Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the Marlborough Sounds on foot with one of the popular self-guided walks on the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose from three walks of varying length and challenge, with options that may include Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay. Round-trip boat service takes you to the start of your route and picks you up at the end. The day hikes offer a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Track within a shorter time frame.
Please note that the return times to Picton and pick up times are on a set schedule, you will not return to Picton until between 5:30pm-6:00pm. Please advise us if you are visiting with a Cruise Ship as our boat timings may not get you back in time for the ships departure from Port.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to consume on board
Closed-toe walking shoes suitable for walking are recommended
Not accessible for motorized wheelchairs
We are not able to pick up / drop off at the Cruise Ship Terminal - you must make your way to our booking office
Please note that day walk departure and pick up times are at a set schedule and returns at 5:30pm
Not suitable for guests visiting by cruise ship due to timings conflicts
You must have a good level of fitness to achieve the walks in the allotted time
This tour has a minimum number requirement and may be cancelled if we do not reach this capacity
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Depart and return to Picton and enjoy a one day walk on the Queen Charlotte Track, enjoy the tranquil waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sound during the cruise and have the chance to see wildlife and native flora and fauna. Please note that the return times to Picton and pick up times are on a set schedule, you will not return to Picton until between 5:30pm-6:00pm. Please advise us if you are visiting with a Cruise Ship as our boat timings may not get you back in time for the ships departure from Port. Available to purchase for $6 in the office before you depart are Beachcomber Cruises keep cups, we no longer use single use cups on board our vessels due the huge environmental impact. Upon purchase of a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup guests can enjoy tea and coffee onboard for the duration of the tour.
What‘s Included
Commentary on board
Food and drinks (available to purchase on the track)
Guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Keep Cups for $6, Available to purchase in the office
Options
Nature's Best Walk
Walk from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge. 9 miles (14 kilometers), approximately 5 hours walking time. Departs at 8am from October to April or at 9am from May to September
Top of the World
Walk from Torea Bay to Punga Cove. Full-day walk, approximately 15 miles (24km). Departs at 8am from October to April.
Lodge to Lodge Walk
Walk from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cave Resort. 7.9 miles (12.7 kms), approximately 3 - 4.5 hours walking time. Departs at 8am from October to April or at 9am from May to September
Reviews
70 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Spectacular Views!
Sharon M,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00What a fabulous 1 day walk to see the untouched forest/hills of the South Island. The 17 km walk was a bit more challenging than we had anticipated, however we did make it in 4.5 hours. The trail was uneven and quite rocky in places but a great accomplishment!
It's worth the trip :-)
Jens S,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great boat trip to Ship Cove and from Furneaux Lodge. Queen Charlotte Track is a great hiking route with plenty of beautiful views and wildlife.
It was a beautiful hike,...
Noreen W,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a beautiful hike, but glad we only did Furneux Lodge to Punga Cove as 8 miles is more than enough to get a sampling of the beauty. Fortunately it was dry; otherwise it could be challenging without good treads and hiking poles (neither of which we had) My husband and I are 72 and 70. He bicycles 8-10 miles most days. I run 10 miles once a week along with other daily fitness activities . We were both glad when done, but you get plenty of time to complete it. We had a nice drink afterward at the restaurant while waiting for the return boat ride. Also the captain got a bunch of little dolphins swimming around the boat.
Exciting day
Sandy B,,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Check in at the warf went very smoothly, the check in staff were very helpful. The water in the sound, just getting to the track, was dicey, very rough waves. . . However, the captain was a professional and got us there safely. Walk was beautiful. Views were utteely amazing. All in all it was a wonderful day.
Ultra smooth sailing
Haloragis,,Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took the ferry from Picton to Ship's Cove via Motuara Island, where I stopped to see the wildlife. I only had an hour at the sanctuary before boarding the next boat to Ship's Cove, but it's well worth it as you see and hear lots of birds, and it's interesting from a history perspective. I would definitely recommend this add-on to QCT independent hikers. All the luggage transfers worked seamlessly. My suitcase was brought to my room every day and I never had to carry it. Great service!
Fantastic Day Trip!
Domichne,,Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were lucky enough to have fantastic weather for our day walk from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove and the day over all was a wonderful experience. The cruise there and back was great and Ian’s commentary was interesting and interactive - all up, totally recommend this trip.
Efficient ferry service to an amazing leg of the Queen Charlotte Track
johnmY4726HL,,Mar 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked Beachcomber as a water taxi to Ship Cove and back from Furneaux Lodge. The whole experience of using Beachcomber was great, from the first contact with the booking staff to leaving the boat back in Picton - friendly, welcoming staff; clear instructions on when and where to board the boat; a non stop commentary on the way out about stuff generally with stops to look at random wildlife that popped up on the way (seals, blue penguins etc). And they were on time at both ends of both outward and return legs. I can’t really credit them for the scenery along the track itself but it was amazing 🤩.
Breathtaking and Exhilerating!
Janna D,,Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a beautiful, exhilarating and rewarding day! The Beachcomber Cruise staff did an excellent job providing efficient service and commentary while aboard the boat. The ride to the trail head offers a chance to experience and take in the beauty of Marlborough Sound! Staff was available to answer questions throughout the ride as well! The trail is well marked and the many peekaboo views of the sound throughout the hike are breathtaking! The reward of a beer at Furneaux Lodge at the end was awesome…had plenty of time to relax and enjoy this setting before embarking on our return to Picton! Highly recommend this day trip to any reasonably fit hikers passing through Picton!
Stunning views, brisk walk
Coku C,,Feb 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We walked 17 km on rocky ground with beautiful views. The boat trip took an hour. The skipper took plenty of time to photograph dock fins. Bring enough water and make sure you know which walk you choose. They vary greatly in gravity.
Friendly efficient service
janewO9245SC,,Nov 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly and efficient service between Picton and Queen Charlotte trail, dropping us at Ship Cove and picking us up from Punga Cove 3 days later. Lovely views over the Marlborough Sounds and the crew pointed out wildlife along the way. It was quite pricey but there aren’t really any alternatives.
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Operated by Beachcomber Cruises