The Queen Charlotte
It’s the kind of scenery that’ll have your camera roll screaming for mercy while your legs tackle those undulating hills. But here’s the best part: you can ditch the heavy lifting and embrace true indulgence! We’ve coordinated seamless water taxi transfers to whisk your luggage straight to your room each night, leaving you free to fly down the trail with just your running vest. Your rewards at the end of the day are the true highlights of this journey. Imagine trading the trail for a chilled glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled non-alc beer over the water at Punga Cove’s iconic Boatshed Bar, followed by dinner at the hilltop Punga Fern restaurant. The next day, you’ll unwind in style at the stunning Portage Resort. Whether you’re dodging cheeky Weka birds on the ridgeline or relaxing on your private balcony overlooking the Kenepuru Sound, this track proves you can absolutely have your wild adventure and a masterclass in luxury too.
Tour Highlights
- •The Full 73km: From the historic sands of Ship Cove to the finish line at Anakiwa, no skipped sections, just pure Marlborough magic.
- •Boat-Powered Logistics: Our water taxi partners whisk your gear to each night’s stop, leaving you light, fast, and foot-loose.
- •Zero-Stress Strategy: We’ve got all meals and accommodation sorted. Just turn up, lace up, and run, we’ll handle the rest while you focus on the trail.
- •The Ridgeline Rush: Spend your days soaring along the spine of the Sounds with 360-degree views of turquoise bays that look like a real life screensaver!.
- •Luxe Lodge Living: Trade the sleeping bag for a real bed and a hot shower, ending each day with a waterfront drink and a meal that beats dehydrated oats any day.
What's Included
- ✓3 Nights of Quality Rest: 1 night in a comfortable Picton motel to prep, 2 nights in stunning waterfront lodges right on the Sounds.
- ✓The Full Feed: All meals, high-energy trail snacks, and hydration are sorted.
- ✓Boat-Powered Logistics: Return boat transfers from Picton to the trail and back. Plus, the best part: daily luggage transfers.
- ✓Expert Trail Guides: Our crew knows every turn, every birdcall, and exactly where the best photo ops are. We’re there to keep the pace, the safety, and the vibes high.
- ✓Breathtaking Views (Non-Negotiable): Constantly EPIC views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. It’s the standard backdrop for the entire 73km
Itinerary
Day 1 - Thursday: The Muster
Arrive in Blenheim for your transfer to Picton and check into your motel. At 5:30 PM, we’ll kick things off with a tour briefing to talk tactics, terrain, and the epic days ahead. Afterward, we’ll head out for our first group dinner to fuel up and get the vibes high before we hit the water in the morning.
Day 2 - Friday: The Captain’s Start (Ship Cove to Punga Cove)
We launch the adventure with a morning water taxi blast out to Ship Cove. From the spot where Cook once dropped anchor, you’ll charge through lush coastal forest and climb toward those first big views. Your luggage is already on its own sea-voyage, so you can hammer out the first 29km with just the essentials. Arrive at Punga Cove to find your fresh clothes waiting and a cold drink calling your name.
Day 3 - Saturday: The Spine of the Sound (Punga Cove to Portage)
This is the big one. Today we hit the high ridgelines, soaring between the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. It’s a day of relentless "undulations" and views that will make you forget your lungs are burning. Once again, your bags do the heavy lifting via boat, meeting you at the iconic Portage Resort for a well-earned feast and a night overlooking the water.
Day 4 - Sunday: The Home Stretch (Portage to Anakiwa)
One last dash! The final 21km is a masterclass in forest running, featuring sweeping turns and a steady, flowing descent toward the finish line. We’ll burst out of the trees at Anakiwa to celebrate the full 73km completion before catching our final boat transfer back to Picton. High fives and sore legs all round!