Queen Charlotte Track Walking Itineraries

Queen Charlotte 4 Day Guided Walk

Over 4 days, you cover a maximum of 71 kilometres of well maintained walking track from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. The track is walked at a comfortable pace and you only carry a light day pack as your luggage is transported on to each accommodation. You will need to have an average to above-average level of fitness and be in good health to enjoy this itinerary. The track covers a variety of gradients with some rough surfaces, hence the need for strong comfortable footwear.

Day One (5-6 hours walking, 14 km)
Your trip begins with personalised eco-tour with our guides on board a Cougar Line catamaran. During the morning your guide will share their knowledge of the sea birds and marine mammals as you travel to Motuara Island in the outer-Queen Charlotte Sound. Here you may have the opportunity to see the rare South Island Saddleback and South Island Robin who have been re-colonised on to this island sanctuary.

From Motuara Island you will cross the Sound to be dropped off at Ship Cove where you will begin your walk on the Queen Charlotte Track. Ship Cove is one of the most historic areas in the Sounds as it was one of James Cook's most popular destinations on his many world travels. The area is surrounded by bountiful virgin bush and the walk to the top of the ridge provides spectacular views. As you make your way down into Endeavour Inlet, you will spy Furneaux Lodge, your first night’s accommodation.

You will stay in twin share Studio Suites.

Dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine.

Day Two (4 hours walking, 12.5 km)
After a leisurely breakfast at Furneaux Lodge you may like to take a walk up to the waterfall and see the magnificent stands of virgin native bush. Re-join the track as it winds its way around the coastline to the other side of Endeavour Inlet. Prolific birdsong dominate the day as you walk through some regenerating and virgin native bush.

Your accommodation this evening is at Punga Cove Resort in twin share chalets.

Dinner is served in the restaurant with a glass of wine.

Day Three (8 hours walking, 24.5 km)
Today you walk from Punga Cove to the Portage Resort Hotel along the ridge between Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sound. Spectacular views dominate the day as you negotiate the very undulating ridge between the two sounds. This section is considered the most difficult on the track and clients do need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this walk.

There is the option to take water transport from Punga Cove to The Portage Resort Hotel for those who require a rest! Upon your arrival at the Portage Resort Hotel, you can rest and relax in the spa and enjoy the view overlooking the Keneperu Sound.

You will be staying in twin share Hillside suites, and dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine.

Day Four (7 hours walking, 20km)
Your final day on the Queen Charlotte Track. Today you will ascend to a ridgeline track which provides wonderful vistas of the Sounds as you walk along. After Misteltoe Bay, the track sidles along the hill and drops down into Davies Bay before the last half hour through mature beech forest ending at Anakiwa where our van will collect you for your return to Picton. Approximate walking time is 6-7 hours.

Cost: NZ$1550 per person twin share (single supplement $320)

Minimum group size: 2, maximum 16 (larger groups by arrangement)

All inclusive package offers:

• Customized eco tour experience
• Cheerful, informative guiding
• Wholesome, quality food, a glass of wine with your evening meal (other alcohol can be paid for directly to the accommodation house)
• Superior Twin share accommodation with sea views (studio chalet at Furneaux Lodge, A-Frame studio unit at Punga Cove Resort and Hillside Suite at Portage Resort Hotel)
• Transport forward of luggage
• Supply of a luggage bag and light day pack while on the trip
• Sea kayaking

Prices valid through to April 2011

2010 departures:

Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Dec 6, 13, 20, 27

2011 departures

Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
Mar 7, 14, 21, 28
Apr 4, 11, 18, 25

Queen Charlotte 5 Day Guided Walk

On the 5 day guided walk, you walk the entire track, but take a rest day on the fourth day at Portage Resort Hotel and enjoy the comfort and style of this recently refurbished resort. You may chose to just sit around the pool, have a massage, rest and relax in the peaceful surroundings of the resort, or you may like to take out a sea kayak with your guide for an afternoon paddle.

Refer to the four day guided walk above for the itinerary. Day four is the rest day and day five is the same as day four of the four day walk itinerary.

