WELLINGTON – HAVELOCK

Section Distance = 90km (hiking distance not counting the 100km ferry ride) 

Total Distance = 718km

Officially started the south island leg of the TA!!!

What was initially mostly a transit day turned into one of my favourite days on trail so far…

WELLINGTON – SCHOOLHOUSE BAY CAMP

Sighted little blue penguins and dolphins from the Interislander Ferry (Welly to Picton), more dolphins on the Beachcomber Cruises mail run (Picton to Meretoto/Ship Cove) and had incredible views over the Queen Charlotte sounds covering the first 6km of the Queen Charlotte Track to reach School House Bay camp for the night… 🐧🐬🏕 

 

SCHOOLHOUSE BAY CAMP – FURNEAUX LODGE

The bellbirds started at 6am the next morning but as I only had a short distance to cover I had a sleep in and dried my tent before heading off.

Blue skies, turquoise waters and green forest!!! It was both refreshing and relaxing to be able to cruise along a path (an actual path) without having to worry about navigation.

I arrived at Furneaux Lodge early afternoon and was almost tempted to go for a swim but I only got knee deep before I bailed (it may look beautiful but the water is still far too cold for me lol)

 

FURNEAUX LODGE – BLACK ROCK CAMP 

After checking the weather forecast and realizing the stunning sunny weather was about to turn to rain I decided to push out 2 big days and try to reach Anakiwa before the weather turned 🌧

I arrived at camp with sore feet but ahead of schedule! The evening was eventful with some bush bashing to retrieve the gear a pesky Weka stole (seriously I was looking right at it and still couldn’t get there in time 🤦‍♀️), the arrival of another TA Skittles (apparently trail names are a thing…) and a beautiful sunset!

BLACK ROCK CAMP – ANIKIWA 

The following day dawned overcast but dry and despite the most challenging gradients of the Queen Charlotte Track so far (which compared to the Tararua Range was still quite easy) I managed to reach Anakiwa before the rain started. Yay for dry gear! 

 

ANIKIWA – HAVELOCK

Final stretch of this section from Anakiwa to Havelock was a drizzly day (at least I got to test out the new rain jacket) and the bike pathway was open so minimal road walking yay.

Lunch stop at the tavern and a post hike ice cream topped off what has been a pleasure of a section to hike!

I’m looking forward to a rest day to resupply before taking on the Richmond Ranges…

 

Another awesome thing about the Queen Charlotte Track is its accessibility. Packs can be transferred between the MANY accommodation options (definitely doing that next time 😅) and the well-maintained trail makes it a great option for families or those wanting a nice introduction to a multi-day hike experience.

Stay tuned for Te Araroa Part 8 the Richmond Ranges… reported to be one of the most challenging sections of the entire route!