The Queen Charlotte Track is one of nature’s wonderlands, world-renowned for its stunning coastal views, historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife.
Stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, this 71km track will wrap you in the mystical beauty that is the Marlborough Sounds, and totally absorb you for four or five magical days.
Walk on the wild side
Hiking, climbing, mountain biking and horse trekking: there are so many ways in which Marlborough’s wilderness can be explored.
For those wishing to following in Sir Edmund Hillary’s footsteps, Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku in the Awatere Valley is Marlborough’s highest peak and where the legendary mountaineer embarked on his first mountain climb; a pathway that ultimately took him to Mount Everest. Take a four day hike on the 54km Cape Campbell walkway to the 148 year old lighthouse or take to the wild in the Richmond Ranges. There’s a more leisurely half-day walk up the Snout Track offering fantastic views over Picton or spend an hour or two rambling or riding over the Wither Hills for views that encompass Blenheim township, it’s surrounding vineyards and countryside to the Marlborough Sounds and on a good day stretch as far as Wellington in the North Island.
Walk, cycle or kayak the Queen Charlotte Track. You can start or finish the walk at any of the points along the way, as the journey is divided into four one-day legs, with optional sea kayaking excursions available to prolong your wilderness adventure. The choice of accommodation ranges from basic campsites to luxury lodges, and there are guided and freedom walking options. Better still, you can have your packs carried for you each day and delivered by boat to any of the access points along the track.
Whichever way you like it, at the end of a long (or short) day’s walk or ride, a cool glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a well-deserved treat!
High Country spirit
Marlborough’s high country is made up of thousands of hectares of sparse and ruggedly diverse landscape, and is home to New Zealand’s largest working farm; Molesworth Station. Experiencing the high country can be done through a 4WD tour, staying in an historic homestead, or spending a few nights at one of the remote farm stays to be found here. True adventurers may wish to try heli-fishing for trout, mountain biking or hiking through this remote area, or simply relaxing in the warmth of local hospitality, exploring stunning country garden estates or taking a high country horse trek.
