Search icon

Motuara & Queen Charlotte Track Walk Ship Cove to Furneaux

Oct-Apr

South Island

Beachcomber Cruises

from
NZ$116
per adult
Book Now
Visitors on the jetty walkway arriving at Motuara Island, surrounded by native bush.

Experiences

Hiking & Walking Hiking & Walking Nature & Wildlife Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Family-friendly Tours Day Tours Day Tours

South Island

Start: Picton
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 9 hours
Distance: 17 kms

Details

Discover the Magic of Motuara & Queen Charlotte Track Walk Ship Cove to Furneaux

Set off on a scenic cruise from Picton through the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, where calm bays and native wildlife set the tone for your journey. Your skipper shares stories of local history, geology, and nature as you travel towards the legendary Ship Cove. Keep your camera ready—dolphins often join the ride if time allows.

At Ship Cove, delve into New Zealand’s early encounters between Māori and Europeans, with displays marking Captain James Cook’s historic visits. Begin the walk under a rich canopy of native forest, alive with tui, fantails, and weka calls. The track rises to Tawa Saddle, where panoramic views over the Sound lead into a peaceful descent through Resolution Bay to Endeavour Inlet.

Search icon
Beachcomber Cruises boat cruising through Queen Charlotte Sound en route to Motuara Island from Picton.
Search icon
Visitors on the jetty walkway arriving at Motuara Island, surrounded by native bush.
Search icon
Native New Zealand saddleback bird (Tīeke) at Motuara Island predator-free sanctuary.
Search icon
Native bellbird (Korimako) perched on a branch at Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds.
Search icon
Native New Zealand fantail bird (Pīwakawaka) foraging on the forest floor of Motuara Island.
Search icon
Hiker walking along a forest track on Motuara Island surrounded by lush native bush.
Search icon
The Motuara Island lookout tower surrounded by dense bush, with Queen Charlotte Sound in the background.
Search icon
Couple admiring the scenic view over the Marlborough Sounds from a forested lookout.
Search icon
Group of hikers reading a trail map at Ship Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough.
Search icon
Māori wood carving next to a boardwalk at Ship Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track.
Search icon
Hikers enjoying the view from Ship Cove Lookout on the Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sounds
Search icon
Secluded bushside cabin with private deck at Furneaux Lodge, Marlborough Sounds

TRIP TIMINGS:

  • 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 AND DURATION:

  • 17km, approximately 5 hours walking + Motuara Island

ONBOARD FACILITIES

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.

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.*

Sign up to our newsletter for special deals & exciting news.