Stage 1 of the Queen Charlotte Track covers 17.3 km from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet, with 824 m of ascent and 830 m of descent. The highest point is 255 m. Allow about 6.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Historic lodge on the shore of Endeavour Inlet, on the track about 16 km from Ship Cove, with suites, two-bedroom cottages, basic hikers cabins and the Furneaux restaurant and bar. Suites from about $550 a night; book ahead in summer.
Farm campsite on the track at the head of Endeavour Inlet with tent sites, simple cabins and a bunk room, a cooking shelter and solar showers. The website is out of date: phone ahead to confirm prices and opening.
Small self-catering stay at the head of Endeavour Inlet, 2 minutes off the track over the swing bridge: tent sites, an A-frame bush hut and a one-room cabin. One night maximum; contact the hosts to confirm it is open.
Kiwi baches (fully or partly self-contained) and four trampers huts with bunks and shared kitchen and bathroom, about 250 m off the track at Resolution Bay, 2 hours from Ship Cove. Book online; up to 40 guests.
DOC backcountry campsite with about 15 tent sites, toilets and water (boil it) but no cooking shelter, on the track 5.5 km from Ship Cove. Booking required all year; $10 adult, $5 child per night.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed by the track cooperative or on OpenStreetMap but have no up-to-date official page. Most places can be reached only on foot or by boat, and the DOC campsites must be booked in advance all year. Water taxis from Picton carry packs between jetties: give the operator the exact name of your lodge.
Emergency: call 111 (112 from a mobile) and ask for the police. Carry a PLB. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.