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Motuara Island and Great Track & Pack Pass

Oct-Apr

South Island

Beachcomber Cruises

from
NZ$134
per adult
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Group of hikers reading a trail map at Ship Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough.

Experiences

Hiking & Walking Hiking & Walking Nature & Wildlife Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Family-friendly Tours Transfers and Shuttles Transfers and Shuttles Multi-Day Short Tours Multi-Day Short Tours

South Island

Start: Picton
Duration: 4 days

Details

Birdlife Encounters on Motuara Island and Flexible Track Access

The Motuara Island and Great Track & Pack Pass offers the ultimate way to experience the Marlborough Sounds at your own pace. Begin with a visit to Motuara Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary alive with native species and scenic lookouts. Then continue on to the Queen Charlotte Track, where the pass provides flexible transport tailored to your journey.

Recognised as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Queen Charlotte Track showcases pristine bush, sweeping coastal views, and a variety of accommodation options. Walk or cycle in as little as two days or stretch it over a week to savour the scenery. With no set schedule, you have the freedom to create a personalised adventure that suits your style.

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Group of hikers reading a trail map at Ship Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough.
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Native New Zealand fantail bird (Pīwakawaka) foraging on the forest floor of Motuara Island.
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Native New Zealand saddleback bird (Tīeke) at Motuara Island predator-free sanctuary.
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Native bellbird (Korimako) perched on a branch at Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Vibrant red-crowned parakeet (Kākāriki) seen during a birdwatching walk on Motuara Island.
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Hiker walking along a forest track on Motuara Island surrounded by lush native bush.
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Visitors standing on the wooden viewing platform atop Motuara Island, looking across Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Couple walking past Queen Charlotte Track sign near the water at Ship Cove
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Hiker looking out over Marlborough Sound from Queen Charlotte Track framed by tree fern
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Aerial view of kayakers in a sheltered bay along the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough

INCLUSIONS

  • Depart Picton 8am (October to April)
  • Drop off and pickup at Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary (allows 60 minutes on the island)
  • Drop-off at Ship Cove (the beginning of the track) on one of our scheduled departures
  • A pick-up from Anakiwa at 3:30pm with an approximate arrival back in Picton of 4:30pm other pick up points are available
  • Luggage transfers along the track - maximum 20kg per person

If you choose to transport between accommodation and not walk sections, this is an additional cost to the Great Track and Pack Pass, please ask our reservations team for options and pricing.

EXCLUSIONS

  • Accommodation
  • QCTLC Pass
  • Mountain bike transportation ($5 each way)
  • Any other expenses not mentioned above

We can transport bags to the following locations:

  • Resolution Bay Cabins
  • Tawa Cove Cabins
  • Blue Water Lodge
  • Furneaux Lodge
  • Punga Cove Resort
  • Mahana Lodge
  • Endeavour Heights
  • DOC Camp Bay Campsite
  • Ngahere Hou
  • The Bay of Many Coves Resort
  • The Portage Resort
  • DOC Cowshed Bay Campsite (via Torea Jetty)
  • Treetops Backpackers
  • Lochmara Lodge
  • Mistletoe Bay Eco Village
  • Te Mahia
  • Anakiwa Jetty

However, we cannot transport bags to:

  • DOC Schoolhouse Bay
  • DOC Bay of Many Coves Campsite
  • DOC Blackrock Campsite
  • DOC Davies Bay Campsite

PICTON DEPARTURE TIME:

  • 1 Oct to 30 April - 8:00 am and 9.00 am
  • 8:00am departure time allows a stop at Motuara Island bird sanctuary

WINTER DEPARTURE:

  • 1 May to 30 Sept - 9:00 am

RETURN TRIP PICK-UP TIME:

  • 3:30pm from Anakiwa

RETURN TRIP TO PICTON:

  • 4:30pm approx.

AGE INFO

  • Adult: 15 years +
  • Children: 5-14 years
  • Infant: 4 years & under

CANCELLATION FEES & REFUNDS:

  • 48 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
  • Less than 48 hours: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card, payment or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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