- New Zealand: 0800 377 378
- Australia: 1 800 044 633
- World: +64 3 962 3280
* Due to fluctuating exchange rates, prices may vary at the time of booking if a tour is based on a different currency from its home country currency.
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For dates, availability & customisations Enquire or Book
Overview
Tours run: November - April (Sundays - weekly)
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4 Days / 3 Nights
- START - Picton
- END - Picton
- Walking
Activity Level Guide
EasyAn average level of fitness. Walk 7km, Bike 15km
Well formed tracks and roads with very little incline MildAn average level of fitness . Walk 12km, Bike, 25km
Well formed tracks and roads with average incline ModerateAbove average level of fitness. Walk 20km, Bike 45km
Formed tracks and roads with average to steep inclines at times ChallengingAbove average level of fitness Walk 20+km, Bike 50+km
Partially formed tracks and roads with some steep inclines and possibly some easy river crossingsThere Is Not Too Much That Can Beat This Experience!
Queen Charlotte Walkers Said....
“Loved every bit of it. A great group of fellow hikers to trek with”
Terry and Judy, USA, February 2013
“I loved my walk. It was a magical area of New Zealand”
Susan, Queensland, February 2013
The Queen Charlotte Walk is a truly unique and exciting way to explore the treasure that is the Marlborough Sounds, the shining jewel of the South Island of New Zealand.
Spend four days on the Queen Charlotte Track in paradise with native birds, flora and fabulous company, while witnessing unsurpassed views of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
What's included - All accommodation - All meals - Fully guided - Free Tuatara Tours kit bag - Luggage transport each day - Walking Poles - Comprehensive safety systems
Itinerary & MapQueen Charlotte Walk Highlights Video
(4:10min)
- Contrasting landscapes
- Crystal blue water
- History
- Tranquility
- Food to die for
Dates and Availability?
Tours run: November - April (Sundays - weekly)
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- F
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- D
Customisations?
We can customise tours to suit.
Fitness levels?
We can help you prepare and evaluate your fitness.
Nicky
Hamish
Itinerary & Map
The Queen Charlotte Walkway is a truly unique and exciting way to explore the treasure that is the Marlborough Sounds, the shining jewel of the South Island of New Zealand.
Spend four days in paradise with native birds, flora and fabulous company, while witnessing unsurpassed views of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Larger Map
Day 1: Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet
Day One of the Queen Charlotte Walk leads walkers from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet, a walk through virgin beech forest and bush, taking approximately 5 hours. From Ship Cove the track ascends and provides walkers with amazing views down into Resolution Bay and surrounding areas. If visibility is good, views as far as the Kapiti Islands and the North Island are able to be seen. Following the track along the Tawa Saddle, gives way to further astounding views of the Endeavour Inlet. A short descent through magnificent native bush and crystal clear streams and then on to the shore line that leads you to your first nights accommodation.
Relax and unwind in this picturesque setting and enjoy dinner with your fellow walkers.
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Lodge
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
- Walking
Day 2: Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay
Day Two of the Queen Charlotte Walk is a relatively gentle day covering a distance of 11.5kms and takes approximately 4 hours. Walkers will follow the track from Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay. Following mainly coastal tracks you will walk around the inlet through the native bush to the delightful sounds of fantails and bellbirds.
Endeavour Head has a colourful history dating back to the 1880’s. It was originally a mining site of stibnite – an essential component of antimony used to produce pewter and harden steel. The mine employed over 400 people.
Walkers then pass through Big Bay and onto Camp Bay where Day Two ends. Spend the night relaxing in this idyllic spot.
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Lodge
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
- Walking
Day 3: Camp Bay to Portage
Day Three is a demanding day, as you walk up to Kenepuru Saddle and follow the undulating ridgeline track for the remainder of the day. A challenging walk, taking approximately 8 hours, walkers are well rewarded by the breathtaking panoramic views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
The accommodation for evening is a delightful, well established resort with majestic views and excellent cuisine.
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Resort
Resort
A host of extra features in a comfortable, relaxed environment.- Usually large properties with many rooms.
- Rooms are private, comfortable and spacious, many with scenic views.
- All linen and amenities provided.
- Full in house bar and restaurant facilities.
