- Q.C.T.L.C. Pass if crossing private land
- Food and water (some nearby lodges do meals and snacks; check opening hours)
- Eftpos card/money (means & snacks at some lodges)
- Queen Charlotte Track brochure. Download PDF
- Sunhat, warm clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Sturdy footwear
- Bike repair kit (if biking)
- Warm layer of clothes and hat
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- First aid kit: insect repellent, personal medication (e.g. antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings)
- Track elevation map PDF
- Track Accommodation Guide PDF
- Camera (recommended)
More information on Track Safety can be found on the Department of Conservation website
Your adventure will begin as you cruise north from Picton on one of the Beachcomber’s fleet through the drowned river valleys of the Queen Charlotte Sound, past idyllic bays where jetties jut into silken water. If you are lucky you may see some of the rich wildlife of this unique region: dolphins, orcas, seals, penguins, albatross and gannets.
Your skipper will talk about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area and – if there is time- will get closer to any passing wildlife, including dolphins who like to play in the wake of the boat.
Take the road from the jetty at Mistletoe Bay to the Te Mahia saddle where you join the Queen Charlotte Track for the Anakiwa Wilderness Walk. High above the water, you will follow old bridle paths through regenerating forest. Kamahi, kanuka, manuka and nikau palms provide shelter for ferns and delicate orchids and a home for weka, silver eyes, fantails and many other native birds.
The last hour is an easy hike through mature beech forest to Anakiwa, the home of the Cobham Outward Bound School. Pick up from Anakiwa Jetty is at 3.30pm for the return to Picton.
A minimum of 2 passengers is required for this walk to depart.