Cath

Queen Charlotte Track (QCT part of the TA) 71km total
Summary: very lucky weather for the whole trail was perfect for walking: sunny, blue skies, slight breeze, cool walking during shady bush sections. Lots of 'up', lots of 'down', with intermediate 'along'. Stunning views of azure and turquoise coves from gaps in the bush. Bench track, steep down to one side, steep up to the other; average width of track 2m. It's also a cycle track, but you can hear them coming. Some parts would be tricky when wet. Camping only in DOC or private campsites (no ad hoc camping). DOC campsites have water, which needs filtering/boiling, 'long drop', picnic tables, and most have a wooden shelter for cooking. Extra long drops, with toilet paper (!) along the track.
When you sit to rest, a weka, a flightless bird, the size of a chicken, will emerge from the bush and peck at your heels. They will steal your stuff. Very loud 'coo-eet', and make a grunty piggy noise when in the bush with young.

Day 1: Sun 20/10/24
Exhilarating 1 hour boat ride from Picton accompanied by dusky dolphins. Ship Cove is so named as Captain Cook anchored HMS Endeavour here in 1770. Hiked up and over Ship Cove Saddle to Schoolhouse Bay DOC camp 6.2km (too far to walk to Camp Bay that day)
Day 2: Mon 21/10 to Camp Bay DOC Camp 21.8km
Day 3: Tue 22/10 to Black Rock DOC Camp 18km. Stopped at Bay of Many Coves DOC Camp after 8km, but was too early to stop, so pressed on to Black Rock
Day 4: Wed 23/10 to Mistletoe Bay (private camp) 12.6km plus 1km to campsite. Super campsite with a small shop and a very comfy red sofa on the deck. Great kids staying there playing barefoot rugby until dark, then again at 7am!
Day 5: Thu 24/10 started to cloud over and was getting windy - bad weather forecast. 1km plus 12.2km to Anakiwa Lodge, a proper bed and a shower.

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