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How Difficult is the Queen Charlotte Track?

According to many who have experienced the Queen Charlotte Track firsthand, it is neither an easy or a particularly difficult journey. As you can travel to and from the track, and decide how much walking or cycling you do per day, experiences differ and can be tailored to your needs however, a moderate fitness level is recommended so that you can enjoy and make the most out of your visit.


 

 

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While the Queen Charlotte Track is not a particularly steep track, it is a long track spanning 70km. Some of the daily distances can be a bit tricky, such as the distance between Camp Bay to Anakiwa. The track's terrain is described as undulating with hills that range from zero to 400 metres above sea level. The majority of the track is rather wide set, being 1-1.5 metres wide, and for safety all of the main streams have been bridged. The texture of the surface is mostly clay soil which is firm in dry weather, but is often found to be slippery. This is something to watch out for, especially if you have balance problems. In general, it takes 3-5 days to walk the track, however we usually have found that it takes at least a good 4 days to complete it. For safety, it is important to wear hiking boots with good support, and to be mindful of your fitness in order to anticipate any difficulties that could be ahead. If you feel like walking the entire distance is too much, you can always walk parts of the part of the track you are comfortable with, and skip the areas you may find to be too difficult for example, if you are worried about uneven ground or steeper parts.

 

 

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(Photo Credit: Miles Holden)

 

 

Transport to and from the track is frequent and easily accessible, so if you need a break or need to change your route, that is definitely possible. Also, the fact that the transport to and from the track is there makes it easier for visitors to complete the walk, as there is no need for a large hiking backpack. You can just carry a day pack, and leave everything else back at your accommodation. 

 

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