Cost: NZ$1935 per person (single supplement NZ$435)

All inclusive package offers:

• Customized eco tour experience
• Cheerful, informative guiding
• Wholesome, quality food, a glass of wine with your evening meal (other alcohol can be paid for directly to the accommodation house)
• Superior Twin share accommodation with sea views (studio chalet at Furneaux Lodge, A-Frame studio unit at Punga Cove Resort and Hillside Suite at Portage Resort Hotel)
• Transport forward of luggage
• Supply of a luggage bag and light day pack while on the trip
• Sea kayaking

Minimum group size: 2 maximum 16 (we can take larger groups if required with separate departure dates)
Prices valid through to April 2011

2010 departures:

Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Dec 6, 13, 20, 27

2011 departures

Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
Mar 7, 14, 21, 28
Apr 4, 11, 18, 25

Queen Charlotte 4 Day Boutique Lodge Guided Walk

Day 1 – Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet (approx. 5 hours)
You will be collected from your accommodation in Picton to join the boat trip with Beachcomber Cruises to Motuara Island for a bird sanctuary tour en route to Ship Cove. Learn about the fascinating marine life of this area and, if we are lucky, see dolphins as well!  Enjoy a short warm up walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary to the lookout – this affords 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 our walk. 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. Our visit to Motuara Island is weather dependent – this is due to the fact there are no toilets or shelter on the island. Packs are to be checked prior to visiting to ensure no traces of our visit are left behind. 

Accommodation – No Road Inn 
Newly completed for 2008, the No Road Innis a small waterfront lodge on the only privately owned land in Queen Charlotte Sound where the virgin native forest extends right to the sea. Your hosts Garry and Barbara invite you to join them at their new boutique property nestled at the foot of Mount Furneaux in Endeavour Inlet. 
Four spacious suites – the Queen Charlotte Suite, Howden Suite, Resolution Suite and Adventure Suite – await walkers, each with its own super king or twin bed, clawfoot bath and stunning sea and bush views. Set amidst 2000-year old giant rimu and kahikatea trees, the No Road Inn is an oasis for the hiker with a guest lounge, games room, theatre and private hot tub. 
Dine this evening on a three course meal of Marlborough fare with local seasonal delicacies including blue cod, greenshell mussels, New Zealand lamb and locally baked bread with olive oils; perfectly matched with a Marlborough wine of your choice. 
Day 2 – Endeavour Inlet to Craglee Lodge Retreat, Bay of Many Coves (approx. 7 hours or short walk option of 4 hours)
Farewell the No Road Inn and continue the mainly coastal walk around Endeavour 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. Head uphill towards the ridgeline and onwards to the Bay of Many Coves Shelter. Soon the bays and coves of the Queen Charlotte Sound are far below. Turn off the main Queen Charlotte Track to join the private Craglee Lodge Retreat track. The track descends through manuka forest via a winding, fairly steep track; the steeper sections are roped to help you along. This track is very well marked, however care should be taken underfoot as there are many tree roots and small loose rocks; mainly due to wild pigs digging on the track at night. Walking poles are recommended. NB. There is also the option to walk from No Road Inn to Camp Bay and transfer from there by waiting water taxi to Craglee Lodge - a four hour walk only.
Accommodation – Craglee Lodge Retreat
At Craglee Lodge, it's all about you – a just reward after your hike today. This is a stunning retreat location and a sanctuary to recharge and be spoilt offering superb food, an easy atmosphere and hosts, Rosie & Steve, who take time to make time. 
The lodge consists of three levels, and all enjoy unspoilt views over the pristine waters of the bay. The scent of fresh flowers, the aromas of home baking, candlelight dinners, twin baths snuggled into the native bush and a grotto with fireplace to simply sit and stargaze add to the unique and romantic Craglee experience. The resident chef prepares all meals with fresh local produce and ensures that fresh fruit and baking is available every day. Eat indoors or al fresco, from a choice of garden settings or decked areas. 
During the evenings take a tranquil stroll through the tracks, softly illuminated by glow worms, or a bottle of wine up to the grotto for star gazing, or simply kick back and relax in our outdoor baths and enjoy nature's symphony. 

Day 3 – Craglee Lodge Retreat to Lochmara Lodge (approx. 7-8 hours)
You won’t want to leave but today we depart Craglee Lodge Retreat and return to the ridgeline to continue our hike along the Queen Charlotte Track. Today is a challenging day traversing the ridgeline between Craglee Lodge Retreat & Lochmara Lodge. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Those who feel like a day’s rest are treated to a boat ride around the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Lochmara Lodge. We conclude our walk at Torea Bay and transfer by waiting water taxi to our accommodation at Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre. 
Accommodation – Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre
Set on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound is the Marlborough Sounds’ only Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre.

