Itinerary
Day 1 - Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet/Furneaux Lodge (Approx. 17km/6 hour walk)
You will be collected from your accommodation in Picton and after meeting your guide and fellow walkers, you will join the boat trip to Motuara Island for a bird sanctuary tour en route to Ship Cove. Learn about the fascinating marine life of this area and, if you are lucky, see dolphins as well! Enjoy a short warm up walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary to the lookout – with spectacular 360deg views of the Marlborough Sounds – and see many of New Zealand’s endangered bird species. Arrive late morning at Ship Cove to begin your Queen Charlotte Track adventure. This scenic & historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s. Experience virgin beech forest at its best plus stunning views throughout today’s walk. NB. The visit to Motuara Island is weather dependent
Accommodation - Furneaux Lodge
Built in the early 1900's at the foot of it's namesake Mount Furneaux, and surrounded by acres of New Zealand native forest, Furneaux Lodge is set on 3 acres of the flattest and most picturesque scenery in the Marlborough Sounds which has been unchanged since Captain Cook's first visit to the inlet in the 1770's. Furneaux Lodge comprises of the original homestead, restaurant, bar and accommodation in a delightfully picturesque setting.
Day 2 - Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay/Punga Cove (Approx. 11.5km/4 hour walk)
Today’s mainly coastal walk takes you around the inlet through regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other NZ native birds. Pause at the head of the bay to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay before working your way towards Camp Bay and Punga Cove.
Accommodation – Punga Cove
Experience clear sparkling water, native New Zealand bush and simple tranquillity. Nestled amidst a profusion of punga ferns, Punga Cove’s well-appointed rooms are a welcome respite. The restaurant with its impressive ridge top view across the bay completes a perfect day.
Day 3 - Punga Cove to Portage Resort (Approx. 24.5km/8 hour walk)
A challenging but rewarding day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas feature round every corner with views back to Picton and over both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
Accommodation - Portage Resort
Portage Resort is a well-established accommodation with a fine restaurant, relaxed cafe & comfortable natural timber chalets. The property is set amongst a rustic landscape of native plants with an abundance of birdlife to be seen as you submerge yourself into the nature. Relax, unwind and switch off from the rest of the world and enjoy being in a remote part of the Sounds.
Day 4 - Portage Resort to Anakiwa (Approx. 20.5km/7 hour walk)
Farewell Portage Bay and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale. You will finish your day with a water taxi from Anakiwa to Picton, arriving by late afternoon.
2024/2025 Departure Dates:
October 2024 – 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
November 2024 – 5, 12, 19 and 26
December 2024 – 3, 10, 17, 27 and 31
January 2025 – 7, 14, 21 and 28
February 2025 – 4, 11, 18 and 25
March 2025 - 4, 11, 18 and 25
April 2025 – 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
