Standard
Road margin
Footpath
Easy tramping track
Tramping track
Route
Mixed grade
Description
(North to South)
(North to South)
Te Araroa's start point in the South Island is Ship Cove - note no camping allowed at Ship Cove. This is where the Queen Charlotte Track's northern terminus is and Te Araroa follows this track for 3-5 days and to its end near the Outward Bound School at Anakiwa.
Captain James Cook, the first European to set foot on New Zealand soil, named Queen Charlotte Sound and Ship Cove, where in January 1770, he and his crew on the Endeavour, spent weeks careening their vessel and taking on water and provisions. Cook used the cove again on the two subsequent voyages of 1773 and 1777, as captain of the Resolution. He stayed here almost 6 months in total. A memorial to him now stands at the cove.
Access to Ship Cove for most is by boat and a number of companies operate regular shuttle runs between Picton and various points along the track, including both trailheads. Some operators will transport packs forward each morning to the days-end destination so trampers can walk unencumbered.
Fees are payable to the Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative to use track sections that cross private land. A pass lasting up to 4 days costs $18.00. School children are free. Passes are for sale at numerous outlets, including the Picton I-site and Furneaux Lodge.
The entire track is to an easy tramping standard. It contains long forested sections with a mix of coastal and ridgeline walking and affords good views of both Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
There has been a lot of tourism oriented development along the Queen Charlotte Track and trampers can tailor their tramping to suit. The accommodation available ranges from up market lodges to campsites, 6 of these managed by DOC and one, at Mistletoe Bay, by a private trust. If you want to spend the money, there's restaurant food available en route.
The DOC brochure available through the link on this page contains more information about walking the track, including details about transport, food and accommodation options, flora, fauna, and a historical account. Alternatively, if you're in Picton then visit the Picton and Queen Charlotte Track Information and Booking Centre, on the foreshore in the centre of town.
A four day tramp on the Queen Charlotte Track might follow this timetable but there's plenty of scope for variation:
- Ship Cove to the head of Endeavour Inlet - 13km / 5hr
- Head of Endeavour Inlet to Bay of Many Coves Campsite - 19km / 6hr
- Bay of Many Coves Campsite to Torea Saddle - 15km / 6hr
- Torea Saddle to Anakiwa - 20km / 8hr
The walking time estimates are DOC’s. Some will find them generous but they're consistent so if a tramper is able to walk one section in 4/5th of DOC’s walking time estimate then they're likely to be able to do the same in other sections.
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Ship Cove
View the historic site and interpretation panels. The walking begins with a 240m climb to a saddle and lookout before descending to Resolution Bay.
Resolution Bay
There is a side trail here to DOC’s Schoolhouse Bay Campsite. The Resolution Bay Cabins are further along (03 579 9411). The well-graded trail undulates as it leads from Resolution Bay around into Endeavour Inlet passing numerous accommodation businesses along the way.
Beyond the Camp Bay junction the track climbs towards Kenepuru Saddle.
DOC’s Bay of Many Coves Campsite
The track climbs from this campsite to a high point then undulates gently and stays mainly on the ridge.
DOC’s Black Rock Campsite Beyond this campsite the track remains mainly on the ridge before it descends to Torea Saddle
Kenepuru Saddle
The track from the Saddle has some steeper and ridgeline sections. Trampers need their QCTLC pass from here to cross private property track sections.
Torea Saddle. Right for 1km down Torea Road to Portage Bay, from here the track climbs away from the saddle. Further on it descends towards Te Mahia Saddle.
Te Mahia Saddle. Left down to Mistletoe Bay Eco Village where there is accommodation, as listed in extra information. The track continues through the junction as sign-posted.
DOC’s Davies Bay Campsite
It is easy walking from the campsite through to the trailhead at Anakiwa.
