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.
Meet at Huia Pool at 6:30am. This is not a race, but a casual run (with likely plenty up walking).
Weather dependent, and may be cancelled at the last minute.
Compulsory Gear:
- Off-road trainers
- Seam sealed jacket
- Emergency blanket/bag
- Thermal long sleeved top
- Whistle
- Gloves
- Hat
- Water
- Food for a long day with a little extra
- Spare clothes in the car for after and more food to refuel
Supplied group safety gear
- First aid kit
- Emergency locator beacon
The 21.6km Puke Ariki (‘The Place of Leaders’) trail offers a unique and varied journey across some of the region’s most beautiful and rugged terrain.
You’ll weave along 4WD tracks and meander along native bush-clad trails, and climb steep hillsides. Starting at the Dry Creek entrance, trail climb climbs to the top of Boulder Hill. From there it follows undulating farmland to the airstrip, Round Knob, Cannons Head, and Belmont Trig. The track then drops down into Korokoro Valley and exits at Cornish Street in Petone. Yes it's lambing season, but the track is open, with only minor diversions.
Meet at Huia Pool at 8am for a prompt departure carshare to Petone railway station to catch the 8:17am train to Manor Park. Bring your snapper card or cash. We'll run back to our cars in Petone. Pack wet weather gear, food and other sensible provisions.
Coffee and cake to celebrate in the Hutt afterwards.
Loop from Karori Park up to the Skyline, then south through lots of great trails in the Makara Mountain Bike Park. Mostly downhill after Makara Peak! 8.5km or 13.75km. Trail shoes recommended.
Join Hutt Valley Runners for a away run trip to the Waitārere Forest Run on 14 April and save 20%. Pick a distance that suits and enter yourself in either the: half marathon, 10km. 5km or 2km fun run. Meet at Huia Pool+Fitness at 6:30am to car share.
You can receive 20% off your own race entry by joining the 'Hutt Valley Runners' team (Code: huttvalleyrunners). Click here.
The forest provides the perfect mix of running terrain while you enjoy the scenic experience of running through the pines. Finish in the beautiful seaside town of Waitārere and celebrate your efforts with friends in the event village.
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.