The Queen Charlotte Track is one of New Zealand’s great multi-day outdoor experiences — a 73.5-kilometre route winding through the native bush and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. Starting at historic Ship Cove and finishing at Anakiwa, the track runs along ridgelines with views over Queen Charlotte Sound on one side and Kenepuru Sound on the other. It’s accessible from Blenheim via a 30-minute drive to Picton, and water taxis run daily from Picton Marina to the track’s northern end.
Practical Information
| Total distance | 73.5 km (Ship Cove to Anakiwa) |
|---|---|
| Walking time | 3–5 days |
| Cycling time | 2–3 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate to advanced; significant elevation on some sections |
| Start | Ship Cove (water taxi from Picton) |
| End | Anakiwa, Queen Charlotte Sound |
| Access from Blenheim | 30 min drive to Picton; water taxi to Ship Cove |
| Cycling restrictions | Bikes excluded from Ship Cove to Kenepuru Saddle 1 Dec–28 Feb |
| Cost | Track pass required ($20–$25 pp); water taxi extra |
About the Track
The Queen Charlotte Track passes through a mix of privately owned land and DOC-managed reserve. The route follows the ridgeline of the Marlborough Sounds for much of its length, giving long views over the sounds on both sides. The bush along the track is dense broadleaf and podocarp forest — rimu, tawa, kohekohe — with tui and bellbird common throughout.
Most walkers and riders travel south from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. The classic three-section layout allows days to be broken up naturally at accommodation along the track: Furneaux Lodge at Camp Bay, Portage Resort at the head of Kenepuru Sound, and smaller lodges and campsites at Torea Bay and Cowshed Bay.
Track Sections and Grades
The track is divided into three main sections for cyclists, each covering roughly 20–28 km:
Ship Cove to Camp Bay (Furneaux Lodge) — 28 km, Grade 3–4 intermediate to advanced. The first section features significant climbing from Endeavour Inlet and long ridgeline riding. Allow 4–6 hours. Note: bikes are excluded from this section between 1 December and 28 February to protect walkers on the busiest stretch.
Camp Bay to Torea Saddle (Portage) — 24.5 km, Grade 3–5. This central section includes some of the most technical terrain on the track, with expert-grade descents. Allow 4–5 hours.
Torea Saddle to Anakiwa — 20.5 km, Grade 3–5. Mostly Grade 3 with one steep Grade 5 climb out of Torea Saddle. The final descent to Anakiwa is fast and rewarding. Allow 4–5 hours.
Overall the track splits roughly 60% Grade 3 (intermediate), 30% Grade 4 (advanced) and 10% Grade 5 (expert). Walkers should expect significant daily elevation gain — the track is not flat.
Getting to the Track
Picton is 30 km north of Blenheim on SH1, about 30 minutes by car. From Picton Marina, water taxis run to Ship Cove and to various points along the track. Cougar Line and Endeavour Express are the main water taxi operators and run scheduled daily services. Baggage transfers between accommodation stops are available through the same operators, allowing walkers to carry day packs only.
If doing only the southern end of the track, a shorter and more accessible option is to start from Anakiwa (at the end of the Queen Charlotte Drive) and ride or walk north to Torea Bay and back as a day trip.
What Visitors Say
What visitors say
“We cycled the Queen Charlotte in two days, staying at Portage. The views from the ridgeline are genuinely world-class — you’re riding above two sounds simultaneously. The southern section into Anakiwa is the best descent I’ve done in New Zealand.” — NZ cycling blog, 2024
Where to learn more
- Queen Charlotte Track official site — track passes, maps, grades, accommodation and water taxi information
- DOC Queen Charlotte Track page — official Department of Conservation information including track conditions and closures
- New Zealand Cycle Trail — Queen Charlotte guide — practical advice on riding the track
FAQ
Can I do part of the Queen Charlotte Track as a day trip from Blenheim?
Yes — the southern end around Anakiwa is accessible by car and the section from Anakiwa to Torea Bay makes a good day ride or walk without water taxi costs.
When are bikes excluded from the track?
Bikes are excluded from the Ship Cove to Kenepuru Saddle section between 1 December and 28 February. The rest of the track is open to cyclists year-round.
Do I need a track pass?
Yes — a track pass is required and can be purchased online through the Queen Charlotte Track website. Passes contribute to track maintenance.
What level of fitness is needed?
Moderate to good fitness is required. The track has significant elevation — walkers should expect 600–900m of climbing per day on the longer sections.
Is there accommodation along the track?
Yes — lodges, resorts and DOC campsites are spaced along the track. Furneaux Lodge, Portage Resort, and several smaller operations provide accommodation.
How do I get back from Anakiwa?
Cougar Line and Endeavour Express both offer returns by water taxi from Anakiwa to Picton. Alternatively, arrange a shuttle pick-up from Anakiwa at the end of Queen Charlotte Drive.
See the Cycling Tracks in Blenheim hub for more riding options in the region. For shorter in-town rides, the Wither Hills Farm Park has 45 trails from beginner to advanced just south of Blenheim.
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