Queen Charlotte Relay

The course runs from the ferry terminal area in Picton to the finish in Havelock, a road relay through the Queen Charlotte Sound region that offers a traditional team day out. Established in 1982, the Queen Charlotte Relay maintains a classic coastal-road race feel: a straightforward format, shared legs, and ample time spent waiting for your runner or walker. The route traces coastal roads through the Marlborough Sound surroundings, providing scenic views, a steady road rhythm, and the typical relay blend of anticipation, handovers, and team conversation. Running teams, walking groups, and mixed-ability crews are all welcome. The walking grade was introduced in 2002 in response to demand, and this aspect is social rather than competitive, reflecting the event's overall atmosphere.