Experience the Queen Charlotte Track with Freedom and Comfort
This five-day freedom walk offers the perfect balance between independent hiking and comfort. You’ll explore the Queen Charlotte Track at your own pace while we sort the essentials—accommodation in ensuite rooms, packed lunches, and daily luggage transfers. With everything organised, you're free to focus on the scenery, not the schedule.
Your lodgings include Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove, along with two nights at Portage Resort where you’ll soak up sweeping views of Kenepuru Sound. Each stop offers inviting atmospheres, delicious dining, and the chance to kick back with a local wine after a rewarding day on the trail. This is Kiwi hospitality at its finest—relaxed, warm, and perfectly in tune with nature.
Why Choose the 5 Day Freedom Walk with 2 Nights at Portage
Spending two nights at Portage gives you time to relax and truly enjoy the natural surroundings without rushing. Whether you’re sipping a glass of wine on the deck or heading out for a morning swim, the slower pace adds a lovely rhythm to the adventure. It’s ideal for travellers wanting a deeper connection to the Marlborough Sounds.
With breakfast and dinner left flexible, you can savour the best local cuisine and set your own rhythm each day. There’s no need to carry a heavy pack—your bags meet you at the lodge while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the trail. This package is all about freedom, ease, and making the most of New Zealand’s great outdoors in comfort.
INCLUSIONS
Meal Inclusions: Day 1 – lunch only, Day 2 – lunch only, Day 3 – lunch only, Day 4 - no meals, Day 5 – lunch only
4 nights twin-share ensuite accommodation (contact us to upgrade to seaview rooms)
Water transport to and from track
Daily luggage transfers
Picton accommodation transfer
Itinerary
A pre-tour briefing will be held the day prior to departure. Details will be provided with your booking confirmation.
You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Picton and taken by water taxi to Ship Cove, where your journey begins. This picturesque and historically significant reserve was a favoured anchorage of Captain Cook in the 1770s and holds cultural importance for Māori. The trail takes you through stunning podocarp and beech forests, with native punga ferns and lush foliage creating a truly immersive experience. Often considered the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track, the walk concludes at the charming Furneaux Lodge, a perfect end to your first day.
Furneaux Lodge
Furneaux Lodge is set within beautifully scenic grounds and includes the original historic homestead, now housing a welcoming restaurant and bar. The lodge features a variety of ensuite accommodation options, ideal for relaxing after a day on the Queen Charlotte Track. Guests can enjoy delicious dinners and breakfasts at the on-site restaurant, known for its high-quality cuisine.
Our standard independent packages include stays in the private Tobias Suites, each offering an ensuite and lovely views across the lodge grounds. Travellers can upgrade to the larger Endeavour Suites—spacious studio units with private ensuites and outdoor seating. For those needing extra space, larger family rooms are also available on request.
Your coastal walk today begins at Furneaux Lodge and winds through regenerating native bush filled with the melodies of bellbirds, fantails, and other native birds. Cross a small swing bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet, where you’ll learn about the antimony mining industry that flourished here in the 1880s. Continuing on, the trail leads you to Big Bay, showcasing pristine beech forests, before making your way towards Camp Bay and eventually Punga Cove. Accommodation tonight is just a short walk from the track, offering a peaceful setting to relax.
Punga Cove
Tucked away in native bush, Punga Cove’s private chalets offer beautiful views across the bay, providing a peaceful place to unwind after a day on the track. The restaurant, perched on a promontory above Endeavour Inlet, serves both breakfast and dinner with spectacular panoramic views. Accommodation options range from twin chalets to spacious family rooms, catering to different group sizes and preferences.
Travellers on our standard packages stay in the stylish Koru ensuite units, which overlook the scenic Punga Cove. For those opting to upgrade, the Fern & Frond rooms provide more space, a private ensuite, and a balcony with sweeping views across the area. It’s the perfect mix of comfort, seclusion, and natural beauty.
Prepare for a challenging yet rewarding day along the ridgeline between Punga Cove and Torea Saddle. Panoramic views of the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds unfold at every turn, with highlights including the famous Eatwell’s Lookout. On this section of the track, you’ll glimpse both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, making it one of the most spectacular parts of the journey. Non-walkers have the option to take a boat ride through the bays of Queen Charlotte Sound to Portage Hotel (additional cost). After your walk, descend to the Portage Hotel, where you’ll spend the evening.
