Overview
Take time to savour the journey on this 5 Day Upgrade Independent Walk with Two Nights Lochmara Lodge in Kenepuru Sound and pamper yourself along the way. You get all the benefits and features of the Queen Charlotte Track 5 Day Upgrade Independent Walk, and top it all off with a rest day to experience the Marlborough Sounds.
On a 5 Day Unguided Walking Package, we take care of your luggage transfers, drop off and pickups in Picton for walking the Queen Charlotte Track, and daily lunch. You are free to buy what you’d like for breakfast and dinner.
Captain James Cook must have thought he had stumbled upon paradise when he sailed the calm waters of Marlborough Sounds in the late 17th century. Join us as we retrace Cook’s footsteps in this modern journey that will take you along the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand. Measuring 71 kms., this well-formed track offers an unparalleled view into the intricate maze of drowned river valleys where dense coastal beech forest thrive right down to the water’s edge meeting breaking tides of ever-shifting colours.
Every night you come home to a comfortable place to rest renowned for their excellent setting complete with gourmet restaurant and fine wines on the menu.
Lochmara Lodge Upgrade
Set on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound, Lochmara Lodge features quality accommodation as well as aviaries and enclosures with endangered species, an organic vegetable garden and orchard, educational signage, sculpture trail and art gallery. Our independent walkers stay in the luxurious Kakariki suites, each with ensuite and view to the sea.
Tour Grading: C
- No hiking experience necessary.
- You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
- Terrain mostly tracks.
- Light day pack carried, with luggage transported by water taxi.
To get to Picton, probably the best way is to take the Interislander Ferry across from Wellington to Picton.
Alternatively you can take the Coastal Pacific Train* up from Christchurch to Picton.
*The train will have daily departures over summer from 27 September 2019 to 26 April 2020 only.
Details
Difficulty: 3
Start: Picton
Finish: Picton
Pricing:
Cost per Person
- Adult: NZ$1,575
Pricing is based on twin-sharing studio. If you require triple share, you need upgrade to a 2-bedroom chalet.
Currency Converter
Overview
Take time to savour the journey on this 5 Day Upgrade Independent Walk with Two Nights Lochmara Lodge in Kenepuru Sound and pamper yourself along the way. You get all the benefits and features of the Queen Charlotte Track 5 Day Upgrade Independent Walk, and top it all off with a rest day to experience the Marlborough Sounds.
On a 5 Day Unguided Walking Package, we take care of your luggage transfers, drop off and pickups in Picton for walking the Queen Charlotte Track, and daily lunch. You are free to buy what you’d like for breakfast and dinner.
Captain James Cook must have thought he had stumbled upon paradise when he sailed the calm waters of Marlborough Sounds in the late 17th century. Join us as we retrace Cook’s footsteps in this modern journey that will take you along the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand. Measuring 71 kms., this well-formed track offers an unparalleled view into the intricate maze of drowned river valleys where dense coastal beech forest thrive right down to the water’s edge meeting breaking tides of ever-shifting colours.
Every night you come home to a comfortable place to rest renowned for their excellent setting complete with gourmet restaurant and fine wines on the menu.
Lochmara Lodge Upgrade
Set on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound, Lochmara Lodge features quality accommodation as well as aviaries and enclosures with endangered species, an organic vegetable garden and orchard, educational signage, sculpture trail and art gallery. Our independent walkers stay in the luxurious Kakariki suites, each with ensuite and view to the sea.
Tour Grading: C
- No hiking experience necessary.
- You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
- Terrain mostly tracks.
- Light day pack carried, with luggage transported by water taxi.
To get to Picton, probably the best way is to take the Interislander Ferry across from Wellington to Picton.
Alternatively you can take the Coastal Pacific Train* up from Christchurch to Picton.
*The train will have daily departures over summer from 27 September 2019 to 26 April 2020 only.
Itinerary
Open AllWe collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the water taxi to Ship Cove where your walk begins. This scenic and historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s as well as being a site of significance for local Maori.
Bush is mainly a mixture of stunning podocarp and beech forest with punga ferns and other New Zealand native foliage. This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your walk concludes at the historic Furneaux Lodge.
