Links

Travel to the Marlborough Sounds

Ferry Services - Interislander www.interislander.co.nz or Bluebridge www.bluebridge.co.nz

A 3.5 hr boat trip between the islands i.e. Wellington and Picton, with or without vehicle
typical adult fare $75 one way, student discounts available.

Air Travel www.soundsair.com
typical adult fare Wellington to Picton $99 one way

Walking or biking the Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track from Ships Cove to Anakiwa (total distance of 71km) is usually completed over 3 - 4 days walk.

Mountain bikes are available at Anakiwa and Picton, however the top section of the track - Ships Cove to Camp Bay - is closed to bikes during peak season (i.e.from Dec 1st to Feb 28th) each year.

There are various accommodation options along the way for each night and the track boat operators will transfer your luggage between stops (15kg Max per person), so you only need a day pack and some water for each day's hike or ride.

The scenery is great, native bush and extensive water views of the sounds as you travel down the track. Suitable for a wide age group with moderate fitness, we have had young teens through to some adults aged 80+ stay with us after the track walk. Our advice..... Don't try and break in a new pair of hiking boots on the track or wear boots that you have not used regularly. You will be better off with good comfortable sports shoes you use daily - your feet will thank you down the track.

The last day, Portage to Anakiwa is a significant climb and then there is a long down hill stretch to Anakiwa over 5 - 6 hours.

Running or rushing to catch a boat transfer from Anakiwa to Picton is not a good option. Even if you have an early start at Portage, sitting waiting for hours at the local wharf with no shelter particularly if it is cold or raining is not recommended.

The local coffee cart has some great coffee or tea and is open in the afternoon during the main season from Oct until May, however there are no actual conventional cafes or restaurants for dining at Anakiwa.

A better option is to book your last nights stay in Anakiwa, have a hot shower, relax in the spa, enjoy one of our pizza's and toast your hiking achievement over the past few days.

If you have ferry or bus deadlines, you can also leave your car here before starting the track or a morning shuttle transport (Anakiwa to Picton) is available for lodge guests upon request.

For full information on the track and accommodation options see www.qctrack.co.nz

Tight schedule or only a limited track walk?

We can arrange a water taxi from Anakiwa up the track to Mistletoe Bay, Lochmara or Torea Bay, so you can complete a day walk to suit your time table. These sections are some of the best portions of the track...our guests have a great day out.

We have a good local knowledge of the Queen Charlotte Track and are happy to offer a free booking service or advice on freedom walking the track upon request .....

Feel free to contact us on 03 574-2115 or info@anakiwa.co.nz

Track transfers to Ship Cove

The Cougar Line www.queencharlottetrack.co.nz

We recommend Cougar Line as the preferred local water taxi operator as they will monitor and phone ahead to ensure your luggage is collected and transferred to the lodge. Other operators tend to dump luggage on the jetty and depart, with no attempt to ensure your luggage is actually secure or even delivered to its final destinaton.

Sea Kayaks and Mountain Bike hire at Anakiwa

Seakayaking Adventure Tours www.nzseakayaking.com....... for sea kayaks or mountain bikes, typically $ 70 p/p per day