Anakiwa
The Queen Charlotte Track ends here. |
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Potential Hazards
- Vehicles on road or track be aware of mountain bikers
Description
(North to South)
(North to South)
Te Araroa's start point in the South Island is Ship Cove - note no camping allowed at Ship Cove. This is where the Queen Charlotte Track's northern terminus is and Te Araroa follows this track for 3-5 days and to its end near the Outward Bound School at Anakiwa.
Captain James Cook, the first European to set foot on New Zealand soil, named Queen Charlotte Sound and Ship Cove, where in January 1770, he and his crew on the Endeavour, spent weeks careening their vessel and taking on water and provisions. Cook used the cove again on the two subsequent voyages of 1773 and 1777, as captain of the Resolution. He stayed here almost 6 months in total. A memorial to him now stands at the cove.
Access to Ship Cove for most is by boat and a number of companies operate regular shuttle runs between Picton and various points along the track, including both trailheads. Some operators will transport packs forward each morning to the days-end destination so trampers can walk unencumbered.
Fees are payable to the Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative to use track sections that cross private land. A pass lasting up to 4 days costs $18.00. School children are free. Passes are for sale at numerous outlets, including the Picton I-site and Furneaux Lodge.
The entire track is to an easy tramping standard. It contains long forested sections with a mix of coastal and ridgeline walking and affords good views of both Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
There has been a lot of tourism oriented development along the Queen Charlotte Track and trampers can tailor their tramping to suit. The accommodation available ranges from up market lodges to campsites, 6 of these managed by DOC and one, at Mistletoe Bay, by a private trust. If you want to spend the money, there's restaurant food available en route.
The DOC brochure available through the link on this page contains more information about walking the track, including details about transport, food and accommodation options, flora, fauna, and a historical account. Alternatively, if you're in Picton then visit the Picton and Queen Charlotte Track Information and Booking Centre, on the foreshore in the centre of town.
A four day tramp on the Queen Charlotte Track might follow this timetable but there's plenty of scope for variation:
- Ship Cove to the head of Endeavour Inlet - 13km / 5hr
- Head of Endeavour Inlet to Bay of Many Coves Campsite - 19km / 6hr
- Bay of Many Coves Campsite to Torea Saddle - 15km / 6hr
- Torea Saddle to Anakiwa - 20km / 8hr
The walking time estimates are DOC’s. Some will find them generous but they're consistent so if a tramper is able to walk one section in 4/5th of DOC’s walking time estimate then they're likely to be able to do the same in other sections.
|
Ship Cove
View the historic site and interpretation panels. The walking begins with a 240m climb to a saddle and lookout before descending to Resolution Bay.
Resolution Bay
There is a side trail here to DOC’s Schoolhouse Bay Campsite. The Resolution Bay Cabins are further along (03 579 9411). The well-graded trail undulates as it leads from Resolution Bay around into Endeavour Inlet passing numerous accommodation businesses along the way.
Beyond the Camp Bay junction the track climbs towards Kenepuru Saddle.
DOC’s Bay of Many Coves Campsite
The track climbs from this campsite to a high point then undulates gently and stays mainly on the ridge.
DOC’s Black Rock Campsite Beyond this campsite the track remains mainly on the ridge before it descends to Torea Saddle
Kenepuru Saddle
The track from the Saddle has some steeper and ridgeline sections. Trampers need their QCTLC pass from here to cross private property track sections.
Torea Saddle. Right for 1km down Torea Road to Portage Bay, from here the track climbs away from the saddle. Further on it descends towards Te Mahia Saddle.
Te Mahia Saddle. Left down to Mistletoe Bay Eco Village where there is accommodation, as listed in extra information. The track continues through the junction as sign-posted.
DOC’s Davies Bay Campsite
It is easy walking from the campsite through to the trailhead at Anakiwa.
