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 in paradise with native birds, flora and fabulous company, while witnessing unsurpassed views of the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Features of the walk include:
  • Your trip through the Queen Charlotte Sound is fully guided, while your bags are transported from one destination to the next by boat.


  • All you will need on your walk is a day pack for refreshments and your camera.


  • Your tour commences with a scenic boat ride from Picton Harbour to your walk’s starting point at Motuara Island.


  • High quality accommodation is provided on all three nights.


  • All meals are provided for the duration of the walk and are included in the price.


  • The tour concludes as you walk the final leg to Anakiwa, followed by a relaxing ferry trip back to Picton.


  • Knowledgeable local guides who fully appreciate the history and scenic attractions of the Marlborough Sounds.


Trip Itinerary:


Day One – Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet

Day One leads walkers from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet. A 15km 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.

Day Two – Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay

Day Two is a relatively gentle day covering a distance of 11.7kms 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.


Day Three – 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 23.6 km distance, 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.

Day Four – Portage to Anakiwa

Day Four provides walkers with more spectacular views as you climb the main ridge between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds covering a distance of 20.7kms, 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.

 

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