MARLBOROUGH & NELSON TASMAN
QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK 5
© Destination Marlborough
A classic New Zealand walk, featuring coastal marvels, pristine bush and plenty of birdlife plus top accommodation in lodges.
Where is it? In Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru sounds. Most people start at Meretoto, Ship Cove and head to Mistletoe Bay in Anakiwa, although you can do it in either direction.
Terrain Well-formed tracks, steep, rough and muddy in some places. All major stream and river crossings have bridges.
Pedal power
No dogs 3-5 days one way; 71km Intermediate fitness required Some climbing
This trail is also one of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails’ Great Rides. Please note that even though cycling on this track is permitted all year round, the section between Meretoto/ Ship Cove and Kenepuru Saddle is closed during the busy summer season from 1 December to the end of February.
TRACK OVERVIEW Have a boat drop you off at Ship Cove and, once you’ve explored this historic site and enjoyed the interpretation panels, set off through bush and admire the beech forest. After just 50min, you’ll be greeted by a stunning view across Queen Charlotte Sound before starting your descent into Resolution Bay and the DOC’s Schoolhouse Bay campsite. From here it’s another three hours to Endeavour Inlet, partially following the shore, before another four hours brings you to Camp Bay campsite. Pressing on to Torea Saddle, this is the most challenging portion, but the view from the ridge will see all your cares evaporate. Onwards to Mistletoe Bay, about four hours from Torea Saddle, then another four hours sees you pop out in Anakiwa. Here there’s a jetty, so you can arrange water transport to whisk you back to wherever you want to go to next.
Jasmine Court Motel
78 Wellington St, Picton P: +64 3 573 7110
Peaceful, spacious oasis of comfort minutes from waterfront, cafés, restaurants, shops and tourist activities. Located near both ferry terminals. Ideal base when walking Queen Charlotte track. Tariff: from $110 (season dependent).
:TZGE Res: 0800 421 999
60
E: info@jasminecourt.co.nz
www.jasminecourt.co.nz
Lake Chalice Hut © Getty Images
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LAKE CHALICE HUT WALK TRACK OVERVIEW Leaving the car park, you’ll go down a steep track through forest and bush to the hut which is found at the eastern end of the peaceful two kilometre-long alpine lake. The hut has eight beds which are available on a first come, first served basis. Once at the hut, having claimed your bunk space, the loop around this beautiful body of water makes for a charming walk; it will take about two hours to complete your circumnavigation. There is a fireplace at the hut which is most welcome on cooler nights and if the skies are clear the stargazing is amazing.
Lake Chalice is the only lake in the Mt Richmond Forest Park and this delightful, not too challenging walk is excellent for children and novice hikers.
Where is it? Staircase Rd, Mt Richmond Forest Park, Marlborough Region.
Terrain Well-maintained tramping tracks, sometimes steep and rocky.
Take care Wasps can be a bit of a problem, with the worst time of year between December and April. Sandflies can also be an issue.
Good to know Forestry operations can close roads – Goulter Rd closed during the weekends.
In Blenheim, devour gourmet delights and take Access for dogs your pick from a feast of with DOC sights and attractions. permit only Don’t leave without trying Marlborough’s sauvignon 1hr to hut; 2.6km blanc, which put New 2hr 30min loop Zealand wine in the from hut; 6.5km international spotlight. The town centre is a haven Strong fitness of contemporary stores, required antique shops, galleries, charming cafés and Sometimes steep restaurants all occupying and rocky Walking near Picton © Marlborough Tourism sunny, open spaces. © Destination Marlborough
