South Island
NZ$2,650.00
Take five days on the Abel Tasman Track Guided Hike in New Zealand to be as active or relaxed as you wish with three days walking the 38 km Abel Tasman Coast Track one of the Great Walks of New Zealand , and 2 extra...
Overview
On this 5 Day Unguided Walking Package, everything is the same as the Queen Charlotte Track 4 Day Independent Walk; with the added bonus of a rest day to explore the Marlborough Sounds.
We will organise your accommodation, luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups for walking the New Zealand Queen Charlotte Sounds Track. On a 5 Day Unguided Walking Package all you need to organise is your breakfast and dinner!
When English explorer Captain James Cook sailed into the settled waters of the Marlborough Sounds in the late 17th Century, he must have believed this was paradise. Join us for a modern day journey in Cook's footsteps along the renowned 71km Queen Charlotte Track. Explore this vast network of drowned river valleys from the unique perspective of this well-formed track. Here lush coastal beech forest reaches out to greet lapping tides of ever-changing hues.
Each night you come to rest at a comfortable accommodation place complete with gourmet restaurant, fine wines and a superb setting.
Tour Grading: C
- No hiking experience necessary.
- You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
- