The Queen Charlotte Track is a gorgeous 70km hike in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, taking you from the northernmost tip of the South Island of New Zealand to the mainland.
We have made a comprehensive guide to the Queen Charlotte Track accommodation options, so that you will start your 3-5-day hike knowing that you a comfortable bed to sleep in every night.
We lived and worked in the Marlborough Sounds along the Queen Charlotte Track at Furneaux Lodge so we have a great understanding of the area and all it demands of you. From Ships Cove to Anakiwa, we have covered every section for you.
READ MORE: Our Working Holiday Experience at Furneaux Lodge
At the bottom of this article we have also included Queen Charlotte Track package bundles and how to hike the track on a budget. The package bundles are great for if you want a tour company to take care of everything- from a guide while you walk to booking your Queen Charlotte Track accommodation for you. This is a great option if you want someone else to take care of the boring parts and just enjoy the stunning views that the Marlborough Sounds has to offer.
The types of accommodations you will find along the Queen Charlotte Track varies, from luxury lodges to basic camp sites. Whatever your budget, with Queen Charlotte Track accommodation prices ranging from $10 to $250+ per night, you don’t have to miss out on this beautiful hiking adventure!
We have broken down the Queen Charlotte Track accommodation options in order of hiking, starting from Ships Cove.
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Ships Cove to Resolution Bay
Resolution Bay to the Head of the Endeavour Inlet
Head of the Endeavour Inlet to Portage
Portage to Mistletoe Bay
Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa
Queen Charlotte Track Packages
The Wilderness Guides
The Wilderness Guides offer great package deals.
Guided Walks
If you want a guided walk, then you can choose between a 4 or a 5 day gourmet guided walk along the Queen Charlotte Track. These are a great option as your tour guide will have loads of fun facts about the area. This option costs $2150 or $2650 respectively, which includes 2/3 meals per day, luggage transfers, plus your accommodation at some of the most iconic luxury lodges in the Marlborough Sounds.
Independent Walks
Alternatively, you can opt to walk independently and allow the Wilderness Guides to book your accommodation, arrange your luggage transfers and organise lunch each day. These prices start at $775 per person for a basic 3-day hike package and increase to $2300 for an all inclusive inclusive 5-day hiking package alone this exceptional route.
Queen Charlotte Track on a Budget
This section of the article is aimed to help those looking to hike the Queen Charlotte Track on a budget.
Naturally, we are going to suggest a four-day three-night camping trip.
Day 1: Resolution Bay to Camp Bay 22km
Day 2: Camp Bay to Cowshed Bay Campsite 22km
Day 3: Cowshed to Mistletoe Bay Campsite 11km
Day 4: Mistletoe Bay Campsite to Anakiwa 14.5km
Book your water transfer to Resolution Bay which will set you back approximately $70 (correct as of 2024).
Day One
On day one you will hike from Resolution Bay to Camp Bay Campsite which is 22km, and will cost $10 per night per adult.
Swing by and say hi to Furneaux Lodge for us along the way!
Bookings are required so make sure you follow this link.
Day Two
Day two you’ll need to hike from Camp Bay to Cowshed Bay Campsite which is another 22km and Cowshed Bay Campsite will also cost $10 per night as this is another DOC campsite.
Bookings are required again so make sure you follow this link.
Day Three
Day three will see you hiking from Cowshed Bay Campsite to Mistletoe Bay Campsite, which is 11km and will cost you $18 per night per adult.
Book the Mistletoe Bay Campsite here.
Day Four
You will wake up and hike the remainder of the Queen Charlotte Track and end your epic journey at Anakiwa.
Total (minimal) costs involved: $338
- Accommodation $38
- Water taxi $70
- Food $200*
- Private land fee $30
*This is a complete estimate and will vary depending on how much you can carry and how much you eat.
Best Time to Walk the Queen Charlotte Track
We suggest that the best time to walk the Queen Charlotte Track is in the summer months between November and February.
There is a lot of shelter from the various trees across the track due to the terrain, and by hiking in the summer months you are able to enjoy the various water-based activities such as swimming and kayaking.
Hiking the Queen Charlotte Track during summer also enables those who are camping to have far more stable weather.
Useful Websites/ Links
Cougar Line– Water Taxi Service
Department of Conservation- Queen Charlotte Track
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Read MoreThanks for reading! We hope that this post helps you along your coastal hike throughout some of the most beautiful scenes in the South Island.
Safe travels,
Jess & Ben