With a soundtrack of bellbirds and a backdrop of the stunning Marlborough Sounds, running the 76km Queen Charlotte Track with Hutt Valley Runners will be an experience like no other. Over three days we'll run past secluded bays, picturesque coves and native forest. But running through wild scenery doesn’t mean sacrificing creature comforts – end each day at fabulous lodge accommodation with modern amenities, a perfect way to recharge.

We'll be catching the ferry from Wellington as foot passengers to overnight in Picton. Catching a water taxi the next morning to start our 30km from Ships Cove, our bags will be dropped at our accommodation at Punga Cove. Day 2 is a leisurely 25km run to The Portage Resort, again with luggage transferred. The last day to Anakiwa is a mere 21kms, to meet the water taxi back to Picton.

Including all travel, accommodation, breakfasts, and one dinner on the trail, it's great value, costing an estimated max $750 per person:

• 1 night accommodation at Broadway Motel in Picton, beforehand
• 1 night accommodation and dinner at Punga Cove
• 1 night accommodation at The Portage Resort
• Return walk-on ferry travel from Wellington.

Spaces are limited to 10 places and sure to be popular, so to make sure you don't miss out book and pay your $700 deposit to the club account: 38-9010-0232682-00.

Itinerary

Thursday 2 October

12:00 Ferry check-in Wellington

16:30 Arrive Picton

17:00 Stay at Broadway Motel

18:00 Dinner in Picton (not included)

Friday 3 October

07:30 Breakfast (included)

09:00 Water taxi departs Picton for Ship Cove

10:00 Run 30kms

14:00-16:00 Arrive at Punga Cove

18:00 Dinner (included)

Saturday 4 October

07:30 Breakfast (included)

08:30 Run 25kms

12:30-14:00 Arrive at The Portage Resort

18:00 Restaurant Dinner (not included)

Sunday 5 October

07:30 Breakfast (included)

08:30 Run 21kms

15:30 Water taxi departs Anakiwa

16:30 Arrive Picton

17:30 Ferry check-in Picton

18:30 Depart Picton

19:00 Dinner (not included)

22:00 Arrive Wellington

 

BYO: Running snacks. Lunches. Dinner in Picton. Dinner in Portage. Dinner on return ferry.

Bus to the Wairarapa and run back to Kaitoke. From Cross Creek it is steady 7km climb to the summit tunnel (a head torch is a good idea), then a gentle 10km all the way down to the car park at Kaitoke for a BBQ breakfast. Book now to secure your place on the bus.

Meet at 8:00am at Huia to car share, with run starting at 8:45am. This main loop is a challenging 22km loop, mostly on bush track and gravel roads. After a steady climb up the Karapoti Gorge, we visit Three Skulls Road, Craig Flat and the Birchville Dam.

Meet 8am at Huia Pool to catch a shuttle bus to start. But spaces are limited, so book your place here now to avoid disappointment. The run finishes back at Huia Pool. Followed by coffee and cake at the Tūtaki Cafe.

Loop from the Hutt River up to Mangaroa and around the back hills to Te Marua. Add on a trip to Tunnel Gully for a bit more fun. 13km or 16km. Meet at Huia Pool at 8am to car share to the start at Harcourt Park. Start at the suspension bridge at the end of Norbet St in Harcourt Park, at 8:45am. Finish back at Harcourt Park for coffee and cake nearby afterwards.

Meet at 8:00am at Huia Pool to car share, or meet us at Lavender Spa for an 8:45am start. Head through the metropolis of Whitby we round the inlet at Paremata bridge and return on the boardwalk. Coffee at cake at the Ground Up cafe afterwards.