Built by Marlborough locals Shayne Olsen and Louise Bright, since 1997 Lochmara Lodge has achieved national and international recognition as one of the best places to stay in New Zealand. One aspect that has remained constant over that time is the owners’ continued dedication towards art, conservation and education. This is a place where visitors can learn, interact and appreciate New Zealand’s flora, fauna and art, while still offering a unique accommodation experience in beautiful ensuite units with seaviews. 
Set in 11 acres, the property features aviaries and enclosures with endangered species breeding programs, organic vegetable garden and orchard, educational signage, sculpture trail and art gallery. It also now has its very own fully licenced café and restaurant, where the cuisine is based on sustainability. The cuisine is simple, rustic and full of flavour, using ingredients that truly give you a taste of this beautiful environment, the Marlborough Sounds. 
A fitting finale to your Queen Charlotte Track boutique lodge experience! 

Day 4 – Lochmara Lodge to Anakiwa (approx. 5 hours)
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and ascend to the Queen Charlotte Track once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty and join Beachcomber Cruises back to Picton to compete your journey.

Package price of NZ$1,950 per person includes:

• 3 nights boutique luxury seaview twin share accommodation with own private ensuite
• All meals – restaurant meals (3 course) plus complimentary glass of wine each evening
• Packed gourmet lunch each day
• Guiding services
• Water transport to and from track
• Luggage transfers
• Single supplement available NZ$650pp
• Picton accommodation transfers

Queen Charlotte 4 & 5 Day Freedom Walk

This itinerary allows the independent walker to walk the track in comfort and with ease. The five day option allows for a rest day at Portage Resort Hotel.

NOTE: You will require a good level of fitness to enjoy this itinerary.

Day One
Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (5 hour walk - 15km)
There is no better way to start your walk than boarding The Cougar Line catamaran in Picton and enjoying their award winning service en-route to Ship Cove. Ship Cove is of worldwide historical significance being the one place that Captain Cook visited 5 times to reprovision his ships. As you sweep into Ship Cove you will understand why. A steady climb out of Ship Cove provides unsurpassed views to the North Island. Follow the track down into Resolution Bay and through to Endeavour Inlet where you spy Furneaux Lodge with its broad sweeping lawns. This historic homestead has a restaurant and bar with chalet accommodation.

Day Two
Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove Resort (4 hour walk – 11.7km)
This gentle coastal part of the track provides a good opportunity for taking a leisurely lunch and stopping to enjoy the plentiful birdlife along the way. Punga Cove Resort, your accommodation tonight, has individual chalets set amongst the bush clad hillside providing stunning views across Endeavour Inlet. Perhaps you might like to soak in the spa or swim in the solar-heated pool before adjourning for wine and dinner in their award winning restaurant.

Day Three
Punga Cove to Portage Hotel (8 hour walk – 23.6km)
This section is the most challenging and rewarding of the track. Climbing away steeply from Punga Cove the sweeping views begin to appear as you walk along the ridge between the Queen Charlotte and Keneperu Sound. The track is very undulating and therefore can be challenging for some people. As in the old days, Portage Hotel is a welcome respite after a long day. The modern chalet-style units have all facilities required for your comfort and their restaurant is renowned for their barbecues and seafood.

Day Four
Portage Hotel to Anakiwa (7 hour walk - 20.7km)
Once again the track follows the ridge climbing up to the highest point on the track at 400m. From the summit you have unsurpassed views into the surrounding Sounds. Winding down to sea level you will come upon some particularly beautiful virgin native bush which leaves you with a lasting impression of what must have been before man arrived. The harbour of Anakiwa comes into view and so too does the end of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your water transport collects you and, as you make your way around the bottom of Queen Charlotte Sound, you can relax and reminisce over the last four days.

Prices through to April 2011
Cost: 4 Day Freedom Walk
From $660 per person (single supplement $290)
Includes: All accommodation, packed lunch each day, water transport to and from the track, walking kit, transfer of luggage each day

Cost: 5 Day Freedom Walk
From $755 per person (single supplement $390)
Includes: All accommodation, packed lunch each day, water transport to and from the track, walking kit, transfer of luggage each day

Ultimate Sounds Adventure - 3 day

Finally, you can do it all in just three days. On the Ultimate Sounds Adventure, spend one day hiking, one day sea kayaking and one day mountain biking. Take in the beauty and magic of the Marlborough Sounds as you travel the length of the Queen Charlotte Track. At night, rest and relax in the peaceful surroundings of your lodge accommodation. Your guide will ensure that you are able to enjoy each day in safety and at your own pace.

