Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track

4 Days | An idyllic adventure through the tip of New Zealand’s South Island

4.8 out of 5 based on 12 reviews submitted.
Walking & trekking
From
CHF  1,130
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With a soundtrack of bellbirds and a backdrop of the stunning Marlborough Sounds, hiking the Queen Charlotte Track is an experience like no other. Over four days you’ll join an expert local leader as you walk past secluded bays, picturesque coves and native forest, learning about the area’s Maori and European history as you go. But hiking through wild scenery doesn’t mean sacrificing creature comforts – end each day at fabulous lodge accommodation with modern amenities, a perfect way to recharge your batteries. In a country full of views to take your breath away, this corner of New Zealand might just top the list.

Trip overview

Map of Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track including New Zealand
Start
Picton, New Zealand
Finish
Picton, New Zealand
Theme
Walking & trekking
Destinations
New Zealand
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
PHXQ
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Hike sections of the Queen Charlotte Track with an expert local leader, weaving through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery of New Zealand’s South Island while learning about its history.
  • Venture from the historic site at Meretoto to the beautiful Endeavour Inlet where you’ll have the chance to explore the bay in a kayak or on a stand up paddleboard.
  • Wander along the coastline through gorgeous native bush and listen for the calls of fantails and bellbirds before arriving at the picturesque seaside settlement of Punga Cove.
  • The scenery may be wild but your accommodation couldn’t be more comfortable – rest your head each night in well positioned lodges with modern amenities.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This is a hiking trip, you should come prepared as the fitter you are, the more enjoyable all the hikes will be.
  • This trip involves plenty of hiking over varied terrain, good footwear, clothing for all types of weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.
  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 July 2023 to 30 April 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 May 2025 - 31 August 2026

Map of Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track including New Zealand

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private vehicle, Water Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights)

Activities
  • Resolution Bay - Picnic Lunch
  • Resolution Bay - Meretoto to Endeavour Inlet Track
  • Punga Cove - Big Bay to Punga Cove Track
  • Portage Bay - Packed Lunch
  • Portage Bay - Kenepuru Saddle to Portage Bay Track

Dates and availability

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Important notes

START & END TIME
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8:30am on Day 1 at Cougar Line at Picton Marina on the corner of London Quay & Wellington Street under the 3 purple flags. It is very important you will be at the meeting point on time as the group will take a ferry to Meretoto at 9:30am. Please note, departures from May to September will run on Winter ferry timetable, therefore the welcome meeting will start at 8am with a ferry departure at 9am. You are expected to arrive back in Picton on Day 4 in the mid-afternoon.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 12 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Michael · Traveled April 2024
Stunning, beautiful 3 day hike through the Marlborough Sound. Accommodation is warm and cosy, boat transfers easily conducted and you leave with a greater appreciation of the utter sereneness that is New Zealand. Also, so many birds to see!
Review submitted 20 Apr 2024

Glyn · Traveled February 2024
Our trip leader Jef was friendly, informative and pleasant. It was easy to have conversations with him about a wide variety of topics. He had a good sense of humour and my wife and I learned a lot. We would happily go on another trip led by Jef.
Review submitted 15 Mar 2024

Janina · Traveled February 2023
An organised tour with Intrepid was a great way to hike the Queen Charlotte. Having a guide provided a level of confidence as it's been a while since I've done any multi-day hiking. Accommodation, transport and some meals were sorted so nothing to do but turn up and walk.
Review submitted 03 Mar 2023

Rhiannon · Traveled February 2023
This is an excellent walk and felt pretty manageable (day 3 was quite long but definitely doable). You get a great range of scenery and it’s totally hassle free! Would 10/10 recommend
Review submitted 04 Mar 2023

Heather · Traveled November 2022
Intrepid offer the best group tours all over the world. Our Queen Charlotte walk did not disappoint and was as wonderful as all the others I've experienced. Good value, good accommodation good sized groups and fantastic guides. Intrepid tours always run smoothly.
Review submitted 14 Nov 2022
Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track
From
CHF  1,130