Portage Hotel
Portage Hotel is perfectly positioned at the narrowest point between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, offering sweeping views over Kenepuru Sound. Known for its warm hospitality and natural timber chalets, this long-standing accommodation spot also boasts a highly regarded restaurant. It’s an ideal place to relax and refuel after a day on the Queen Charlotte Track.
Guests on standard packages stay in Korimako ensuite-style units, each with water views for a peaceful, scenic stay. Travellers choosing the "Add On – Upgrade Room" will enjoy the newer Tui rooms, complete with private balconies and modern ensuite bathrooms. The mix of views, comfort, and local charm makes Portage a favourite stop along the track.
Take a well-earned break to rejuvenate. If you’re up for some activity, guided sea kayaking tours can be arranged (subject to weather and minimum group numbers). Alternatively, simply unwind and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Please note, lunch is not included today unless part of a pre-arranged organised tour.
Your final day begins with an ascent to the ridgeline, offering breathtaking views of Picton and the turquoise waters of Kenepuru Sound. The trail transitions from open farmland to serene native bush, providing a memorable conclusion to your adventure. Stop for photos at the idyllic Davies Bay before arriving at Anakiwa Jetty, where a boat will return you to Picton. Expect to arrive back at approximately 4–4:30 pm, marking the end of a truly unforgettable experience.
Frequently asked questions
The enjoyment of any walk is greatly enhanced with a reasonable level of fitness – but don’t worry, you don’t need to be a marathon runner! If you’re active 2–3 times a week, whether through walking, golfing, running, or going to the gym, you’ll already have a solid foundation for tackling a multi-day walk like the Queen Charlotte Track. To prepare, consider doing at least one longer walk (up to 8 hours) and incorporate some hill walking into your routine, as the track does include some steeper sections.
Personal gear list recommended for walking the Queen Charlotte Track:
Parka or raincoat
Warm jacket
Warm/thermal top (polypropylene)
T-shirt
Warm pants
Shorts
Woollen/polypropylene socks
Comfortable walking boots or walking shoes
Sun hat
Warm/ Insulated hat
Sunglasses
Day pack (available to hire)
Drink bottle (at least 1 litre)
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Blister patches/moleskin/lambs’ wool
Swimsuit & towel & sandals for beach wear
If overnighting, you will also need:
Change of clothes to wear at the lodge(s) – smart casual is fine
Toiletries
Nightwear
Any required medication
Additional/spare supplies relating to specific dietary needs
Optional:
Binoculars
Camera
A walking stick/pole
Please note that each person is allowed one overnight bag or suitcase, with a maximum weight of 15kg. Complimentary secure storage for any excess luggage is available at our office.
When walking the Queen Charlotte Track, each person is limited to one item of luggage weighing no more than 15kg. This is because the luggage is transported by water taxi each day and needs to be lifted on and off the boats. A suitcase with wheels or a duffle bag works well for this purpose.
For any additional baggage, you can store it at our waterfront office. Alternatively, if you are staying in Picton before and after your walk, many local accommodation providers offer storage services for excess luggage.
In summer (December–February), daytime temperatures typically range from the early to late 20s°C, with very hot days reaching up to 30°C. Spring (September–November) offers milder conditions, ranging from 14°C to 20°C, while autumn (March–May) brings cooler, settled weather, with temperatures around 16°C–18°C in March, dropping to 10°C–12°C by May.
Winter (June–August) features crisp, calm days with overnight lows below 0°C and daytime highs up to 10°C. Rain is possible year-round, though January through March are the driest months. Dress in layers for comfort, including thermal undergarments, a fleece top, shorts, long trousers, a warm jacket, and a raincoat.
From Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch International Airport, Air New Zealand offers direct flights to Blenheim Airport, just a 20-minute drive from Picton. Affordable shuttle services are available, or you can rent a car.
Alternatively, you can take the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait to Picton or fly with Soundsair, a commuter airline based at Wellington Airport. From Christchurch, popular options include the scenic Kiwi Rail train journey to Picton, public bus services, or car rentals.
No, you have the option to arrange for water taxis to transfer your pack between your accommodations along the track. This allows you to only carry a smaller day pack while walking.
Departure Dates
Daily departures between late September and April, subject to availability.
Pricing
Cost per person
Oct 2025-Sep 2026
Adult
from NZ$1,395
Child 4-15 years
from NZ$1,116
Single Room Supplement
NZ$1,110
Prices are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change without prior notice.
Hiking & Walking
Family-friendly Tours
Multi-Day Short Tours
