Queen Charlotte Track walking holiday
Description of Queen Charlotte Track walking holiday
The Queen Charlotte Track offers a rewarding introduction to New Zealand’s coastal walking, combining well-maintained trails with ever-changing views across the Marlborough Sounds. Beginning in Picton, you travel by boat to Ship Cove, where the track starts among tall native forest. Early sections move through quiet bays and ridgelines, with regular viewpoints opening out across the water and surrounding inlets.
Each day of your Queen Charlotte Track walking holiday follows a different stretch of the trail, with distances that allow steady progress while leaving time to pause and enjoy the surroundings. Walking through a mix of forest and open hillside, you pass through areas rich in birdlife, with landscapes shaped by both natural processes and long human history. The route is designed with walkers in mind, making the most of the terrain without feeling overly demanding.
Accommodation along the track is a defining feature of the experience, with small, comfortable lodges positioned directly on the water’s edge. Your luggage is transferred ahead, allowing you to walk with just a daypack and fully enjoy the trail. Evenings are spent overlooking the sounds, often with a sense of isolation that contrasts with the easy accessibility of the route.
The final section leads to Anakiwa, where forest gives way to shoreline before a return boat transfer to Picton. By travelling on foot and staying in locally run lodges, this holiday supports communities while keeping its environmental impact relatively low. Conservation efforts and careful management of the track help preserve the landscapes you pass through for future visitors.
Map

Price information
SS-$1140 applies.
Can be booked on a date to suit you, year round
Departure information
Travel guides
Responsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONThis 6 day walking holiday has a naturally lower carbon footprint since most of the journey is done on foot.
We're passionate about preserving the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand, and that means going beyond just sustainable travel. We actively champion eco-friendly transportation, encouraging you to explore the stunning landscapes by train and bus, significantly reducing your carbon footprint. As dedicated advocates of ecotourism, we proudly partner with leading conservation groups to maintain pristine trails and invest in local projects that safeguard New Zealand's precious national parks. Our mission is clear: to protect nature and wildlife for generations to come, all while offering you an unforgettable and responsible adventure.
Your journey with us contributes directly to a healthier planet. We're committed to offsetting our tour emissions through our partnership with Green Fleet. This means every adventure you embark on helps reduce our collective carbon footprint, with efforts focused on planting trees and supporting vital environmental initiatives. Travel with peace of mind, knowing your exploration of New Zealand is not only incredible but also deeply committed to a sustainable future
ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
For over three decades, we've been at the forefront of sustainable travel, holding Advanced Eco Tourism certification and consistently pioneering responsible adventures. When you choose to explore with us, you're not just booking a trip; you're joining a powerful movement dedicated to protecting our planet. We believe that true adventure goes hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility, and our immersive experiences are crafted to transform every traveler into a passionate advocate for nature. You'll return home not just with incredible memories, but with a renewed sense of purpose and the inspiration to create positive change.
Our commitment to the environment is woven into every aspect of our operations, guided by the philosophy: "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos, and pick up a piece of someone else's litter." We uphold the highest standards of responsible tourism, ensuring strict adherence to protected pathways, zero-impact exploration, and comprehensive waste management that leaves natural habitats better than we found them. Beyond the trail, our dedication to sustainability extends to our climate-smart, solar-powered offices and our circular practices that emphasize reducing, reusing, and recycling in everything we do.
Beyond responsible travel, we actively support conservation efforts in New Zealand.
People
LOCAL ECONOMYOn our trips, we focus on providing comfortable and charming local accommodations. Each night, we use beautifully designed accommodations that reflect the country's rich culture.
The best part of the Queen Charlotte Track is staying in beautiful accommodations right on the water's edge, directly along the trail. These high-quality stays are made even better by their amazing location on the sound. It's the kind of first-class comfort that makes this trip so popular. Plus, our hosts will give you a warm welcome and are ready to help with anything you need.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Your journey with us in New Zealand isn't just a vacation; it's a meaningful contribution to the country's heartland. By exploring beyond the main tourist hubs, you directly support rural communities that rely on thoughtful tourism to thrive, helping to sustain local economies, businesses, and the authentic Kiwi way of life. Every dollar you spend directly invests in the farmers, artisans, and small business owners who call these regions home, ensuring their unique character and essential services continue to flourish for future generations.
We strongly encourage our operators to champion local employment, particularly when it comes to hiring local guides who can offer authentic insights. We also prioritize partnerships with businesses that support sustainable local practices, like those involved in farming organic food, creating local arts and crafts, and running restaurants—especially those committed to eco-tourism development in their region.
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