Group 1 Lead by Judith O’Leary completed Days 1 & 2

Group 2 Lead by Mark and Helen Bassett completed Days 1, 2, 3 & 4 

Super having both Groups complete Days 1 & 2 together.

Walking the Queen Charlotte can be tailored to suit individual Group needs using services provided by Cougar Water Taxis including daily transportation of heavy packs to chosen locations. Trampers therefore required to only carry light day packs for food and other essentials. 

Day l:  45min. Water taxi to Ships Cove; very pleasant 17km walk along well graded track to Endeavour Inlet taking 5hrs. A noticeboard advertising a shop enroute provided an unexpected lunch stop and refreshments. Accommodation enjoyed at Furneaux Lodge along with relaxing in their hot tub and delicious meals. Many accommodation options available enroute including private batches and campsites - details on line.

Day 2:  Awoke to fine drizzle which increased to heavy rain making the track turn muddy and slippery.  Poles, good tramping footwear and waterproof coats essential. Sadly, my rain jacket proved inadequate and I got drenched as did most others. Pace was slow on the slippy track and what should have been a short 12.7km 4 hr walk stretched out to a longer slog. 

Tack entrance to Punga Lodge somewhat messy in the wet conditions as was navigating the numerous tracks on the very steep site Punga Lodge is located on. Hot showers first priority once we found our rooms; followed by late lunch then finding method to dry sodden gear was on everyone’s agenda. 

Kitchen and lounge area was close by along with restaurant which were used by everyone.

Day 3:  Only 4 of us had planned to continue walking the Queen Charlotte track for next 2 days.  Predicted deterioration of weather for the rest of the day making walking difficult and restricting visibility saw us look at alternate options.  Cougar Water Taxi charge $60pp to transport us to The Portage - 30min dry boat ride as opposed to 8hr. 23.7km SLOG winning out. 

 Transport provided from the jetty over the hill to The Portage. Staff very helpful; accommodation and restaurant easily accessible and very comfortable. The atrocious weather caused a power blackout throughout the Marlborough Sounds for 4hrs; log fires in restaurant and helpfulness of staff made for a relaxing, enjoyable stay.

Day 4:  Awoke to blue sky, hearty breakfast, and van transport up the hill to the start of final 21km section.  Moderately steep climb for the first hour followed by gentle undulation along ridge. Spectacular views on either side of the track of the numerous bays. At our lunch stop uncertainty about the distance to the end of the track caused us to up the pace a bit to ensuring that we caught our water taxi and Bluebridge Ferry sailings later that afternoon.

All group members EXCELLED covering a delightful downward sloping final 10km section of the Queen Charlotte track in what probably was RECORD TIME! Snacks and lots of chatting with other trampers in the DOC shelter as we waited for our Cougar Water Taxi taking us on the 30min journey back to Picton.

The Queen Charlotte is a SUPER 4-day tramp that can be modified to suit weather conditions and everyone’s ability.  It is a tramp and preparation is required. A good level of fitness; experience walking through bush with tree routes, gravel, and muddy surfaces in wet weather. Sturdy gear will ensure a safe and enjoyable tramp through some of the best terrain and scenery NZ has to offer.

The wonderful company we had on our Queen Charlotte Walkway has notched up yet another memorable trip with UHWTC members.

Mark and Helen Bassett, Trip Leaders for full walk & report compilers.

Walkers: Group 2 - Mark & Helen Bassett, Lynn Mardon, Denise Arcus

Group 1 - Judith O'Leary, Sharon Dunstan, Sue & Rob Dixon, Janice Coldicott