Queen Charlotte Track, New Zealand

A Multi-Day Hiking and Biking Trail with Stunning Coastal Views and Lush Forests

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, the Queen Charlotte Track is a world-renowned multi-day hiking and biking trail that offers an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds. This 71-kilometer trail winds its way through lush native forests, along rugged coastlines, and past serene inlets, providing hikers and bikers with some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a casual cyclist, the Queen Charlotte Track offers an adventure that caters to all levels of fitness and experience. This article delves into the highlights of the trail, including the Marlborough Sounds, Ship Cove, Endeavour Inlet, and the myriad of activities that make this trail a must-visit destination.

The Marlborough Sounds: A Natural Wonderland

The Queen Charlotte Track is located in the Marlborough Sounds, a network of sea-drowned valleys at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island. This unique landscape was formed by a combination of tectonic activity and rising sea levels, resulting in a labyrinth of sheltered inlets, secluded bays, and lush forested hills. The Marlborough Sounds are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including native birds, marine mammals, and ancient forests. The area is also renowned for its pristine waters, making it a popular destination for boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Hiking the Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track is divided into several sections, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. The trail can be completed in its entirety over 3-5 days, or you can choose to hike or bike individual sections. Some of the most popular sections include:

• Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet: This 15.4-kilometer section is a great introduction to the trail, offering a mix of coastal views and native forest. The trail starts at Ship Cove, a historic site where Captain James Cook first landed in New Zealand, and winds its way through lush forest to Endeavour Inlet.
• Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay: This 12.7-kilometer section takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the trail, with stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds and the surrounding hills. The trail passes through native forest and along the coastline, offering plenty of opportunities to spot native birds and marine life.
• Camp Bay to Torea Saddle: This 24.2-kilometer section is one of the most challenging parts of the trail, with steep climbs and descents. However, the effort is well worth it, as the trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds and the surrounding mountains.
• Torea Saddle to Anakiwa: The final 20.4-kilometer section of the trail takes you through native forest and along the coastline, with stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. The trail ends at Anakiwa, where you can relax and reflect on your journey.

Biking the Queen Charlotte Track

In addition to hiking, the Queen Charlotte Track is also a popular destination for mountain biking. The trail offers a mix of challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and scenic coastal rides, making it a favorite among mountain bikers. The trail is divided into several sections, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Some of the most popular sections for biking include:

• Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet: This section is a great introduction to the trail, offering a mix of coastal views and native forest. The trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for riders of all levels.
• Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay: This section offers a mix of challenging climbs and thrilling descents, with stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds and the surrounding hills. The trail passes through native forest and along the coastline, offering plenty of opportunities to spot native birds and marine life.
• Camp Bay to Torea Saddle: This section is one of the most challenging parts of the trail, with steep climbs and descents. However, the effort is well worth it, as the trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds and the surrounding mountains.
• Torea Saddle to Anakiwa: The final section of the trail takes you through native forest and along the coastline, with stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. The trail ends at Anakiwa, where you can relax and reflect on your journey.

Ship Cove: A Historic Starting Point

The Queen Charlotte Track begins at Ship Cove, a historic site where Captain James Cook first landed in New Zealand in 1770. The cove is named after Cook’s ship, the HMS Endeavour, and is a popular destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. The area is home to a memorial commemorating Cook’s visits, as well as a beautiful waterfall and lush native forest. Ship Cove is accessible by boat from Picton, and many hikers and bikers choose to start their journey here.

Exploring Ship Cove

Before setting off on the trail, take some time to explore Ship Cove and its surroundings. Some of the highlights include:

• Cook’s Memorial: The memorial commemorates Captain James Cook’s visits to the area and offers a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s early history.
• Waterfall Walk: A short walk from the cove takes you to a beautiful waterfall, where you can cool off and enjoy the serene surroundings.
• Native Forest: The area around Ship Cove is home to lush native forest, with plenty of opportunities to spot native birds and other wildlife.

Endeavour Inlet: A Serene Oasis

Endeavour Inlet is one of the most scenic and serene parts of the Queen Charlotte Track. The inlet is named after Captain James Cook’s ship, the HMS Endeavour, and is a popular destination for hikers and bikers. The area is home to lush native forest, pristine waters, and stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. Endeavour Inlet is also a great place to spot native birds and marine life, making it a favorite among nature lovers.

Exploring Endeavour Inlet

Endeavour Inlet offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Some of the highlights include:

• Native Forest Walks: The area around Endeavour Inlet is home to lush native forest, with plenty of opportunities to spot native birds and other wildlife.
• Kayaking and Boating: The pristine waters of Endeavour Inlet are perfect for kayaking and boating, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
• Fishing: The inlet is a popular destination for fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.

Accommodation and Facilities Along the Trail

The Queen Charlotte Track offers a range of accommodation options, from basic campsites to luxury lodges. Many hikers and bikers choose to stay in one of the many lodges or resorts along the trail, which offer comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. Some of the most popular accommodation options include:

• Furneaux Lodge: Located at Endeavour Inlet, Furneaux Lodge offers comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. The lodge also offers a range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and guided walks.
• Punga Cove Resort: Located at Camp Bay, Punga Cove Resort offers a range of accommodation options, from basic cabins to luxury suites. The resort also offers a range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and guided walks.
• The Portage Hotel: Located at Kenepuru Sound, The Portage Hotel offers comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. The hotel also offers a range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and guided walks.

Tips for Hiking and Biking the Queen Charlotte Track

To make the most of your journey along the Queen Charlotte Track, it’s important to be well-prepared. Here are some tips to help you plan your adventure:

• Choose the Right Time of Year: The best time to hike or bike the Queen Charlotte Track is during the summer months (December to February), when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, the trail can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering its own unique beauty.
• Pack Light: The trail can be challenging, so it’s important to pack light and only bring the essentials. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as well as a good pair of hiking boots or biking shoes.
• Book Accommodation in Advance: The Queen Charlotte Track is a popular destination, so it’s important to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak summer months.
• Respect the Environment: The Queen Charlotte Track is located in a pristine natural environment, so it’s important to respect the environment and follow the Leave No Trace principles. Make sure to pack out all your rubbish and avoid disturbing the wildlife.

The Queen Charlotte Track is a world-renowned multi-day hiking and biking trail that offers an unforgettable journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. With its breathtaking coastal views, lush native forests, and serene inlets, the trail provides hikers and bikers with some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a casual cyclist, the Queen Charlotte Track offers an adventure that caters to all levels of fitness and experience. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots or bike, and get ready to explore the wonders of the Queen Charlotte Track.