Length

72km / 43miles
Type

Walk or Mountain Bike
Stay

Lodges, B&B's, campsites
Cost

Track Pass Required

Guide

Queen Charlotte Track

The iconic Queen Charlotte Track, stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, is a journey from past to present, via panoramic ocean views, thriving native bush and encounters with the likes of weka, fantail, wood pigeon and even seals.

The 72km Queen Charlotte Track offers a rich history, incredible scenery and the freedom to walk or mountain bike without heavy gear with a network of water taxis available to transfer you to and from the track, and transfer your gear to your accommodation each night.

A full range of accommodation options are available, including luxury water's edge resorts, lodges, holiday houses, backpackers and campsites.

The track is relatively easy walking, taking 3 to 5 days depending on how far you want to walk each day, and is a fantastic mountain bike ride, over 2 to 3 days. The full track is open to mountain biking from 1 March to 30 November each year, with some sections closed outside of these dates. If time doesn't allow you to complete the full track, take a water taxi out and complete just a section from a few hours to a couple of days.

Track Overview

72km one way

Walking
Duration: 3-5 days
Grade: Easier Tramping Track

Mountain Biking
Duration: 2-3 days
Grade: Intermediate (Grade 3) / Advanced (Grade 4)

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Things to know

Find out all the essential information for walking or biking the 72km Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough. Track passes, getting there and the history.

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Mountain biking

The 72km Queen Charlotte Track is one of New Zealand's Great Rides and one of the longest pieces of continuous single track in the country. You can have your luggage carried by boat, whether you choose to stay in a lodge or camp at a conservation campsite.

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Walking

The Queen Charlotte Track is all about freedom. You can lug a pack, camp at beautiful conservation campsites, and be finished in 3 days. Or carry just your lunch and jacket, stay in lodges along the way and stretch the journey out to 5 days.

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Short walks

The track is accessible by land and water at many places, so if you don’t have time to hike the whole thing you can choose one section and do it in a day.

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Places to stay

New Zealand is spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful walks, but when you find a beautiful walk with beautiful accommodation as well, you are in for a real treat. Whether you’re camping or planning a night of luxury you’re going to love your nights on the track.

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Mondo Kopua Biking enthusiast

“The thing I love about Marlborough, which you see when you cycle it, is the diversity of the landscape. We’ve got high country like up the Awatere Valley, then the Richmond Range, the Marlborough Sounds and all the rivers. Personally I’m an open country, high country farm sort of person. I love getting up in the hills.”

My insider guide to Marlborough

Quick facts Biking

The Queen Charlotte Track is 72km long and can be ridden on a mountain bike in 2-3 days by intermediate – advanced riders.

Some sections are easier than others so if you are looking to do a day trip then there may be an option for less experienced riders.

In Picton, you can hire a bike for your trip and organise a water taxi to take you to Ship Cove, or to another location if you’re planning a day trip. You’ll also need to get a QCTLC pass from the Picton, Blenheim or Havelock i-SITE Visitor Information Centres.

Grade

Intermediate/Grade 3: Steep slopes and / or avoidable obstacles possibly on narrow track and / or with poor traction. There may be exposure at the track’s outside edge.

Advanced/Grade 4: A mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow track, poor traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid or jump over. Generally exposed at the track’s outside edge. Most riders will find some sections easier to walk.