Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike From Picton

The Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton offers an incredible adventure for nature enthusiasts. Did you know that this track is one of New Zealand’s top ten coastal walking tracks?

Travelers embark on a scenic cruise through the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Sound, seeing the stunning beauty of the region. The journey includes a visit to the Historic Ship Cove, an anchorage beloved by Captain James Cook.

With two self-guided hiking options, visitors can explore the native bush and keep an eye out for wildlife. Along the way, hikers can take breaks to enjoy panoramic vistas and soak in the tranquility of their surroundings.

Get set for an engaging, informative, and adventurous experience on the Queen Charlotte Track.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Self-Guided Tours In Picton.

Good To Know

• Free cancellation and flexible booking options available
• Scenic cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound
• Visit the Historic Ship Cove, a favorite anchorage of Captain James Cook
• Choose from two self-guided Queen Charlotte Track hiking options

You can check if your dates are available here:

Ticket Details

The ticket details for the Queen Charlotte Track cruise and self-guided hike from Picton offer travelers flexibility and convenience. One of the advantages is the free cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This ensures that you can keep your travel plans flexible and book your spot without any worries.

Another advantage is the option to reserve now and pay later, so you can secure your place on the cruise and hike without having to pay upfront. The duration of the experience is 8.5 hours, and you can check availability to see the starting times.

With these ticket details, you can embark on this adventure with peace of mind, knowing that you have the freedom to change your plans if needed.

Experience Highlights

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound and visit the Historic Ship Cove, a favorite anchorage of Captain James Cook.

Here are three experience highlights of the Queen Charlotte Track:

1. Hiking options: Choose from two self-guided Queen Charlotte Track hiking options. The track is one of the top ten coastal walking tracks in New Zealand, offering stunning views and a chance to learn about nature.

2. Native wildlife sightings: As you walk amongst the native bush, keep a lookout for resident wildlife. The track is home to a variety of bird species, including the rare King Shag. You might also spot other animals like seals and dolphins in the surrounding waters.

3. Beautiful views: The Queen Charlotte Track offers panoramic views of the Marlborough Sounds. From rugged coastlines to tranquil bays, the scenery is simply breathtaking. Take your time to pause, soak in the beauty, and capture memorable photos along the way.

Embark on this adventure and create lasting memories as you explore the Queen Charlotte Track.

Full Description

Set out on a full-day adventure along the Queen Charlotte Track, enjoying the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand’s top ten coastal walking track.

Begin with a scenic cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. As you arrive at Historic Ship Cove, a favorite anchorage of Captain James Cook, you’ll have the option to choose from two self-guided Queen Charlotte Track hiking experiences.

Walk amongst native bush, keeping a lookout for resident wildlife as you explore this iconic trail. The track is well-signposted and offers a range of terrains, making it suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike. Take your time to enjoy the spectacular vistas and stop at the various lookout points along the way.

Your hiking experience concludes at Furneaux Lodge, where you can indulge in a well-deserved refreshment before returning to Picton.

This full-day adventure offers the perfect combination of a scenic cruise and an unforgettable hiking experience along the Queen Charlotte Track.

Related Activities

Continuing the exploration of options, visitors can also partake in other water activities in the Picton area. Here are three exciting options to consider:

1. Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: Set out on a 3-hour journey through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds. Sail to Ship Cove, a historic anchorage that was once frequented by Captain James Cook. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area and keep an eye out for native wildlife. With a rating of 4.4/5 and prices starting from $59.18 per person, this cruise promises an unforgettable experience.

2. Picton: Queen Charlotte Sounds Sightseeing Cruise: Set off on a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise through the enchanting Queen Charlotte Sounds. Marvel at the picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests that surround you. This highly rated cruise, with a rating of 4.6/5 and prices starting from $43.15 per person, offers a brief yet captivating adventure.

3. Other options: Apart from the mentioned cruises, there are several other water activities available in Picton. Visitors can indulge in kayaking, paddleboarding, or even swimming in the pristine waters of Marlborough Sounds. These activities provide an opportunity to fully take in the natural wonders of the area while enjoying a thrilling and refreshing experience.

With so many diverse activities to choose from, the Picton area offers endless possibilities for adventure and exploration in the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

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Customer Reviews

Visitors have shared their experiences and opinions of the Queen Charlotte Track, providing valuable insights into the cruise and self-guided hike from Picton. Let’s take a look at some customer reviews to get a better understanding of the benefits of a self-guided hike and compare their experiences.

