Last updated November 2026
The Momorangi Forest Experience Walk is a short loop through regenerating forest at Momorangi Bay in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, about 27 km from Blenheim. It starts at the end of the Momorangi Bay campground road, off Queen Charlotte Drive.
DOC times the loop at 20 minutes return and says it is suitable for prams. There are interpretation panels along the way, and DOC says glow-worms are plentiful once it is completely dark. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Momorangi Forest Experience Walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- End of the Momorangi Bay campground road, off Queen Charlotte Drive
- Distance from the city
- About 27 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- 20 min return (loop)
- Track length
- About 0.4 km
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track), suitable for prams
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Parking
- Public car park along the main road (DOC)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Momorangi Forest Experience Walk
This is a short walk built for taking your time. The loop heads up one side of a stream, rising gently by about 10 metres, then crosses over and comes back down the other bank. The gravel surface makes it easy going underfoot.
The forest here is regenerating, and DOC suggests taking some time over the interpretation panels along the track. They make the walk a good choice for children and anyone curious about how forest regenerates.
DOC describes the stream-side track as a nice, cool spot on a hot summer’s day. Come back once it is completely dark and you can see glow-worms, which DOC says are plentiful. Bring a torch for the walk in and out, and switch it off when you reach them.
Getting There
Momorangi Bay is on Queen Charlotte Drive, the main road through the Sounds between Picton and Havelock. The walk starts at the end of the Momorangi Bay campground road, and DOC says car parking is available in the public car park along the main road. Water taxis also run from Picton and Havelock to parts of the Sounds.
Before You Go
The weather in the Sounds is usually mild but can change quickly. In late summer and autumn, DOC advises carrying antihistamine if you are allergic to wasp stings. Only light fires in designated areas, and boil, filter or treat any stream water before drinking it.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Momorangi Forest Experience Walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui area: other walks, campsites and alerts around Queen Charlotte Sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Momorangi Forest Experience Walk?
DOC times the loop at 20 minutes return.
Can I take a pram?
Yes. DOC says the track is suitable for prams, and it has a gravel surface.
Where can I see glow-worms?
Along this walk, once it is completely dark. DOC says they are plentiful.
Where does the walk start?
At the end of the Momorangi Bay campground road, off Queen Charlotte Drive. DOC says parking is in the public car park along the main road.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this walk is no dogs.
Is it steep?
No. DOC says the track climbs gradually, by around 10 metres, beside the stream before returning on the other side.
How far is it from Blenheim?
About 27 km in a straight line, on Queen Charlotte Drive between Picton and Havelock.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.