Day One – Walking (approximately 5 hours)
Catch a 9.00am water taxi from Picton to Ship Cove in the Outer-Queen Charlotte Sound and the start of the Queen Charlotte Track. Ship Cove is one of the most historic areas in the Sounds as it was one of James Cook's most popular destinations on his many world travels. The track travels from Ship Cove through native virgin bush, over two saddles and down into Resolution Bay and then Endeavour Inlet. At the end of the day your water taxi transfers you down the Queen Charlotte Sound to Portage Resort Hotel for the evening. Bunkroom accommodation at Portage Resort Hotel or you can upgrade to twin share at an additional cost – cook your own meal, or dine in their restaurant

Day Two – Sea Kayaking
A leisurely day’s sea kayaking in the Keneperu Sound. As you paddle from the Portage foreshore on the Keneperu Sound, you may visit a mussel farm, paddle past a ship wreck from a bygone era, or experience a chance encounter with dolphins. You will have time to stop on a tranquil beach where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, go for a swim or a short bush walk before paddling back to Portage Resort Hotel.

Day Three – Mountain Biking (approximately 4 hours)
There are two options available for today’s ride – the enthusiastic biker can tackle the hill climb from Torea Bay to Waterfall Bay on the Queen Charlotte Track, or take the scenic route along the road to Waterfall Bay. From Waterfall Bay you bike for two hours on the Queen Charlotte Track, cycling around the bays and coves of the Queen Charlotte Sound. This ride is a fitting end to your three day trip as you travel through stunning native bush, glimpse magical water views and finally come to the end of the track at Anakiwa. Cyclists then ride around the bottom of Queen Charlotte Sound to Ngakuta Bay where your van and trailer await, or the keen cyclists can bike back to Picton.

Price through to April 2011 - NZ$635 per person bunk room or $950 twin share (single supplement $270)

Includes: all water transfers, guide, all equipment, all accommodation

Departure: Every Wednesday from November to 30 April

Paddle & Walk - 4 day

This all-encompassing Marlborough Sounds package incorporates the best the Marlborough Sounds has to offer in four days. You will have the opportunity to enjoy two days of gentle sea kayaking, two days of easy walking and an eco-tour and dolphin watching, all with the security and comfort of a guide, comfortable accommodation and delicious food.

This trip is run in conjunction with the 4 Day Guided Walk on the Queen Charlotte Track. 4 Day Paddle & Walk clients join these groups for the first two days and then sea kayak for the last two days.

Day One begins with a 8.15 am meeting at our Picton based office and a dolphin watching experience and eco-tour of Motuara Island. Motuara Island is home to some of NZ’s endangered bird species such as the South Island Robin, South Island Saddleback and Brown Spotted Kiwi. From Motuara Island, Dolphin Watch Marlborough will transfer you to Ship Cove and the start of the Queen Charlotte Track. Today you will be walking to Furneaux Lodge – a 5 hour walk on the track, through some of NZ’s beautiful native bush and stunning views.

Day Two - A gentle walk today around the foreshore of Endeavour Inlet from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove Resort. You will have time to take a side track up to the Furneaux Waterfall, through some spectacular virgin native bush. Birdsong dominates the day today as you walk around the Inlet

Day Three - A water taxi will collect you from your accommodation and transport you to Torea Bay – a 30 minute boat ride back towards Picton. Here your sea kayaks will be awaiting and your guide. (depending on numbers, you may have a different walk guide to sea kayak guide). Our sea-kayaks are large and stable and easy to paddle. Ideally you will be travelling in double kayaks so you can take turns to enjoy the view as you glide past! After a safety briefing and familiarisation with your sea kayak, you will paddle out of Torea Bay and spend the day exploring the many bays, coves and inlets of the Queen Charlotte Sound. At the end of the day you transfer over the hill to Portage Hotel. Here you will be able to catch up with the rest of your group who may have been walking from Punga Cove to Portage Hotel.

Day Four – Your final day of fun and relaxation in the Marlborough Sounds. By now you will be feeling confident and comfortable in your sea kayak and ready for another day of tranquil paddling. Paddling out of Torea Bay the day will be spent exploring the Grove Arm, a particularly beautiful part of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You will paddle back to Picton, arriving at around 4.30pm.

This trip is ideal for any age group as the itinerary for both sea-kayaking and walking is not too strenuous. It gives you an ideal opportunity to enjoy the best of the Sounds - by water and land. We provide guides, all food and accommodation water transfers, sea kayaking equipment and portage of luggage.

Price through to April 2011: $1550 per person (single supplement $320)

Minimum 2 people.
Includes: all meals, water transfers, guide and equipment,
twin share accommodation at Furneaux Lodge, share cabin, own room. Twin share, own unit, en-suite accommodation at Punga Cove Resort & Portage Hotel

Departures 2010:

Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Dec 6, 13, 20, 27

Departures 2011:

Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
Mar 7, 14, 21, 28
Apr , 11, 18, 25

Other dates available on request.