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
Your trip begins with a tour with Dolphin Watch Marlborough, who take you to visit the bird sanctuary on 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 which 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 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 Captain 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 see Furneaux Lodge, your first night’s accommodation. 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
Today you walk from Punga Cove to the Portage Resort Hotel along the ridge between Keneperu 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 Keneperu 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
Today you can 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.

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 would like to invite you to come to the Marlborough Sounds office when you arrive into Picton. This enables you to have any questions answered and gives you an opportunity to get to know the rest of your group. Whilst it is not essential that you are in Picton for this, it is advisable. Please let us know if you are unable to attend this meeting, so luggage bags can be delivered to your accommodation for packing.

Alternative Options
4 Day Guided Walk and Paddle & Walk - please contact us for the detailed itinerary.

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

bug repellant

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 (issued at pre-trip meeting)

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 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 restaurant. The rates do not include alcohol, however this can easily be purchased at the accommodation house each evening.

All accommodation is based on twin share (except Furneaux Lodge where four people share a two bedroom chalet). All meals are served in the resort restaurant. The rates do not include alcohol, however this can easily be purchased at the accommodation house each evening.

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.

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 stored at the Picton office securely. You may collect your luggage bag at the pre-trip meeting the night before or it can be delivered to your accommodation.

Where can we leave our vehicle?
If you wish to leave a car in Picton during your trip, this can be organised for you with a secure parking firm. The cost is $10.00 first night and $6.00 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 we can collect you from the ferry terminal or Koromiko airstrip. Please advise when booking if this is required.

Alcohol at lodges.

Price includes:
Mature experienced guides, eco tour and dolphin watch experience, accommodation as listed in trip descriptions, all meals, luggage transfers each day, water transfer return at end of walk.

Payment:
For bookings 4 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 4 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 total package cost.
Within 7 days: No refund

Travel Insurance:
We suggest clients take out a 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.