New Zealand

Queen Charlotte Track

Stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, this 71km track will wrap you in the mystical beauty that is the Marlborough Sounds, and totally absorb you for three or four magical days. 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. This walk is as much about a walking holiday as it is an environmental, cultural and lifestyle experience. The Marlborough Sounds' temperate climate enables the track to be walked all year round with the most popular season being from November to May when we have scheduled departures weekly. Our Guided Walks have a 3 or 4 day option depending on your level of fitness. Over 4 days you can walk the full 71km of the track or for those with limited time or not so keen on a lot of walking the 3 day walk is an ideal option. Both walks include an eco tour of Motuara Island and dolphin watching opportunities.

All guided trips include 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. Minimum number required for trip to depart is 2 people. Maximum group size is 12. 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.

Grade Easy (Well graded track. Only day-packs carried.)
Pre-track Briefing 5.30pm the evening prior to departure
Start Picton 8.15am (The Waterfront, London Quay)
Finish Picton 5.30pm (approx.)
Departs Jan 2007: 22, 29, Feb 2007: 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 2007: 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr 2007: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Prices Period 1 Jan 07 - 30 Sep 07 NZ$1490
Maximum 16 participants

Day 1. (15 kms - 4.5 hrs)
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 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. Accomodation is in chalets with 2 bedrooms to each chalet. Clients may be sharing with another couple from their group.

Day 2. (11.7km – 4 hrs)
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 today as you walk through some regenerating bush and virgin native bush. Overnight at Punga Cove Resort in twin share chalets.

Day 3. (23.6km - 8 hrs)
Today you walk from Punga Cove to the Portage Hotel along the ridge between Keneperu and Queen Charlotte Sound. Spectacular views dominated 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 day. There is the option to take water transport from Punga Cove to The Portage Hotel for those who require a rest! Approximate walking time is 8 hours. Upon your arrival at the Portage Hotel, you can rest and relax in the spa and enjoy the view overlooking the Keneperu Sound. Accommodation is in Hillside suites.

Day 4.
Rest and relax in the luxury of the Portage Resort Hotel. This recently refurbished hotel, overlooking Kenupuru Sound, has resort facilities including a swimming pool, tennis court, and spa. Or you may like to be more active and go for a game of golf at the local Nopera Golf course, go fishing, or take a guide and go sea kayaking for the day.

Day 5. (20.7km - 7.30 hrs)
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 you are collected by water taxi for the return journey to Picton.

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

......Transport
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.

......Food
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.

......Accommodation
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.

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.

Does not include alcohol at lodges.