Furneaux Lodge upgrade
Built early this century, Furneaux Lodge comprises the original historic homestead now home to the restaurant and bar as well as separate fully self-contained chalets and upmarket studio units with sea views in a delightfully picturesque setting. Furneaux Lodge has an excellent restaurant for dinner and breakfasts. Our independent walkers stay in the upmarket studio suites with private ensuite and views out to the bay.
Today’s coastal walk takes you from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove through mostly regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other New Zealand native birds. From Furneaux Lodge, the track continues through native bush and over a small swing bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet. Pause there to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s.
Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay where pristine native beech forest awaits before working your way towards Camp Bay and, five minutes on from there, your accommodation for the evening at Punga Cove.
Punga Cove upgrade
Nestled amidst the native bush, Punga Cove’s well-appointed individual chalets have views to the bay beyond and are a welcome respite after a day’s walk. The restaurant where you dine for dinner and breakfast has an impressive view from its position high on a promontory over Endeavour Inlet. Your accommodation is the Weka or Kingfisher chalets each with a private balcony and ensuite.
A challenging but rewarding day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle. Truly grand views abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Stare in awe at the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds from the iconic Eatwell’s Lookout. At different times you can see both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds as you walk.
This is a truly spectacular section of the track. Those who feel like a day’s rest today can opt for a boat ride around the bays’ of the Queen Charlotte Sound. At the end of today's walk catch the waiting water taxi to your night's accommodation at Lochmara Lodge.
NB. Optional boat trip available to Lochmara Lodge today for non-walkers (additional cost).
Today is your chance to rejuvenate and relax. Make sure you visit the Wildlife Rescue and Arts Centre. We can arrange guided sea kayaking tours for those interested. Lunch is not included today unless on an organised tour that has been pre-arranged.
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views back towards Picton as well as into the turquoise waters of the Kenepuru Sound. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale after four days of walking.
Take time for a photo stop at the picturesque Davies Bay – you won’t want the journey to end. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty to Picton, arriving back by late afternoon.
Cost per Person
- Adult: NZ$1,575
Pricing is based on twin-sharing studio. If you require triple share, you need upgrade to a 2-bedroom chalet.
Itinerary
Open AllWe collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the water taxi to Ship Cove where your walk begins. This scenic and historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s as well as being a site of significance for local Maori.
Bush is mainly a mixture of stunning podocarp and beech forest with punga ferns and other New Zealand native foliage. This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your walk concludes at the historic Furneaux Lodge.
Furneaux Lodge upgrade
Built early this century, Furneaux Lodge comprises the original historic homestead now home to the restaurant and bar as well as separate fully self-contained chalets and upmarket studio units with sea views in a delightfully picturesque setting. Furneaux Lodge has an excellent restaurant for dinner and breakfasts. Our independent walkers stay in the upmarket studio suites with private ensuite and views out to the bay.
Today’s coastal walk takes you from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove through mostly regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other New Zealand native birds. From Furneaux Lodge, the track continues through native bush and over a small swing bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet. Pause there to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s.
Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay where pristine native beech forest awaits before working your way towards Camp Bay and, five minutes on from there, your accommodation for the evening at Punga Cove.
Punga Cove upgrade
Nestled amidst the native bush, Punga Cove’s well-appointed individual chalets have views to the bay beyond and are a welcome respite after a day’s walk. The restaurant where you dine for dinner and breakfast has an impressive view from its position high on a promontory over Endeavour Inlet. Your accommodation is the Weka or Kingfisher chalets each with a private balcony and ensuite.
A challenging but rewarding day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle. Truly grand views abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Stare in awe at the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds from the iconic Eatwell’s Lookout. At different times you can see both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds as you walk.
This is a truly spectacular section of the track. Those who feel like a day’s rest today can opt for a boat ride around the bays’ of the Queen Charlotte Sound. At the end of today's walk catch the waiting water taxi to your night's accommodation at Lochmara Lodge.
NB. Optional boat trip available to Lochmara Lodge today for non-walkers (additional cost).
Today is your chance to rejuvenate and relax. Make sure you visit the Wildlife Rescue and Arts Centre. We can arrange guided sea kayaking tours for those interested. Lunch is not included today unless on an organised tour that has been pre-arranged.
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views back towards Picton as well as into the turquoise waters of the Kenepuru Sound. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale after four days of walking.
Take time for a photo stop at the picturesque Davies Bay – you won’t want the journey to end. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty to Picton, arriving back by late afternoon.
