Queen Charlotte Track self-guided walk: Picton

Step off the boat to explore hidden bays, then sail back as the sun sets over Marlborough Sounds

A self-guided day walk on the Queen Charlotte Track starting from Picton, with round-trip boat service through the Marlborough Sounds included. You choose one of three walks of varying length and difficulty, hiking at your own pace while the boat handles transport to your starting point and picks you up at the end. The day runs about seven hours total, with return to Picton between 5:30pm and 6:00pm on a fixed schedule.

The experience

The boat departs Picton in the morning and cruises through the tranquil waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, with onboard commentary and chances to spot native wildlife and flora. You disembark at your chosen trailhead (Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay), and walk the Queen Charlotte Track at your own pace. The three routes vary in length and challenge, so you pick the one that fits your fitness level and how much time you want on the trail.

You're on your own once you start walking, which means no guide narrating the route and no group pace to keep. Bring closed-toe walking shoes suitable for hiking, and pack food and drinks or purchase them on the track if available. The boat picks you up at a set time at the end of your walk and returns you to Picton by early evening. On board, you can buy a Beachcomber Cruises keep cup for $6 and enjoy tea and coffee for the rest of the journey instead of single-use cups.

The return boat arrives back in Picton between 5:30pm and 6:00pm, so if you're arriving by cruise ship, check whether those timings work for your ship's departure. The booking office can advise you. You'll need to make your way to the Beachcomber Cruises office in Picton to start. They don't pick up from the cruise terminal. A moderate to good level of fitness is necessary to complete the walks in the time available, and the tour requires a minimum number of participants to run.

What’s included

• Round-trip boat service from Picton with onboard commentary.
• access to one of three self-guided walks on the Queen Charlotte Track.
• the option to purchase a keep cup for $6 and enjoy tea and coffee on board for the duration of the tour.

Options for this experience

3 options

Walk from lodge to lodgeGuide in English · 09:00Walking from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cave Resort covers 7.9 miles (12.7 km) and takes roughly 3 to 4.5 hours. Departures are at 8 am from October through April, or at 9 am from May through September.

Top of the WorldGuide in English · 08:00A full-day trek from Torea Bay to Punga Cove covers about 15 miles (24 km). It departs at 8 am, available only from October to April.

Nature's Best WalkGuide in English · 08:00 and 09:00The route from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge spans 9 miles (14 kilometers) and takes about 5 hours on foot. Start times are 8 am from October to April and 9 am from May to September.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 20 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Beachcomber Cruises

Is this one for you?Pick this walk if you want to hike the Queen Charlotte Track at your own pace without a guide or group keeping time. The boat handles the logistics of getting you to the trailhead and back, so you focus on the trail itself. Not suitable if you're arriving by cruise ship, since the fixed return time of 5:30pm–6:00pm may conflict with your ship's departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What are the three walk options on the Queen Charlotte Track from Picton?

The Queen Charlotte Track offers three self-guided walks of varying length and difficulty, with routes that may include Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay. You choose which one suits your fitness and how much time you want to spend on the trail.

Do I need a guide to walk the Queen Charlotte Track, or do I navigate on my own?

This is a self-guided walk, so you hike at your own pace without a guide. The boat gets you to the trailhead and picks you up at the end, but the walking itself is independent.

What time do I need to be back in Picton, and does it work with a cruise ship schedule?

The boat returns to Picton between 5:30pm and 6:00pm on a fixed schedule. If you're visiting from a cruise ship, check with the booking office first. Those return times may not align with your ship's departure.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the walk?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks to consume on board the boat and on the trail. Food and drinks are also available to purchase on the track itself.

Where do I meet the boat, and is hotel pickup included?

You need to make your way to the Beachcomber Cruises booking office in Picton to meet the boat. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so arrange your own transport to the office.

What fitness level do I need for the Queen Charlotte Track walks?

You should have at least a moderate to good level of physical fitness to complete the walks in the time available. Closed-toe walking shoes suitable for hiking are recommended.