Review	Guide	Transportation	Comments
Review 1	5/5	4.6/5	"Wonderful hike. Transport to Ship Cove allowed us to see a lot of the Marlborough Sounds via boat. The hike took us 4hrs 30mins. Well signed and easy walking track. Some inclines but nothing too steep so easy for beginners. Lots of places to stop along the way to sit and enjoy the view. The hike ends at Furneaux Lodge where you can enjoy an ice cold beer after the walk before heading back to Picton! Thanks Beachcomber Team for a memorable day!"
Review 2	–	–	"Nice boat ride to the beginning of the famous Queen Charlotte Track. I did the 15 km hike, but according to the signs it actually was 17 km. Still a rather easy walk with not too many ups and downs. The views were amazing, really stunning. A big recommendation!!! The end of my hike was the nice ‘Furneaux Lodge with many nice food and drinks to choose from (not included). When you are a regular walker, you should have 45-60 minutes of time to relax there until the boat picks you up again. I loved the combination of boat ride and hike, which for me is the ideal way to experience the sounds. Overall an extremely nice day trip for everyone who loves hiking."
Review 3	–	–	"Had an amazing day on Queen Charlotte track! We walked from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge. Lovely views, and great place to end with food and drinks at the lodge. Very peaceful and we had such a good day! Timings were a bit off for the boats but they were clear on the changes and where you needed to be at what time."

These reviews highlight the benefits of a self-guided hike on the Queen Charlotte Track. Review 1 mentions the opportunity to see the Marlborough Sounds via boat transport to Ship Cove, followed by a well-signed and easy walking track. It also emphasizes the accessible inclines and numerous scenic spots to rest and enjoy the view. Review 2 describes the stunning views and recommends the hike to regular walkers, with the added bonus of relaxing at Furneaux Lodge before being picked up by the boat. Review 3 praises the lovely views, peaceful atmosphere, and the convenience of food and drinks at Furneaux Lodge. While there were some timing issues with the boats, the changes and instructions were communicated clearly. These customer experiences showcase the enjoyment and satisfaction of a self-guided hike on the Queen Charlotte Track.

Review 1

The first reviewer gave the self-guided hike on the Queen Charlotte Track a 5 out of 5 rating for the guide and a 4.6 out of 5 rating for transportation. Here are three highlights from their review that will surely grab your attention:

1. Scenic views: The reviewer mentioned that the hike offered stunning views along the way. They described the experience as walking amongst native bush and mentioned that there were plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view. So, if you’re a nature lover, this hike is definitely for you!

2. Bird watching: One of the highlights of the hike was spotting the very rare KING SHAG birds. The reviewer was delighted to see these beautiful creatures during their journey. So, if you’re a bird enthusiast or simply enjoy observing wildlife, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these unique birds on your hike.

3. Easy walking track: The reviewer mentioned that the hike was well-signed and had easy terrain with some inclines but nothing too steep, making it suitable for beginners. So, even if you’re new to hiking, you can still enjoy the beauty of the Queen Charlotte Track without worrying about difficult trails.

Review 2

The second reviewer thoroughly enjoyed their boat ride and hike on the Queen Charlotte Track, describing it as a stunning and easy day trip for hiking enthusiasts.

They embarked on a nice boat ride to the beginning of the famous track, which offered scenic views that were truly breathtaking. The hike itself was a 15-kilometer journey, although the signs indicated it was actually 17 kilometers. Nevertheless, it was still considered an easy walk with minimal inclines.

The reviewer highly recommended this hike, emphasizing its amazing views and deeming it as a must-do for regular walkers. They also mentioned the end of the hike at Furneaux Lodge, where one could relax and indulge in delicious food and drinks.

Review 3

Simon from the United Kingdom had an amazing day on the Queen Charlotte Track, walking from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge. Here are three highlights of his experience:

1. Breathtaking Scenic Views: Simon was captivated by the stunning views along the hike. From lush native bush to panoramic vistas of the Marlborough Sounds, every step offered a new and awe-inspiring sight.

2. Peaceful and Relaxing Atmosphere: Simon described the track as a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The tranquil surroundings and serene ambiance allowed him to fully immerse himself in the beauty of nature.

3. Clear Timings for Boat Transfers: Although there were some timing changes for the boats, Simon appreciated that the information provided was clear and concise. He knew exactly where he needed to be and when, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Common Questions

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Self-Guided Hike on the Queen Charlotte Track?

The self-guided hike on the Queen Charlotte Track offers varying difficulty levels, catering to both beginners and experienced hikers. Trail conditions are well maintained, with some inclines but nothing too steep, allowing for a rewarding and enjoyable hiking experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cruise and Self-Guided Hike Experience?

There are no age restrictions for the cruise and self-guided hike experience. Participants of all ages can enjoy the scenic cruise and walk along the Queen Charlotte Track, with the option to end the hike at Furneaux Lodge and indulge in food and drinks.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks for the Hike?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks for the hike. There are no drink restrictions, so you can stay hydrated along the way. Pack some snacks and enjoy a picnic with stunning views.

Is There a Guide Available During the Self-Guided Hike?

Yes, there are maps available for the self-guided hike on the Queen Charlotte Track. The cost of the hike is included in the ticket price. Maps will help hikers navigate the trail and enjoy the adventure.

What Is the Maximum Capacity of the Cruise Ship for the Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise?

The maximum capacity of the cruise ship for the Queen Charlotte Sound cruise is not specified in the available information. As for the difficulty level of the hike, it is described as easy with some inclines.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton.

This captivating adventure allows you to cruise through the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Sound, visit the historic Ship Cove, and learn about the natural beauty of New Zealand.

With two self-guided hiking options available, you can explore native bush and soak in the stunning vistas along the way.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories in this picturesque region.

You can check if your dates are available here: