Bike the Queen Charlotte Track

FAQs

• When do I need to check in?

  All passengers need to check in 30 minutes before their departure time. This is to allow enough time for boarding.

• Where do I check in?

  Cougar Line’s office is located at Picton’s Town Wharf – look for the purple flags. Please see our location map for directions.

• I’m mountain biking the Queen Charlotte Track. Can you transport my bike?

  Yes. Let us know when you book that you are bringing your bike and we will safely transport it, and you, to your chosen starting point on the track. 
Bikes are transferred at an additional charge of $10 each way for standard mountain bikes, and $20 each way for e-bikes.

• I’m walking/mountain biking the Queen Charlotte Track, and staying overnight. Can you transfer my luggage to my accommodation?

  Yes we can to many accommodation points along the track. Ask about our luggage transfer service when booking your trip with us.
  Our Round Trip Track Pass includes daily bag transfers.

• Can I bring more than one bag onboard?

  Yes. The luggage limit is 23kg (2 items per person). There is a $30 charge per item applied for extra freight, thereafter.

  We strongly recommend that all luggage should have a waterproof liner and contents in plastic bags, so that in the event of a heavy rainfall when bags are being transferred from boat to jetties your belongings are protected.

• I want to walk/bike the Queen Charlotte Track, but not the entire length. Can you help us get there and back?

  Definitely. Check out our Cruise & Walk options to spend a day on the track, or stay one or more nights along the track and tell us where you want to be dropped off and picked up when you book.
  In the summer there are up to four daily departures to choose from.

• Do you accept walk-in passengers without prior bookings?

  Yes, when space is available. 
We always welcome visitors to come in for a chat about what they’d like to see and do in the Marlborough Sounds, and to find the best way to get you there and back again.

  Please note : Around boarding times we can be very busy so it’s best to pop in prior and book or give us a call, particularly in the summer. Check in for boats is 30 minutes prior and when our boats are very full we can leave earlier if all booked clients are boarded. This helps ensure our schedule boat runs smoothly.

• In which direction do most people walk/mountain bike the Queen Charlotte Track?

  The most popular way to walk the Queen Charlotte Track is north to south, from Ship Cove/Meretoto to Anakiwa.

  And this is the direction our scheduled boats run so this makes it easier to plan your trip with us.

• What is the QCTLC Land Access Fee, and does it apply to me?

  If you’re walking or biking between Punga Cove and Anakiwa along the Queen Charlotte Track, you’ll require a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) pass to access sections of the track that cross private land.

  Passes are available for purchase from the Cougar Line office and aren’t included in Cougar Line’s standard fares.

• I need to change my booking. Will I be charged extra?

  For Cougar Line’s scheduled departures, date changes to your booking are possible up to two hours prior to your scheduled departure time at no additional charge, and are subject to availability. Depending on intended travel season, differences in scheduled departure times or rates may apply as at the date of rebooking.

  For ‘special hire’ private charters, date changes to your booking are possible up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time, and are subject to availability. Depending on intended travel season, additional charges may apply.

• I need to cancel my booking. Will I be charged?

  If your booking is cancelled within 48 hours of your scheduled booking, or on the day of your booking, a 100% tariff charge applies.

  For Cougar Line’s scheduled departures, date changes to your booking are possible up to two hours prior to your scheduled departure time at no additional charge, and are subject to availability.