Queen Charlotte Track

The enjoyment of any walk is better if you have a reasonable degree of fitness – that does not mean you need to be a marathon runner! If you are active 2 or 3 times a week (walking, golfing, running, gym) then this is an excellent base for doing a multi-day walk like the Queen Charlotte Track. In the lead up to the tour, try to do at least one long walk (up to 8 hours) and also some hill walking as the Queen Charlotte Track does have some steeper sections. Keep in mind the longest day also has an optional boat ride for those who want a day of rest.

This tour has varied terrain over streams and in forests. Most tracks are wide and all major steams have been bridged. The surface is mainly hard and firm in dry conditions but can become slippery when wet.

This tour is graded moderate. Within the tour, individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests, and the longest day includes an optional boat ride for those who'd like a rest from walking.

Accommodation along the Queen Charlotte Track is included in the price of your tour. On the standard tour, this means stays at Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove and the Portage Resort, all of a comfortable standard in a beautiful setting along the track (note that a supplement applies for a twin room at Punga Cove). If you upgrade to the In Comfort tour, you'll stay in the top-rated lodges on the track instead, some of the most comfortable and tranquil properties the area has to offer.

You'll need to book your own accommodation in Picton for your arrival day, and if you'd like to stay on in Picton after your tour too, there are plenty of good options, with motels in New Zealand generally a good standard. Just let your Adventure Sales Specialist know what you've booked in Picton so we can arrange your included transfers to and from the water taxi departure point, as well as your luggage.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

As with any solo outdoor adventure, we'd recommend taking extra care when walking alone on the track.

Packed lunches are provided on each walking day. Depending on the tour option you choose, breakfast and dinner are either paid for locally at your accommodation along the track, or included as part of a more premium package, with dinners typically a three-course set menu featuring fresh local produce and wine. Some lodges also offer a more casual dining option, if you'd prefer that over a formal sit-down meal.

The Queen Charlotte Track is very popular, so you'll need to book well in advance to secure your preferred dates - especially if you want to travel at the height of the season, in February and March. You can take this tour anytime between September and May, and we'd recommend planning at least 6 to 9 months ahead where possible.

The best time of year to walk is between September and May, through spring, summer and autumn, when the weather tends to be more settled, although conditions can be unpredictable at any time of year. Very busy periods may occasionally mean some adjustments to the standard itinerary, such as changes to inclusions or overnight stops.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg/33lbs per person.

On day two you'll need to carry your bag with you to the water taxi, after which it's moved on to Furneaux Lodge. On the final day, it's transferred all the way back to your accommodation in Picton - just let your Adventure Specialist know where you're staying there so we can arrange this in advance.

This track is well signposted and marked throughout, and we also provide a printed track guide.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Getting to the start: fly into Wellington International Airport, then take a short 25-minute flight with Soundsair to Picton Airport, followed by a bus or taxi into Picton town centre. Alternatively, take the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton - the easiest way to reach the ferry from the airport is by taxi, though local buses also run. If you're renting a car, it's best to pick one up in Picton after the walk, as taking a car on the ferry is expensive.

You can also fly into Auckland and take a short flight on to Marlborough Airport in Blenheim, followed by a taxi to Picton (around 20NZD, taking 20 to 25 minutes).

Please note that when booking flights from the UK to New Zealand, you'll arrive 2 days after you set off, and on the return you'll arrive 1 day after you set off, because of both the length of the journey and crossing the International Date Line - similar principles apply travelling from Europe, the US and Canada. Make sure you factor this in when booking so you arrive on the correct day for your tour.

Getting from the end: leaving from Picton, you can follow the same options in reverse.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

If you're traveling to New Zealand, remember you'll need to arrange your New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) before you arrive - check the current requirements with New Zealand immigration ahead of your tour.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation