Located in the Marlborough Sounds the Queen Charlotte Track is unique for its stunning coastal scenery, historic landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife. Stretching from Ships Cove, made famous by Captain Cook 71 kilometres west to Anakiwa enjoying great company and hospitality along the way.
Notes: Day packs are loaned for the duration of the trip with luggage forwarded by launch each day. Stay in twin share ensuite rooms (4 share 2 bedroom chalet at Furneaux). All meals are included. Lodges are licenced, comfortable and well appointed with a broad range of facilities. Sea Kayaking on rest day is included. The 4 Day Walk excludes the free day at Portage Bay.
From Picton a Dolphin Watch Tour to Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary and an opportunity to see rare Saddlebacks and Robins which have been re-colonised to the Island. Cross the Sound to historic Ships Cove, a popular resting spot for Captain Cook, to commence your walk. Cross a ridge passing Resolution Bay and over the easy Tawa Saddle to Endeavour Inlet and overnight at Furneaux Lodge.
A leisurely breakfast then walk through magnificent native bush to a waterfall. Rejoin the main track as it winds around the coast through regenerating native bushland with prolific birdsong along the way. Around the shores of Camp Bay to Punga Cove Resort, some four hours walking for your overnight stay.
Climb to the ridge above Punga Cove with the track following the ridge line and affording sweeping 360 degree views of both Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepuru Sounds. The track is quite undulating, therefore challenging but does allow spectacular views down into bays such as Ruakaka, Kaipakirikiri and Torea. A reasonable fitness level will help and if preferred, boat transport is available. Portage Resort Hotel is a welcome sight with time to relax and enjoy the views over the Sound. A 2 night stay.
A day to rest, relax and explore. Try fishing (success rates are high) or golf on the "unique" local course or sea kayaking with your guide. Paddle past a shipwreck, visit a mussel farm and possibly a chance encounter with dolphins. Time to stop on a tranquil beach for lunch, swim or bushwalk before paddling back to Portage Bay. No experience is necessary for this fun and safe sea kayaking day.
Ascend to the ridgeline track with wonderful vistas as you walk. After Mistletoe Bay the track sidles around the hill before dropping to Davies Bay and the last section of your walk through mature beech forest to reach Anakiwa. Here you will be collected by launch for the return journey to Picton.
1 - To Furneaux Lodge - 15km