Anakiwa
The Queen Charlotte Track ends here. |
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Note: Map is indicative only
Extra Info
Picton
General information
Picton Visitor Information Centre - Auckland St, Picton - P: 03 520 3113 - E: pvic@destinationmarlborough.com
Picton DOC Office - Port Marlborough Building, 14 Auckland St, Picton - P: 03 520 3002 - E: picton@doc.govt.nz
Picton Visitor Information Centre - Auckland St, Picton - P: 03 520 3113 - E: pvic@destinationmarlborough.com
Picton DOC Office - Port Marlborough Building, 14 Auckland St, Picton - P: 03 520 3002 - E: picton@doc.govt.nz
Getting to/from the start
Te Araroa’s northern terminus in the South Island is at Ship Cove, which is accessible only by boat. Picton is the gateway to Ship Cove and is a full service town with a population of around 3000.
Getting there/away - Picton
Ferry to/from Wellington, multiple departures daily, Interislander, Bluebridge
Sounds Air - P: 0800 505 005 - Regular flights to and from Wellington and to most other destinations from nearby Blenheim airport, see Air New Zealand
Te Araroa’s northern terminus in the South Island is at Ship Cove, which is accessible only by boat. Picton is the gateway to Ship Cove and is a full service town with a population of around 3000.
Getting there/away - Picton
Ferry to/from Wellington, multiple departures daily, Interislander, Bluebridge
Sounds Air - P: 0800 505 005 - Regular flights to and from Wellington and to most other destinations from nearby Blenheim airport, see Air New Zealand
Rental Cars - multiple options available
Private Driver Hire - P: 03 3910500 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry.
Transport to trailheads
Cougar Line Water Taxis - The Waterfront London Quay and Wellington St, Picton (by the town wharves) - P: 03 573 7925
Beachcomber Cruises - The Waterfront Cnr London Quay and Wellington St, Picton P: 03 573 6175 or Freephone 0800 62 45 26 - E: office@mailboat.co.nz
Cougar Line Water Taxis - The Waterfront London Quay and Wellington St, Picton (by the town wharves) - P: 03 573 7925
Beachcomber Cruises - The Waterfront Cnr London Quay and Wellington St, Picton P: 03 573 6175 or Freephone 0800 62 45 26 - E: office@mailboat.co.nz
Other accommodation
Full range of hostel, motel and other accommodation providers including
YHA Picton - 34 Auckland Street, Picton P: 03 573 6598 E: picton@yha.co.nz
Gateway Motel Picton - 32 High St, Picton - P: 0800 104 104 or 03 573 6398 - E: info@picton-accommodation.co.nz
Broadway Motel - 113 High St, Picton - P: 0800 101 919 - E: stay@broadwaymotel.co.nz
Atlantis Backpackers - 42 London Quay, Picton - P: 03 5737390 - E: utopia@atlantishostel.co.nz (ask for the Te Araroa discount!)
Full range of hostel, motel and other accommodation providers including
YHA Picton - 34 Auckland Street, Picton P: 03 573 6598 E: picton@yha.co.nz
Gateway Motel Picton - 32 High St, Picton - P: 0800 104 104 or 03 573 6398 - E: info@picton-accommodation.co.nz
Broadway Motel - 113 High St, Picton - P: 0800 101 919 - E: stay@broadwaymotel.co.nz
Atlantis Backpackers - 42 London Quay, Picton - P: 03 5737390 - E: utopia@atlantishostel.co.nz (ask for the Te Araroa discount!)
Accommodation en route
Furneaux Lodge - Endeavour Inlet Queen Charlotte P: 03 579 8259 - E: info@furneaux.co.nz - This historic lodge has hostel and more exclusive accommodation, a restaurant, bar, and a booking office.
Punga Cove Resort - Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds - P: 03 579 8561 - E: enquiries@pungacove.co.nz
- Includes: hostel and more exclusive accommodation options, a restaurant, cafe and bar.
