Overview

Like the idea of combining all three of the Marlborough Sounds most popular activities - hiking and mountain biking on the Queen Charlotte Track, as well as sea kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound. Our self-guided 3 Day Hike/Bike/Kayak Combo takes the best sections of the Queen Charlotte Track for hiking and mountain biking; and rolls these together with one day independent kayak rental to provide an affordable, fantastic package to do everything in the Marlborough Sounds.

We will have everything arranged for you as you explore the best of the Marlborough Sounds independently. On a 3 Day Unguided Hike/Bike/Kayak Combo Package, we will organise your accommodation, mountain bike and sea kayak, as well as luggage transfers and Picton drop off/pickups for exploring the New Zealand Queen Charlotte Track. All you need to organise is your meals!

Tour Grading: C

No experience necessary.
You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
Light day pack carried, with luggage transported by water taxi.

To get to Picton, probably the best way is to take the Interislander Ferry across from Wellington to Picton. Alternatively you can take the Coastal Pacific Train* up from Christchurch to Picton.

*The train will have daily departures over summer from 27 September 2019 to 27 May 2020 and from 25 September 2020 to 31 March 2021 only.

Air New Zealand also has domestic flights to Nelson from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Details

Difficulty: 3

Pricing is based on twin-sharing studio. If you require triple share, you need upgrade to a 2-bedroom chalet.

Start: Picton (7:30am)

Finish: Picton (about 5pm)

Includes:

2 nights standard twin share ensuite accommodation (A-Frame at Punga Cove & Courtyard at Portage Hotel)
Daily packed lunches
Water transport to track
Luggage transfers
Kayaking and safety equipment
Paddling jacket
Personal flotation device with whistle
Spray Deck
Booties (when cold)
Kayak
Mountain Bike
Helmet
Repair Kit/Pump
Queen Charlotte Track Pass (QCTLC)

Overview

Tour Grading: C

No experience necessary.
You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
Light day pack carried, with luggage transported by water taxi.

To get to Picton, probably the best way is to take the Interislander Ferry across from Wellington to Picton. Alternatively you can take the Coastal Pacific Train* up from Christchurch to Picton.

*The train will have daily departures over summer from 27 September 2019 to 27 May 2020 and from 25 September 2020 to 31 March 2021 only.

Air New Zealand also has domestic flights to Nelson from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Boarding Beachcomber Cruises for the Queen Charlotte Track

The Marlborough Sounds

Overlooking Motuara Island on the Queen Charlotte Track

Keruru, the New Zealand Native Wood Pigeon on the Queen Charlotte Track

Mountain biker on the Queen Charlotte Track

Sea Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds

Kayaker in Marlborough Sounds

View from the deck at Portage Hotel on the Queen Charlotte Track

Itinerary

Open All

Day 1Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet/water taxi to Punga Coveapprox. 5 hours/15km Hike

Make your way to our office on the waterfront and after an extensive briefing, depart on the water taxi to Ship Cove where your walk begins. This scenic and historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s as well as being a site of significance for local Maori. Bush is mainly a mixture of stunning podocarp and beech forest with punga ferns and other New Zealand native foliage.

This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your walk concludes at the historic Furneaux Lodge where you catch a water taxi across Endeavour Inlet to 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 2Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage Bayapprox. 4 hours/23.5km Bike

Mountain bikes are delivered this morning by water taxi for your ride from Camp Bay to Portage Bay.

Ascend to the main Queen Charlotte Track. Today you will be riding mostly along the exposed ridgeline with stunning views over both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Bay of Many Coves is a welcome stop to enjoy the vistas. NB. You also have an easier option to ride the scenic Kenepuru Road.

The track is wide but is steep in places so watch for drop offs and rocky areas. There is a lot of undulation with many short steep hill climbs to challenge you. Take a break at Black Rock Shelter before the final hills and then descend to Torea Saddle and down the road to Portage Bay, your destination for today.

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 3Torea Bay to Picton/Ngakuta BayAbout 12kms/5 hours Kayak

Your kayak is delivered to Torea Bay this morning (near Portage) for your independent kayak around the picturesque bays and coves of Queen Charlotte Sound concluding to either Ngakuta Bay or Picton Harbour (weather dependent).

There are numerous bays and coves to explore along the way and lunch can be had at a secluded beach of your choice. Be on the look-out for dolphins and little blue penguins as well as New Zealand fur seals on the points you pass.

A wonderful way to finish three days of adventure!

Itinerary

Open All

Day 1Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet/water taxi to Punga Coveapprox. 5 hours/15km Hike

This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your walk concludes at the historic Furneaux Lodge where you catch a water taxi across Endeavour Inlet to Punga Cove.