Round Trip Track Pass

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.

• 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.

• Can you transport my sea kayak?

  Yes. Let us know when you book that you are bringing your kayak and we will transport it, and you, to your chosen starting point. If you don’t plan on paddling back to Picton, we’ll pick you up again when you’re done.

• 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.

• 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.

• Can you book accommodation along the Queen Charlotte Track for me?

  We can arrange accommodation and water transfers to and from Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove in Endeavour Inlet, depending on availability. We can also provide advice on all other accommodation options along the track.

• 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.

• What should I wear?

  The weather in the Marlborough Sounds can change suddenly so to get the most out of your experience, prepare with warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, a hat, sensible footwear and sunscreen.