Special features may include swimming pool, sauna, spa, bike hire, kayak hire, tennis courts ( varies depending on property)
- Walking
Day 4: Portage to Anakiwa
Day Four of the Queen Charlotte Walk provides walkers with more spectacular views as you climb the main ridge between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds covering a distance of 18kms, on your way to Anakiwa. Take the time to look back over the distance covered during your walk and take in the breathtaking vistas. Continue following old bridle paths through regenerating forest that is home to fantails, weka, wax eyes and many more native New Zealand birds. Finally, your adventure ends with a gentle 3km walk through the magnificent beech forest to Anakiwa where your water taxi will pick you up and return you to Picton.
- Walking
What's included?
Accommodation
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
Resort
A host of extra features in a comfortable, relaxed environment.- Usually large properties with many rooms.
- Rooms are private, comfortable and spacious, many with scenic views.
- All linen and amenities provided.
- Full in house bar and restaurant facilities.
Special features may include swimming pool, sauna, spa, bike hire, kayak hire, tennis courts ( varies depending on property)
*Please note accommodation is double or twin share. If single room accommodation is requested, an additional fee of $338 per person is payable to cover this requirement for the duration of the walk.
Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking.
Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights or you are welcome to bring a small amount with you for personal consumption if you prefer.
Fully Guided
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
Exclusive to Tuatara Tours - Tour Kit Bag
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a calico kit bag full of useful goodies.
Your Tour Kit Bag Contains the Following
Contents may vary from time to time!
- Tuatara Tours cap
- Tuatara Tours mug
- Tuatara Tours drink bottle
- Tuatara Tours pen
- Tuatara Tours hand sanitiser
- Tuatara Tours tissues
- Tuatara Tours rain poncho
- Tuatara Tours emergency whistle
- Tuatara Tours postcard
- Tuatara Tours brochures
- Field & History Guide of the area
- Bag of Tuatara scroggin
- Bag of Tuatara energy plus confectionary
Luggage
Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour.
All you carry is a small day pack with your personal gear, drink and lunch.
We do the Rest
What Do I Bring
For your own safety there are a few things that you must bring yourself:
- Footwear with good ankle support – we recommend good hiking boots
- Thermal top wool or polypro
- Thermal bottom wool or polypro or long trousers
- Waterproof parka with hood
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Fleece jacket or woollen jersey
- Woollen or fleece hat
- Gloves
- Medium size day pack
Other things we recommend you bring are:
- Woollen socks
- Hat, sunglasses
- Drink bottle – at least one litre capacity (we supply you with one bottle, but you may wish to bring another)
- Swim wear
- Camera
- Small personal first aid kit including blister block or similar
- Casual attire for the evenings
- Any other personal items
- Your sense of humour
Safety and Risk Management
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
Photos
Queen Charlotte Walk click on the pic you wish to see in more detail
History
Queen Charlotte Walk - Free Field and History Guide
On the Queen Charlotte Walk we provide you a comprehensive field and history summary of the area.
- History
- Aqua blue waters
- Fauna
- Flora
- Geology
- Did You Know?
- And more...
People
Maori first occupied the Sounds 800 years ago, because of the plentiful seafood in the sheltered inlets, as well as abundant numbers of birds. Their permanent villages and fortified pa’s can still be found and seen today. The area was an important trade route long before the inter-island ferries plied its waters.
Whalers were the first Europeans to arrive. Warmonger and maori chief Te Rauparaha (author of the All Blacks’ haka) spent a lot of time in the region, and ongoing disputes over land rights in the region led to a bloody confrontation between him and a party led by members of The New Zealand Company.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Most of the Marlborough Sounds have been logged in the past, but there are still some excellent stands of native bush and forest to be seen and enjoyed.
Fauna: Many native birds can still be enjoyed on your journey, tuis, bellbirds, saddlebacks, tomtits and bush robins to name a few. If you are lucky you may also see the little blue penguins frolicking in the calm waters of the sound. King shags, the rarest shag in NZ, may also be seen as they go about their business – precision fishing.
Introduced deer and pigs are also prevalent with the latter causing a lot of damage to pasture and also the many tracks in the area.
Industry
Today the main industries in the area are tourism and marine farming in the form of salmon and green lipped mussels.
Farming and forestry are also prominent.