Miners Camp - Miners Wharf, Endeavour Inlet, Marlborough Sounds - P: 03 579 8186 - A privately run campsite at the head of Endeavour Inlet
Camp Bay Junction - P: 03 579 8561 - Right on a side trail leads to DOC’s Camp Bay Campsite and to Punga Cove Resort, which has DOC's Bay of Many Coves campsite DOC’s Bay of Many Coves Campsite - The track climbs from this campsite to a high point then undulates gently and stays mainly on the ridge.
DOC’s Black Rock Campsite - Beyond this campsite the track remains mainly on the ridge before it descends to Torea Saddle
Portage Resort Hotel - 2923 Kenepuru Rd, Marlborough Sounds - P: 0800 762 442 or 03 573 4309 - E: reservations@portage.co.nz - Includes: hostel and more exclusive accommodation, a restaurant, cafe, and bar.
Mistletoe Bay Eco Village - Onahau Bat Queen Charlotte Sound - P: 03 573 4080 or M: 021 131 8283 - E: stay@mistletoebay.co.nz - Includes: camping, hostel, more exclusive accommodation, and a small store.
Mistletoe Bay Eco Village - Onahau Bat Queen Charlotte Sound - P: 03 573 4080 or M: 021 131 8283 - E: stay@mistletoebay.co.nz - Includes: camping, hostel, more exclusive accommodation, and a small store.
Resupply
Fresh Choice Supermarket - Mariners Mall, 100 High St, Picton - P: 03 573 6463
Picton 4 Four Square - 49 High St, Picton - P: 03 573 6443
Fresh Choice Supermarket - Mariners Mall, 100 High St, Picton - P: 03 573 6463
Picton 4 Four Square - 49 High St, Picton - P: 03 573 6443
Anakiwa
Accommodation
Anakiwa Lodge - 9 Lady Cobham Grove, Anakiwa P: 03 574 2115 E: info@anakiwa.co.nz
Anakiwa 401 - 401 Anakiwa Rd, Marlborough Sounds - P: 03 574 1388 - E: anakiwa401@gmail.com
Smiths Farm Holiday Park - 1419 Queen Charlotte Drive, Linkwater - P: 03 5742806 or 0800 727578 - E: cbfaulls@xtra.co.nz (Pickup from Anakiwa available by request)
Anakiwa 401 - 401 Anakiwa Rd, Marlborough Sounds - P: 03 574 1388 - E: anakiwa401@gmail.com
Smiths Farm Holiday Park - 1419 Queen Charlotte Drive, Linkwater - P: 03 5742806 or 0800 727578 - E: cbfaulls@xtra.co.nz (Pickup from Anakiwa available by request)
"Your Home By The Sea" - Tirimoana Terrace, Anakiwa - P: 03 5742238 - E: yourhomebythesea@gmail.com - Room 1 Queen Bed - Room 2 Double bed bunk (2+1) - Both Rooms
Transport
Transport
Cougar Line Water Taxis - The Waterfront London Quay and Wellington St, Picton (by the town wharves) - P: 03 573 7925 - W:
Beachcomber Cruises - The Waterfront Cnr London Quay and Wellington St, Picton P: 03 573 6175 or Freephone 0800 62 45 26 -
Beachcomber Cruises - The Waterfront Cnr London Quay and Wellington St, Picton P: 03 573 6175 or Freephone 0800 62 45 26 -
E: office@mailboat.co.nz
Private Driver Hire - P: 03 3910500 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry.
Private Driver Hire - P: 03 3910500 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry.
Refreshments
The Green Caravan Café @ Anakiwa 401 has heat'n'eat meals, snacks, hot & cold drinks and ice-creams.
Amenities
(Start)
(Start)
- Full range of amenities in Picton. Beachcomber Cruises (03 573 6175) offers TA walkers a discount for the trip to Ship Cove.
Amenities
(On Route)
(On Route)
- Full range of amenities . See link to Doc's brochure
Amenities
(End)
(End)
- Carpark
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Accommodation YHA Anakiwa - see above
- Transport options back to Picton
Closest Town(s)
Picton
Managed by
DOC
