About the Track

The Outer Queen Charlotte Track allows the walker to explore over two or three days the wilderness lands of Queen Charlotte Wilderness Park at the northern entrance of Queen Charlotte Sound. In some ways the walk is an entrancing time travel as it wanders through an evolutionary progression from recently retired farmland to untouched and ancient forest. And then there is always the sea nearby, to complete a tantilising and inspiring picture of the way the world perhaps should be. A world of creation rather than destruction, a world of hope rather than dispair, a world that once discovered will never be forgotten.

Key points

• The walk leaves two times aweek leaving Picton by launch (we have no roads) Tuesdays 9am returning 12.45pm Thursdays (Wilderness Explorer) or Fridays leaving Picton 9am returning 12.45pm Mondays (Wilderness Explorer plus). The longer visit is recommended, particularly for New Zealanders.

• The launch drops off at Ship Cove about 10am on the first day then carrys packs and any non walkers direct to the accommodation at Anakakarta Bay. Walkers usually arrive at the accommodation between 4pm and 6pm.

• The walk on the second day is a circular route returning to the same accommodation as on the first night. With the Wilderness Explorer Plus, sometimes this walk is deferred to the third day, the second day being devoted to the many other recreational opportunitys available which include doing nothing at all.

• To do all the walk requires reasonable agility and fitness especially the first day. But because water transport runs alongside the walk and we are prepared to provide a high degree of personal support as and when needed, even non walkers can participate in the adventure.

• Every room share double or twin has its own shower toilet etc. All linen etc provided. Evening meals and continental breakfasts are all included in the package price. Materials for lunches etc available from our store.

• To protect the wilderness nature of the area and the native wildlife numbers are strictly limited and visitors must book before entering the Park. Groups of eight or more are granted exclusive access without extra charge.

• More information can be obtained direct from QCWP by inspecting the Parks extensive website

We would love you to come walk our walks so that you too can see and experience what changed our life forever in so many beautiful and rewarding ways.