queen charlotte track
9 Days • 8 Stops • 2 People • From NZ$6,599 p.p.

A spectacular journey by foot through rugged coastlines and serene native forests, punctuated by stays in luxurious, remote lodges.
Though not officially recognised as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Queen Charlotte Track more than holds its own, with ocean panoramas and the comfort of quality lodges defining the experience. Begin in Wellington before crossing Cook Strait to the Marlborough Sounds, home to this iconic coastal walk. From Picton, set out on your first day’s hike through native forest alive with birdsong, arriving at Furneaux Lodge to relax by the water. Day two unfolds with kilometres of sweeping coastal scenery as you continue on to Punga Cove. Your final walking day follows ridgelines and inlets to The Portage Hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the journey you’ve completed. The following morning, return by ferry to Picton before boarding the Coastal Pacific Train’s Scenic Plus service to Christchurch. The experience concludes with a guided highlights tour of the city, a well-earned rest after days on the trail.
What you'll love
Quality Stays
All accommodation selected for this trip are included.
24/7 Support
Local support available 24/7 during your visit.
Safe Transport
All road transport arrangements are included.
Unique Experiences
Experiences throughout the journey are included.
ITINERARY
Where you'll go
Wellington
Located at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, the Lonely Planet names Wellington as “the coolest little capital in the world”.
As well as being a ‘cool little capital’ and the seat of government, Wellington is compact and easy to get around, locals often say you can walk anywhere in under 30 minutes. On most visitors list of places to visit is the National Museum, also known as Te Papa, meaning ‘our place’; one of the world’s best interactive museums. A ride on the city’s cable car takes you up the hill to Kelburn and the city’s botanical gardens, from here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the city and across the sea.
Wellington is well known as the country’s culinary capital, home to some of the New Zealand’s best award-winning restaurants, great bars and some wonderfully quirky cafes, great food trucks, day and night markets. Almost everything about Wellington, the mix of history, culture and creative energy epitomise the diversity, colour and inclusiveness of this city surrounded by water and hills.
| What's included | |
| 1 Night at Naumi Hotel Wellington | |
| Zealandia Twilight Tour |
Picton
Picturesque Picton is sandwiched between the lush green rolling hills of the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and the calm, tranquil waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. This peaceful seaside town is known as the gateway to the greater Marlborough area and makes an excellent base for exploring the Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track or the wonderful wine region around Blenheim. The town’s favourable location in a sheltered harbour makes it the perfect spot for boat cruising, fishing, dolphin watching or sea kayaking. Less energetic travellers can enjoy browsing local craft markets, exploring the floating maritime museum or simply watching the world pass by at one of the numerous cafés and bars lining the waterfront.
| What's included | |
| 1 Night at Sennen House | |
| Cook Strait Ferry |
Marlborough Sounds
A collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, The Marlborough Sounds are where forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays.
With three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorous Sound, there are over 50 reserves in this scenic playground and includes the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Enjoy long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. Hike through the forest or kayak around the headlands to discover a fresh location each day.
| What's included | |
| 1 Night at Furneaux Lodge | |
| 4 Day Guided Walk - Queen Charlotte Track | |
| Day 1: Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (via Motuara Island) - 17km (10.6miles) |
Marlborough Sounds
A collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, The Marlborough Sounds are where forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays.
With three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorous Sound, there are over 50 reserves in this scenic playground and includes the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Enjoy long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. Hike through the forest or kayak around the headlands to discover a fresh location each day.
| What's included | |
| 1 Night at Punga Cove Resort | |
| Day 2: Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove - 11.5km (7.2miles) |
Marlborough Sounds
A collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, The Marlborough Sounds are where forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays.
With three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorous Sound, there are over 50 reserves in this scenic playground and includes the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Enjoy long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. Hike through the forest or kayak around the headlands to discover a fresh location each day.
| What's included | |
| 1 Night at Portage Resort Hotel | |
| Day 3: Punga Cove to Torea Saddle / Portage - 24.5km (15.2miles) |
Picton
Picturesque Picton is sandwiched between the lush green rolling hills of the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and the calm, tranquil waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. This peaceful seaside town is known as the gateway to the greater Marlborough area and makes an excellent base for exploring the Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track or the wonderful wine region around Blenheim. The town’s favourable location in a sheltered harbour makes it the perfect spot for boat cruising, fishing, dolphin watching or sea kayaking. Less energetic travellers can enjoy browsing local craft markets, exploring the floating maritime museum or simply watching the world pass by at one of the numerous cafés and bars lining the waterfront.
| What's included | |
| 1 Night at Sennen House | |
| Day 4: Torea Bay / Portage to Anakiwa - 20.5km (12.7miles) |
Christchurch
Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair.
The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, whale and dolphin watching. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries.
| What's included | |
| 2 Nights at Hotel Montreal | |
| Coastal Pacific Scenic Train: Scenic Plus, Picton to Christchurch | |
| Half Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Tour |
Thoughtfully selected accommodation
Stays that elevate your time in New Zealand, offering a comfortable place to relax and unwind in between activities.
Handpicked experiences
Chosen to enhance your journey through New Zealand, these experiences stay with you long after you’ve left.
Zealandia Twilight Tour
Cook Strait Ferry
4 Day Guided Walk - Queen Charlotte Track
Day 1: Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (via Motuara Island) - 17km (10.6miles)
Day 2: Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove - 11.5km (7.2miles)
Day 3: Punga Cove to Torea Saddle / Portage - 24.5km (15.2miles)
Day 4: Torea Bay / Portage to Anakiwa - 20.5km (12.7miles)
Coastal Pacific Scenic Train: Scenic Plus, Picton to Christchurch
Half Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Tour
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