Queen Charlotte Track Gear List 2026 — What to Pack for the Marlborough Sounds
The Queen Charlotte Track is one of New Zealand's most rewarding multi-day walks — 73 kilometres of coastal ridgeline winding through the Marlborough Sounds from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa. The views are outstanding virtually the entire way, the track is well-formed and clearly signposted, and the accommodation options run the full spectrum from DOC campsites to private lodges. One of the QCT's great practical advantages is a reliable luggage transfer service: you can ship your main pack between stops and walk each day with nothing more than a light day bag. That single decision changes the gear equation dramatically. This guide covers what to pack for both approaches — travelling light between lodge stays or carrying full camping kit the whole way.
Track Overview
The Queen Charlotte Track runs 73km along the Marlborough Sounds ridgelines, typically completed in 3–5 days. DOC grades it Easy to Intermediate — the surface is well-maintained and well-marked, but there's genuine climbing as the route threads the coastal ridge. Accommodation options include DOC campsites, private huts, and a range of lodges; all are paid, and summer booking is essential. A land access pass is required for sections crossing private farmland during the main season. The QCT is accessible from Picton via water taxi to Ship Cove. Sandflies are present throughout but moderate compared to Fiordland. The primary hazards are summer heat and UV exposure on open ridgelines — less a survival risk than a comfort one, but worth preparing for.
Footwear
The QCT's well-maintained trail surface doesn't demand aggressive mountain footwear, but this is still a 3–5 day walk with real climbing, tree roots, and muddy sections after rain — dedicated tramping boots with ankle support and a waterproof membrane are the smart choice over trail runners, particularly across multiple days when fatigue increases the risk of rolled ankles. A moderately stiff boot is the right fit for this grade of track: enough structure for support without being overkill for the conditions. The La Sportiva TX5 GTX hits this mark well — a mid-height boot with an aggressive Vibram sole, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, and comfortable fit for long days on varied terrain. The Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX is another excellent choice, with outstanding grip and a broken-in feel that suits multi-day coastal walking.
Pack
Pack size on the QCT comes down to one decision: are you using the luggage transfer service? If you are, you can walk each day with a 20–30L day pack — carry only your rain jacket, a warm layer, water, snacks, and your camera. Your main bag travels ahead to the next stop. For self-sufficient walkers who carry full camping kit, a 45–55L pack is the right range. The Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 is our top pick for multi-day NZ tramping: excellent load transfer, a well-ventilated back panel, and an expandable lid that adds capacity when you need it. For lodge-hopping with luggage transfer, a well-fitted 25–30L pack with a hip belt is genuinely all you need. Read our backpackbackpack guide for help with fit and volume decisions, or browse the full range at hiking backpacks.
Clothing & Layering
The Marlborough Sounds is one of the warmer, drier corners of the South Island — long settled summer spells are common, and conditions are rarely as severe as the West Coast. That said, the QCT's exposed ridgeline position means wind is a constant companion, and afternoon storms can arrive quickly. A three-layer system covers the full range of QCT conditions:
- Base layer: A lightweight merino or synthetic base layer wicks sweat on the climbs and stays comfortable across big temperature swings. The Peak XV range offers excellent moisture management and natural odour resistance — important on a 3–5 day trip where washing isn't an option. A short-sleeve zip-neck top is the most versatile option for the QCT's warmer climate.
- Mid layer: A lightweight fleece or softshell for ridgeline stops and cool mornings. The Rab Microlight Alpine packs into its own pocket and adds meaningful warmth for minimal weight — easily the best insurance against a cold summit breeze.
- Rain jacket: Always carry one regardless of the forecast. The Peak XV Pinnacle (20,000mm waterproofing / 20,000mm breathability) is a capable, packable choice for the QCT's mostly benign conditions. For more demanding conditions or longer days, step up to the Peak XV Tornado (20,000mm/20,000mm), which has a more protective cut and heavier-duty construction. Pair with Tornado Overpants for full waterproof coverage on soaked descent days.
On exposed ridgelines in Marlborough's summer, sun protection is as important as rain gear. Pack a wide-brimmed sun hat, SPF 50 sunscreen, and UV-protective clothing. Lightweight gloves are useful in shoulder season mornings.
Sleeping Gear
Lodge and private hut stays on the QCT include bedding, so if you're staying in accommodation you won't need a sleeping bag or mat. Campers need a three-season sleeping bag rated to at least 0°C — the One Planet Nitrous 0° and One Planet Sonder are our top picks, both offering an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for summer and shoulder-season conditions. See the full sleeping bag range or our sleeping bag guide for help choosing. For sleeping mats, choose an insulated blow-up mat rather than a self-inflating foam model — the comfort difference across 3–4 nights is dramatic, and a good inflatable mat packs significantly smaller. Browse our sleeping mat range for options.
Cooking & Food
Huts and lodges on the QCT typically have communal kitchen facilities, simplifying your cooking kit. Campers need a stove: the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe is compact, reliable, and widely used on NZ tracks. The Optimus Crux is a solid budget-friendly alternative. Keep meals simple — dehydrated dinners, instant oats, nut and seed mixes, tortillas, and chocolate are reliable trail staples that pack efficiently. Carry a minimum of two litres of water capacity and check the map for reliable water sources — some QCT ridge sections are dry in summer, so plan refill stops carefully.
Navigation & Safety
The QCT is well-marked and easy to follow without advanced navigation skills. Download the NZ Topo Maps app and save the relevant offline topo layers before you leave — it's good practice on any multi-day NZ route even if signage is reliable. A headlamp is essential for hut use, early starts, and late finishes; the Nitecore UT27 Pro (83g) is our first recommendation — lightweight, USB-C rechargeable, and genuinely bright at full power. Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) on any multi-day NZ tramp; if you don't own one, PLB hire is available from Picton. Round out your safety kit with a compact first aid kit, an emergency bivvy, and a whistle. Insect repellent is worth having for sandfly management at water sources and campsites.
Gear Checklist
- Tramping boots — La Sportiva TX5 GTX or Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
- Day pack 25–30L (luggage transfer) or Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 (camping)
- Peak XV base layer — lightweight short-sleeve or zip-neck
- Fleece or softshell mid layer
- Rab Microlight Alpine or Rab Valiance insulated jacket
- Peak XV Pinnacle or Peak XV Tornado rain jacket
- Tornado Overpants
- Tramping trousers or shorts + spare set
- Merino wool socks × 3 pairs
- Wide-brimmed sun hat + SPF 50 sunscreen
- Lightweight gloves (shoulder season)
- Insect repellent
- One Planet Nitrous 0° or Sonder sleeping bag (campers)
- Insulated blow-up sleeping mat (campers)
- MSR PocketRocket Deluxe or Optimus Crux stove (campers)
- Lightweight pot + eating utensils (campers)
- Water bottles or reservoir — 2L minimum
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Nitecore UT27 Pro headlamp + spare batteries or charging cable
- PLB (personal locator beacon)
- First aid kit
- Emergency bivvy
- Whistle
- NZ Topo Maps app (offline) + compass
- Trekking poles — optional but helpful on descents
Other NZ Track Gear Guides
Planning another NZ tramp? Browse our full library of track gear guides: