1 How to get thereThe Queen Charlotte Track is accessed by boat from the pretty little seaside port of Picton (population around 4500) at the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. You can fly from Wellington into Picton with local airline Soundsair or fly into Auckland and then on to Blenheim with Air New Zealand. Alternatively, travel by ferry from Wellington to Picton. All are good options and avoid the current disruptions to State Highway 1 caused by the Kaikoura earthquake. Picton has a beautiful harbour aspect and a great selection of cafes and restaurants – it fair hums in the summertime with a relaxed and friendly vibe. Picton is an excellent place to stay.

2 How fit do I need to be?The 70 kilometre QCT is normally walked over four days and is relatively evenly split – two shorter days followed by two longer days. A good degree of fitness is recommended. The longest day is 23 kilometres and is the most difficult with a climb of more than 450 metres and many other shorter climbs throughout the day. However, there are water taxi options for those that don’t want to walk this section. Walking this section has a reward: the sweeping views across the Marlborough Sounds.

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As a journalist on a guided walk writing an article for the local newspaper and then as a guide on the Queen Charlotte Track, Juliet knows the QCT like the back of her hand (or boot should we say). Such was her passion for this track that she and her husband Steve decided to pursue a business introducing others to the track, and have been running Wilderness Guides for 18 years. Juliet now spends her time bringing up two children and marketing the business while a great team of local guides led by Steve continue to deliver a wonderful walking experience for guests.

Steve, Ben (aged 10), Lizzie (aged 7) and Juliet Gibbons

interpretation on the area, then a guided walk is for you. Guided walks are for those who want to complement their walking experience with the knowledge and security of a professional local guide, tasty food and local wine, and superb accommodation. If you are more independent of spirit but would still like certain elements such as your accommodation, transport and daily lunch arranged, then the freedom packages offer this. Unguided track packages are for more independent walkers, who wish to walk the track on their own but have certain elements like accommodation, water transport and daily lunches pre-arranged.

7 Keep an eye out for ...Eatwells Lookout is a must visit on the Queen Charlotte Track. This iconic lookout is on the third day of the track between Camp Bay and Torea Bay. The lookout was created by landowner Rod Eatwell who was instrumental in establishing the track in the early 1990s. This is an absolutely stunning lookout, with 360 degree views across the Marlborough Sounds landscape with its amazing ocean network of bays and coves and worth the steep eight minute side trip from the main track.

8 Bikers and walkersThe QCT is shared between walkers and cyclists, an arrangement which works very well for the most part. The top reaches of the track from Ship Cove to Camp Bay (normally day one and two if walking) are closed to bikers from 1 December to 28 February as these are peak months for walkers. The track appeals to mountain bikers and is not regarded as an easy cycling track although planned upgrades in the next few years intend to address some of the steeper sections.

9 Remember that Crowded House song?Four seasons in one day – yes, Crowded House sung it and it’s true. When you come walking in New Zealand be sure to come prepared for all weather conditions. The QCT enjoys a temperate year-round climate, which means adventure is possible here at any time of year in reasonable weather.

If walking in summer, the temperature can range from an overnight low of around 10° Celsius up to a daytime temperature in the high 20° Celsius region. In autumn the nights are cool, down to 3-4° Celsius but days are still temperate. Winter is often down to zero overnight with day temperatures up to 15° Celsius. Day temperatures begin to warm to summer highs from November onwards.

10 When is the best time to come?The QCT may be walked all year round, although in winter some accommodation places operate with limited facilities. The best time to come is when you can! As February and March are the most popular months, if you are keen to walk then be sure to book early as accommodation does fill some time in advance. Most people tend to book for the most popular months (January to March) the previous winter. Christmas and other holiday periods are also booked many months in advance. Wilderness Guides can help you plan your trip – visit wildernessguidesnz.com for more information.

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