Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track
Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track
Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track
4 Days Starting and ending in Picton
Visiting: Picton / Queen Charlotte Track, Queen Charlotte Track, Queen Charlotte Track / Picton
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHXQ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
With a soundtrack of bellbirds and a backdrop of the stunning Marlborough Sounds, hiking the Queen Charlotte Track is an experience like no other. Over four days you’ll join an expert local leader as you walk past secluded bays, picturesque coves and native forest, learning about the area’s Maori and European history as you go. But hiking through wild scenery doesn’t mean sacrificing creature comforts – end each day at fabulous lodge accommodation with modern amenities, a perfect way to recharge your batteries. In a country full of views to take your breath away, this corner of New Zealand might just top the list.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Picton / Queen Charlotte Track
Location: Picton / Queen Charlotte Track
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Picton! Hugging the side of the Queen Charlotte Sound, this seaside town is the jumping off point for your explorations of its famous track. Your adventure gets rolling with a 8:30am welcome meeting (or 8am if your departure runs between May and September) where you’ll link up with your local leader and fellow travellers, then it’s a ferry to Meretoto, also known as Ship Cove. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins which can often be spotted swimming alongside the boat! Famed for being James Cooks base for his explorations of the country and a place of shelter for the Maori people, take some time to explore the cove while your leader shares its history. Depart Meretoto and begin today’s hike, climbing away from the coastline through untouched forests of ferns and beech – your leader will point out the fascinating and varied plant life as you go. Pause at a lookout point to admire views of the Queen Charlotte Sound, then descend into Resolution Bay and stop for a picnic lunch (please note you should bring your own picnic lunch for today). Follow the shoreline over an old bridle path to the stunning Endeavour Inlet where you’ll have some downtime to kayak, stand up paddleboard or simply stretch out next to the water and relax. Later in the day, continue to your lodge accommodation and settle in for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Queen Charlotte Track
Location: Queen Charlotte Track
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Wake up to the songs of birds and prepare for another scenic day of walking. Skirt along the coastline through gorgeous native bush while your leader helps you listen for the calls of fantails and bellbirds. Pass by Big Bay, walk through shady forest to Camp Bay, then arrive at the beautiful Punga Cove in the Marlborough Sounds. On arrival, take some time to explore this small but picturesque seaside settlement and perhaps pop into one of the few local eateries for lunch with a view. The afternoon is yours to make the most of your spectacular setting. You may like to hire a kayak to explore the bay’s clear waters, or chill out at your accommodation and make use of the outdoor pool. Your accommodation has a wonderful on-site restaurant for dinner this evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Queen Charlotte Track
Location: Queen Charlotte Track
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Today is your longest day of walking and also offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery – get ready to give your legs and your camera a good workout! Depart from Punga Cove and follow the ridgeline towards the Kenepuru Saddle. Climb to the Eatwells Lookout, taking in sweeping views of the Marlborough Sounds as your leader points out Cook Strait and the Kaikoura Ranges in the distance, then descend to the Torea Saddle. Walk the final stretch to Portage Bay, your base for the night. With remarkable coastal views emerging with every step, this is sure to be a day to remember. This evening, perhaps join your fellow hikers and enjoy an optional but well-earned three course dinner at the excellent restaurant at your hotel and take the time to reminisce with your group about everything you’ve seen on your journey.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Queen Charlotte Track / Picton
Location: Queen Charlotte Track / Picton
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy a morning at leisure to enjoy all that Portage has to offer. You may like to rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard to explore the bay, or perhaps head out snorkelling to discover what lies beneath the water. Then it’s time to leave Portage Bay behind and take a short walk over the saddle to Torea Bay. From here it’s just a quick ferry ride to Picton, where on arrival your adventure will come to an end.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights) -
Resolution Bay - Picnic Lunch
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Resolution Bay - Meretoto to Endeavour Inlet Track
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Punga Cove - Big Bay to Punga Cove Track
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Portage Bay - Packed Lunch
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Portage Bay - Kenepuru Saddle to Portage Bay Track
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Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 lunches
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
Private vehicle , Water Taxi
Accommodation
Accommodation on this trip is on twin share basis, and single travellers are paired with someone of the same gender. Please note that due to limited accommodation options in some of the destinations on this trip the group will stay in twin room accommodation with shared facilities.
Important Information
START & END TIMEYour adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8:30am on Day 1 at Cougar Line at Picton Marina on the corner of London Quay & Wellington Street under the 3 purple flags. It is very important you will be at the meeting point on time as the group will take a ferry to Meretoto at 9:30am. Please note, departures from May to September will run on Winter ferry timetable, therefore the welcome meeting will start at 8am with a ferry departure at 9am. You are expected to arrive back in Picton on Day 4 in the mid-afternoon.SINGLE SUPPLEMENTA single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
Private vehicle , Water Taxi
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This is a hiking trip, you should come prepared as the fitter you are, the more enjoyable all the hikes will be.
This trip involves plenty of hiking over varied terrain, good footwear, clothing for all types of weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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