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At the top end of the South Island of New Zealand, there are a series of spectacular sounds known as the Marlborough Sounds. The most beautiful and popular of these is the Queen Charlotte Sound, and running almost the entire length is one of New Zealand’s best walks – The Queen Charlotte Track.
The Queen Charlotte Track
This interesting track runs for 71km through beautiful forest with spectacular views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. The trail can be walked in four days, or alternatively, you can walk it in sections as day hikes. Since I only had one day spare when I was there, I decided to just hike the first section of the track from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet.
The harbour in Picton on Queen Charlotte Sound
The easiest way to access the Queen Charlotte Track is by taking a water taxi to the part of the track that you would like to start at. As I was heading to the very start of the track, there were plenty of other people to share the boat with.
The track starts at Ship Cove (Meretoto), a historical landmark where Captain James Cook landed on his first voyage to this part of the world in 1770, when he first discovered New Zealand and then later, Australia. He then later returned to this same point several times on later voyages, so there is a monument dedicated to him at Ship Cove, which also marks the start of the Queen Charlotte Track.
Captain Cook monument at the start of the Queen Charlotte Track
The plaque on the monument showing Cook’s visits to the site
A day hike from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet
The track isn’t very steep, and runs through beautiful forests with an abundance of tree ferns. Through the greenery there are some of the most beautiful views I have seen. The placid blue waters of Queen Charlotte Sound are just beautiful against the green of the steep coastline.
View of Queen Charlotte Sound while on the track
With every bend and rise in the track, there seemed to be yet another hidden cove that appeared untouched, some with the occasional boat anchored in them, enjoying their privacy and serenity in this beautiful part of the world.
A secluded cove on the Queen Charlotte Sound
A perfect spot for a rest. What a view!
I found that the track wasn’t crowded at all, and it was really quite an easy hike. It took me roughly 3 and half hours to walk from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet including rest stops. I have heard that the track gets much harder on days three and four, but overall, it’s not too difficult.
More about the Queen Charlotte Track
If you are looking to hike the entire Queen Charlotte Track, here’s some information I’ve gathered on the trek. Also check out the New Zealand doc website for up-to-date information.
Quick Facts
Distance: 72 km (45 miles)
Duration: 3–5 days (commonly done in 4)
Difficulty: Moderate – undulating terrain, no alpine sections
Best Season: October to April (spring through autumn)
Direction: Ship Cove/Meretoto to Anakiwa (west to east)
Getting There
Start Point (Ship Cove/Meretoto): Accessible only by boat. Take a water taxi from Picton (approx. 1–1.5 hours).
End Point (Anakiwa): Accessible by road. Shuttles are available to return you to Picton (~30 min drive).
Tip: Book your water taxi and accommodation well in advance during peak season.
Accommodation Options
Lodges & B&Bs: Available along the track (some with luggage transfer service).
Campsites: Managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Must be booked in advance here.
Backpackers & Holiday Parks: In towns like Endeavour Inlet and Portage.
Luggage Transfer
One of the best perks of the Queen Charlotte Track is that you can hike with just a daypack. Companies like Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company or Beachcomber Cruises offer daily luggage transfers between accommodations.
4-Day Itinerary – Classic Route
Day 1: Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet
Distance: 15 km (4–5 hrs)
Highlights: Historic Ship Cove (Captain Cook’s landing), native bush, scenic inlets.
Accommodation: Furneaux Lodge, Miners Camp, or DOC campsite.
Day 2: Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay or Punga Cove
Distance: 11.5 km (3–4 hrs)
Highlights: Gentle coastal walking, fern-filled forests, native birdlife.
Accommodation: Punga Cove Resort, Mahana Lodge, or Camp Bay campsite.
Day 3: Camp Bay to Torea Bay/Portage
Distance: 24 km (7–8 hrs)
Highlights: The most challenging but rewarding section with panoramic ridge views over Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
Accommodation: Portage Hotel or DOC campsite at Torea Saddle (limited).
Optional: Split this day in two with a night at The Bay of Many Coves.
Day 4: Torea Bay to Anakiwa
Distance: 20.5 km (6–7 hrs)
Highlights: Forested ridgelines, open farmland, and a rewarding finish at Anakiwa.
Return: Shuttle or water taxi to Picton.
Tips for a Smooth Hike
Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots—track can be muddy after rain.
Water: Carry 2+ litres; refill available at most lodges but limited at campsites.
Food: Bring enough meals/snacks unless staying at lodges with meal options.
Weather: Pack for changeable conditions—light rain gear is a must.
Insects: Sandflies can be intense—bring repellent, especially for evenings
The scenery really was just spectacular on the Queen Charlotte Track, and if I get the chance, I would love to hike the rest of it. This is a very beautiful part of the world!
It is times like this when I wish time travel had been invented. I would love to go back to the first time Cook arrived and follow his footsteps with him – Too bad but it looks like a beautiful hike anyway.
Hi Natalie. The words “adventure” and “discovery” certainly had a whole different meaning back then. It would have been an exciting time! It is a very beautiful hike.
You’re right, this is an AMAZING part of the world!
Indeed! 🙂
This was one of the walks I sadley didn’t have an opportunity to do – I think it is one of the more easier walks as well as there are hostels along the way and you can even bike the track as well
Hey Jade. It is one of the easier walks in NZ, (and after walking the Milford Track a couple of weeks beforehand this was like a walk in the park), and there are places to stay and you can easily take water taxis to/from different parts of the track if you don’t want to do the whole thing. It’s a very beautiful area to explore, so if you get the chance I highly recommend walking a part of this track.
We did some hiking close to this area – Abel Tasman National Park. I love the fresh, crisp New Zealand air!
Hey Cam. I never got to do any hiking in Abel Tasman, but I hear it’s got some very beautiful coastal scenery.
Sounds like a great hike. I never did do a multi day hike in NZ but I can recommend the Cradle Mountain Walk – about a 5 day hike in Tasmania.
Hi Leigh. Is that the Overland Track in Tasmania? It is a hike that I would really love to do. I’ve heard amazing things about it and Tasmania just looks beautiful 🙂 Cheers
This sounds amazing! Which location was your favorite?
Hi Megan, this was an amazing walk. The Marlborough Sounds is a very scenic area with a lot of beautiful picture perfect spots.
What beautiful views. I’d love to do this hike! 🙂
Hi Cheryl. These were some of the most beautiful views I’ve seen. It’s a great hike to do if you’re in this part of the world.
wow, amazing shots! Such beautiful colors & details…very nice!
Thanks, James. These photos are very old now and taken with an old camera. Still, I like how they turned out as well 🙂 Cheers!
[…] I had already trekked the Milford Track, helihiked on Fox Glacier and trekked part of the Queen Charlotte track in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds – not to mention the many smaller day hikess I had done […]