Queen Charlotte Track
ˇ Distance: 71 KM ˇ Time: 3 - 5 days ˇ Grade: Easy ˇ Higest point: 450 m ˇ Island: South ˇ Location: Marlborough ˇ Map: Marlborough Sounds, 260 P27/ 260 Q26 |
By Reid1
Intro
This track can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. The track itself is quite easy, with only a few moderate climbs. I did this track in two days which made it quite tiring, but done over 4-5 days, could be a very relaxing trip. This is a great trip for a number of reasons, not the least of which are the beautiful views of the Queen Charlotte sounds. It is also a popular mountain biking trail, but only the latter 1/3 is open to bikers in the summer months.
Getting There
Trail is just west of Picton, at the northern end of the South Island. Catch the Interislander Ferry from Wellington which lands directly in Picton (very convenient, this is what I did) or drive from anywhere on the South Island. Nearly everybody will start their trip from Ship's Cove, which is only accessible via boat. There are a number of boat operators which all leave from the Picton town wharf, which is only a three minute walk from the ferry station, and adjacent to the town center. For a list of operators, follow this link:
Queen Charlotte Water Transport
I took Endeavor Express on way, to Ship's Cove, and then hitchhiked back. Hitching was about 5km off the end of the track before any road of substance, and took about 3hrs, so not great.
Endeavor Express and Cougar Line seemed to be the most popular companies, and both these companies offer pack transport for each day, so that you can carry just a light daypack. They will drop your pack off at a number of the backpacker's and resorts that are located on or near the track.
Accomodations
There are 7 DOC campsites along the trail and a variety of commercial lodging accomodations, from backpackers to lush resorts. The DOC campsites all have rain water collecters, and a cooking shelter. Bring your own stoves, a tent, and plan to boil, filter, or treat your water. They cost $5 per night, which can be paid via the self-registration boxes at each campsite.
For info on the commercial options available,follow the link:
Queen Charlotte Track Accommodation
The Trail
Ship's Cove - Resolution Bay: 4.5 km, 2 hrs
From the the boat landing climb for about 35-45 minutes to a nice lookout, looking out to the Cook Strait, and to where you are heading. Descend past the first DOC campsite, to Resolution Bay, a small place that has muffins and some cabins.
Resolution Bay - Endeavor Inlet: 10.5km, 3 hrs
Climb to a short saddle, then descend slowly past some private houses into Endeavor inlet. You will find Forneaux lodge, the largest resort on the trail, with a restaurant, cabins and a backpackers. There are number of other lodging options here as well.
Endeavor Inlet - Camp Bay: 11.5 km, 4 hrs
Menander just above the shore around a few coves all the way, probably the flattest part of the trail. If continuing on past Camp Bay towards the Bay of Many Coves there is a cutoff that saves about 1.5 hrs, by not descending to the water's edge at Camp Bay.
Camp Bay - Torea Saddle/Portage: 9 km, 3 hrs
Steady climb for about an hour until you reach a rolling ridge line that you travel along all the way to Torea Saddle. This is probably the most difficult section of trail. About 9km from Camp Bay, you will reach the DOC Bay of Many Coves campsite, and shortly there after the trail down to the Bay of Many Coves resort area. About another 9km, and you reach the DOC Black Rock Campground. Both of these have great views as they are high above the water on the ridge. Walk down the road at the saddle to get to the campground here or Portage resort.
Torea Saddle -Mistletoe Bay: 7.5 km, 4 hrs
This section is just up and down two medium height hills. Probably my favorite section of the track. Great views to both sides of the ridge you walk on.
Mistletoe Bay - Anikiwa: 12.5 km, 4 hrs
Flat and then slowly dropping to the water's edge as you approach Anikiwa. About 2km from the end of the track you come across the last DOC campground, which looked like it probably sees a lot of traffic due to its location as a short walk from Anikiwa, but it is also a nice little beach and would probably be great to stay at. Don't expect much in the way of services in Anikiwa, it has a limited-selection café and a backpackers. There's no real services here. I thought it would be a town, but its really just some houses, so don't expect anything fancy.
Summary
This was a fun weekend trip, and a challenge, as I pushed myself to get it done in 2 days. Could be a vary relaxing trip, and easy enough for the whole family, especially if you are having your packs transported. The track was pretty muddy in places, so have good shoes or boots if you want to stay dry and on your feet.
Useful websites:
DOC - Queen Charlotte Track Info
Queen Charlotte Track General Info Site
Sorry but due to a spammer I have had to turn of comments, will try and get them back when I figure a way to block the low life.
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