| The Queen Charlotte Track runs almost the
entire length of New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Sound. The track
stretches from Ship Cove to Anakiwa - 71 kilometre (approximately
45 miles) of spectacular walking track passing through historic
sites, secluded bays and lush coastal bush. Although the Queen
Charlotte Track can be walked from either end, the recommended
start is at Ship Cove. Walk or bike from Resolution Bay on to
Tawa Cove and to Endeavour Inlet where you will find Furneaux
Lodge.
While most people think of walking as a summer activity, the
Marlborough Sounds enjoys a wonderful, temperate climate all year
round, making the Queen Charlotte Track an ideal spring, autumn or
even winter experience. The most popular season being November to
May.
Mountain Bikers
Travelling from Wellington or Christchurch to Picton? Take the
afternoon boat to Ships Cove and you will ride through to Furneaux
Lodge comfortably for your first night stay.
Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge section of the Queen Charlotte
Track
This is an outstanding day walk taking in the history of ships
cove, a boat ride through the outer Queen Charlotte Sounds, and
some great views over Resolution bay, Tawa Bay and Endeavour
Inlet. Arriving at Furneaux Lodge you will have time for a late
lunch either in the café bar or in the restaurant. (reservations
essential for restaurant) prior to heading out on the afternoon
water taxi back to Picton, or stay the night and spend the
afternoon kayaking in the inlet.
The Furneaux Lodge to Camp Bay section of the Queen
Charlotte Track
This section of the track generally follows the coastline around
Endeavour Inlet, much of which consists of regenerating native
bush, with a predominance of manuka, kanuka and five finger.
Once farmland, this part of the walkway has reverted to nature
and the forest is again resplendent. See groves of tree ferns in
the gullies, some wearing "skirts" of old fronds and others
standing unadorned such as the tall black tree fern (mamaku). See
also a wonderful predominance of manuka, kanuka and broadleaf
species such as five finger on the slopes. Small stands of
original beech and patches of kohekohe/mahoe remain near the sea.
A wide range of birds inhabit the bush including silvereyes,
tomtits and grey warblers.
Track Distances:
Ship Cove to Resolution Bay - 4km
2 hours: undulating, some fitness required Resolution Bay to
Endeavour Inlet - 10km.
3 hours: well formed, suited to all age groups Endeavour Inlet to
Punga Cove - 11km.
4 hours: well formed, suited to all age groups Punga Cove to Torea
Saddle - 24.5km.
8 hours: challenging, med/good fitness required Torea Saddle to
Mistletoe Bay - 8km.
3 hours: undulating, some fitness required Mistletoe Bay to
Anakiwa - 12.5km.
4 hours: well formed, suited to all age groups. |
