New Zealand

Queen Charlotte Track 5 Day Independent Walk

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Queen Charlotte Track - Picton to Picton

Like the idea of having everything arranged for you but walking independently? On a 5 Day Unguided Walking Package, we will organise your accommodation, luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups for walking the New Zealand Queen Charlotte Sounds Track. All you need to organise is your breakfast and dinner!

When English explorer Captain James Cook sailed into the settled waters of the Marlborough Sounds in the late 17th Century, he must have believed this was paradise. Join us for a modern day journey in Cook's footsteps along the renowned 71km Queen Charlotte Track. Explore this vast network of drowned river valleys from the unique perspective of this well-formed track. Here lush coastal beech forest reaches out to greet lapping tides of ever-changing hues.

Each night you come to rest at a comfortable accommodation place complete with gourmet restaurant, fine wines and a superb setting. NB. Package price based on standard accommodation - upgrade and budget options available on request.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet
(approx. 5 hours/14km)
We collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the water taxi to Ship Cove where your walk begins. 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 of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Take time to explore the waterfall walk and the Captain Cook memorial and then set off on the track proper.

Accommodation - Furneaux Lodge 
Built early this century, Furneaux Lodge comprises the original homestead, restaurant, bar, fully self-contained chalets and upmarket studio units in a delightfully picturesque setting. Furneaux Lodge has an excellent restaurant for dinner and/or breakfasts.

Day 2 - Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay/Punga Cove
(approx. 4 hours/12km)
Today's mainly coastal walk takes you around the 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. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay before working your way towards Camp Bay and, five minutes on from there, Punga Cove.

Accommodation - Punga Cove
Nestled amidst the native bush, Punga Cove's well-appointed individual chalets are a welcome respite. The gourmet restaurant with its impressive view caps off a perfect day and is also open for breakfasts overlooking the bay.

Day 3 - Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/The Portage
(approx. 8 hours/22.5km)
NB. Optional boat trip to Portage for non-walkers - book at the Punga Cove office (at own cost).

A challenging day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner - a wonderful reward indeed. Those who feel like a day's rest can opt for a boat ride around the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Portage.

Accommodation - The Portage Resort Hotel
Nestled at the narrowest point between Queen Charlotte & Kenepuru Sounds, The Portage Hotel is a well-established accommodation place with a fine restaurant, relaxed cafe & comfortable, recently upgraded natural timber chalets. Breakfasts are available as well in the restaurant from 7am.

Day 4 - Rest Day at The Portage Resort Hotel

Today is your chance to rejuvenate and relax at The Portage Resort Hotel. 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.

Day 5 - Torea Saddle/The Portage to Anakiwa
(approx.7 hours/20.5km)
Farewell Portage and ascend to the ridgeline 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 to Picton to compete your journey.

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