Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track, located at the top of the South Island in the Marlborough Sounds is unique for its stunning coastal views, historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife.

Day 1. Picton to Furneaux Lodge - 15km/4.5 hrs walking
Departing from Picton your trip begins with a customized eco-tour with your guide on board The Cougar Line as you travel to the Motuara Island bird sanctuary 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 2. Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove - 11.7km/4 hrs walking
After a leisurely breakfast at Furneaux Lodge you may 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 dominates the day today as you walk through some regenerating bush 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 3. Punga Cove to Portage Resort Hotel - 23.6km/8 hrs walking
Walk from Punga Cove to the Portage Resort Hotel along the ridge between Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sound. Spectacular views are offered as you negotiate the undulating ridge between the two sounds. This section is considered the most difficult on the track and you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this day. There is an option to take water transport from Punga Cove to the Portage Resort Hotel if you 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 Kenepuru Sound. You will be staying in twin share suites, and dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine.

Day 4. Rest day at Portage Resort Hotel - Optional activities
Sleep in, rest, relax and enjoy the leisure activities around Portage Resort Hotel. If you feel like a little more activity you may like to go fishing, play golf on the local rural golf course, or go sea kayaking with your guide. Join this intimate paddling experience in the Kenepuru Sound, the smallest of the three sounds. As you paddle from the Portage Bay foreshore on the Kenepuru Sound you can 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 Bay foreshore. No experience is necessary to enjoy this trip and your guide will ensure that you have a fun, safe sea kayaking experience. This is included in your package and is subject to availability.

Day 5. Portage Resort Hotel to Anakiwa and Picton - 20.7km/7.5 hrs walking
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 Mistletoe Bay, the track sidles the hill and drops down into Davies Bay before the last half an hour through mature beech forest ending at Anakiwa where your water transport will collect you for your return to Picton.

The Briefing
We strongly recommend that you spend the evening prior to your trip in Picton and if you have time you are invited to come to the Marlborough Sounds office when you arrive into Picton. This enables you to have any questions answered and last minute details given but this is not essential.
Your luggage bags will be delivered to your accommodation for packing the day before departure.

Alternative Options
4 Day Guided Walk and Paddle & Walk – includes Day 1 to Day 3 of above itinerary, then Day 5, eliminating the rest day and second night stay at Portage Resort Hotel.

Grade: C
Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

Clients require a good level of fitness to enjoy this itinerary. Itineraries are suitable for adult persons into the fit seventies.

The guides are experienced in first aid and carry first aid kits and communication equipment at all times. They have backgrounds from all walks of life but all have a passion for the outdoors and the Marlborough Sounds environment.

Essential Items

Strong broken-in walking shoes, preferably walking boots

Camera & film

Peaked sunhat

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Cotton shirts and shorts

Rainproof jacket

Warm wool or fleece jersey/sweater

Money for possible purchases

Bathing gear

Nightwear

Toiletries

Handkerchiefs (not tissues)

Casual change of clothes for the evening.

If walking in early spring or late autumn we recommend you include the following:

Woollen socks

Hat and gloves

Warm wool or fleece pants

Warm wool or polypro shirts.

We supply:

Light day pack (if required)

All meals & snacks

Luggage Bag for overnight gear

All water transport

Accommodation as listed in the itinerary

Portage of luggage each day

You are transported to the start of the track by the launch, Dolphin Watch Marlborough. Your luggage will be transported between the lodges by boat. You only need to carry what you require for the day. You are returned from the end of the track (Anakiwa) to Picton by water-taxi.

All meals are served in the resort restaurants. The rates do not include alcohol, however this can easily be purchased at the accommodation house each evening.

You will enjoy 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). Furneaux Lodge is isolated, and no roads lead to it. It is privately owned and family run and is unique in the Marlborough Sounds with expansive grounds running from the native bush down to the sea. Punga Cove offers tastefully furnished chalets nestled into the bush-clad hillside, with sun decks giving privacy and superb views across the bay. At Portage Resort, rooms are spread across the expansive gardens with spectacular views, specifically of Kenepuru Sound. All meals are served in the resort restaurants.

What will the weather be like?
Although the weather is usually fair in the Sounds, you should be prepared for adverse conditions at any time of the year, hence the need for warm clothing.

What about alcohol and food preferences?
Alcohol is available for purchase at your accommodation each evening. If you have any particular food allergies or tastes please advise at time of booking so your requirements can be catered for.

What do we do during our rest days?
During your rest day at Portage Resort Hotel - your guide is available to take you on a sea kayaking trip. Join this intimate paddling experience in the Kenepuru Sound, the smallest of the three sounds. As you paddle from the Portage Bay foreshore on the Kenepuru 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 Bay foreshore. No experience is necessary to enjoy this trip and your guide will ensure that you have a fun, safe sea kayaking experience. 24 hours notice is required if you wish to go paddling for the day. This is included in your package and is subject to availability.

Portage Resort Hotel also has access to other activity equipment such as mountain bikes, motor boats, yachts, etc., which can be hired. The use of these activities is not included in the price. There are also other options available such as cruising on Keneperu Sound, golf, etc., for the morning or afternoon. Portage Resort also have a spa and swimming pool for your use.

What happens with our luggage?
Your luggage is transferred each day by boat. There is a restriction on how much luggage each person is allowed, and an overnight bag can be provided that can carry 25kg whilst on the track. If you are travelling through the country with more luggage it can be securely stored at the Picton office. Your luggage bags will be delivered to your accommodation the night before.

Where can we leave our vehicle?
If you wish to leave a car in Picton during your trip, this can be organised for you. There is unsecured parking available for $2 a day or secure parking at the cost of $30.00 for the first 2 nights and $10.00 per night there after.

Do I need to be very fit?
You need to be of moderate/above average fitness to enjoy this trip. Although some of the walkway is rough in parts, the pace is not difficult and there is plenty of time to boil the billy and admire the views.

Can we be picked up from the ferry?
If you are coming from the North Island you can be collected from the ferry terminal. If you are flying to Koromiko airstrip there is a $3 per person shuttle transfer available. Please book this with your Sounds Air ticket.

Alcohol at lodges.

Included in price:

Cheerful, informative guiding from mature experienced guides

Wholesome, quality food, a glass of wine with your evening meal (other alcohol can be paid for directly to the accommodation house)

Four nights superior twin share en-suite accommodation with sea views (studio suites at Furneaux Lodge, A-Frame chalet at Punga Cove Resort and Hillside Suites at Portage Resort Hotel)

Transport forward of luggage

Supply of a luggage bag and light day pack while on the trip

Eco-tour and dolphin watching

Sea kayaking

Water transfer return at end of walk.

Payment:
For bookings four or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:
More than 30 days prior to departure: $100 per person cancellation fee
30 - 7 days: 50% refund of full ticket price
Within 7 days: No refund.

Travel Insurance:
We suggest clients take out comprehensive travel insurance.

Notes:
The operator's policy is not to launch a Guided Walk on safety grounds if it is considered that the wind and sea conditions are unsafe for that group. This is the operator's decision. In this situation a full refund will be issued.

If the forecast is for improving weather, clients will be asked if they can accept a delayed start, or reschedule onto another trip. If a guided trip starts and the weather deteriorates to the point where safety is compromised, the operator will bring the group out by water transport. In this case, a partial refund is offered based on a pro-rata per day refund for each full day not spent on the trip, less the cost of the water transport (maximum $50 per person). Please note that due to circumstances out of the operator's control, itineraries may change at any time. Where changes are made, every endeavour is made to ensure clients are notified as soon as possible.

This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.