The Great Track & Pack Pass

The Great Track & Pack Pass

The Great Track and Pack Pass is the best for value for transport to and from the Queen Charlotte Track.

There is no time limit on the pass so it allows you to walk or bike the track in however many or few days you choose. Most people complete the track in 4 days, 3 nights although there is no standard way to complete the track, some people like to take their time and spend up to 7 days or some complete it in 2 or 3. Please ask our reservations office for advice if you are not sure how to plan your trip.

The Queen Charlotte Track is rated one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. This panoramic track offers virgin New Zealand bush, exceptional views and accommodation to cater for everyone's budget which is made up of camping grounds, backpackers and five star resorts.

We recommend that the track is walked or biked from north to south and your accommodation booked prior to your departure from Picton.

The Great Track and Pack Pass includes the following:

  • A drop-off at Ship Cove (the beginning of the track) on one of our scheduled departures
  • 8:00am (1st Oct - 30th Apr), 9:00am or *1:30pm departures from Picton (1:30pm please enquire via email office@mailboat.co.nz)
  • A pick-up from Anakiwa at 3:30pm with an approximate arrival back in Picton of 4:30pm other pick up points are available 
  • Luggage transfers along the track - maximum 20kg per person

*Please note that the 1:30pm will arrive at Ship Cove at approximately 3:30-4:00pm

If you choose to transport between accommodation and not walk sections, this is an additional cost to the Great Track and Pack Pass, please ask our reservations team for options and pricing.

Excludes: Accommodation, QCTLC Pass, Mountain Bike transportation ($5 each way), Motuara Island $5 visit fee, anything not specified above.


Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (Q.C.T.L.C.) Pass
Private land fees: Sections of the track cross private land and track users are required to have a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (Q.C.T.L.C.) Pass for all Q.C.T.L.C. private land between Kenepuru Saddle, Torea Saddle, Te Mahia Saddle and Anakiwa. The pass fee contributes to track maintenance, enhancement and access. Please respect the owners’ property and do not use vehicles or take firearms or dogs on the track.

Pass fees: $12.00 for a 1 day pass. $25.00 for up to 5 consecutive days. $35.00 for an annual pass. Schoolchildren are free.
Passes can be purchased when booking online or in office on day of departure.

Summer departures - 1st Oct to 30 April
8:00 am* 9.00 am

* 8:00am departure time allows a stop at Motuara Island bird sanctuary - a $5.00pp fee applies

Start the track with Motuara bird island 

Winter departures -1st May to 30 Sept
9:00 am  

Route Map - Ship Cove to Anakiwa

Approximate route