Operates: October to April onlyCheck in time at Picton: 7:30amDepart Picton: 8amReturn trip pick up: 4-4:30pmReturn to Picton: 5.30-6pmDistance & Duration:11km, approximately 3.5 - 4 hours walking + Motuara Island

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

Motuara Island & Queen Charlotte Track Walk Furneaux to Punga

Oct-Apr

South Island

Beachcomber Cruises

from

NZ$130

per adult

Book Now

Guests relaxing in the garden at Furneaux Lodge on the Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sounds.

Experiences

Hiking & Walking

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

South Island

Start: Picton

Travel Time: 8 hours

Distance: 11 kms

Birdlife Encounters and Coastal Scenery in the Marlborough Sounds

Your day begins with an 8:00 am cruise from Picton to Motuara Island Scenic Reserve, a sanctuary for native birdlife. A gentle track leads to the island’s lookout, where sweeping 360-degree views stretch across Queen Charlotte Sound and beyond. Along the way, listen for calls of rare birds and spot them in their natural habitat.

From Motuara Island, the boat takes you to Furneaux Lodge, where the next stage of your adventure begins. The Queen Charlotte Track leads you along Endeavour Inlet through regenerating native bush alive with birdsong. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Punga Cove to relax before the return cruise to Picton.

Mail Boat Cruise passing through Queen Charlotte Sound with a dolphin leaping in the foreground.

Vibrant red-crowned parakeet (Kākāriki) seen during a birdwatching walk on Motuara Island.

Native New Zealand saddleback bird (Tīeke) at Motuara Island predator-free sanctuary.

Native bellbird (Korimako) perched on a branch at Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

Native New Zealand fantail bird (Pīwakawaka) foraging on the forest floor of Motuara Island.

Scenic view from Motuara Island overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound and forested hills.

Hiker walking among native tree ferns near Furneaux Lodge on the Queen Charlotte Track.

Three hikers with backpacks admire the view over Marlborough Sounds from Queen Charlotte Track

Aerial view of Punga Cove jetty with boats and kayaks on turquoise waters along the Queen Charlotte Track.

Operates: October to April only
Check in time at Picton: 7:30am
Depart Picton: 8am
Return trip pick up: 4-4:30pm
Return to Picton: 5.30-6pm

Distance & Duration:

11km, approximately 3.5 - 4 hours walking + Motuara Island

To help reduce our environmental impact, Beachcomber Cruises no longer uses single-use cups on any of our vessels. Reusable souvenir keep cups are available for purchase at the office before departure. We also provide complimentary tea and coffee for you to enjoy during the tour.

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

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

**Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Motuara Island & Queen Charlotte Track Walk Furneaux to Punga

Oct-Apr

South Island

Beachcomber Cruises

Experiences

South Island

Birdlife Encounters and Coastal Scenery in the Marlborough Sounds

Distance & Duration:

Departure Dates

Operates: October to April

Booking Options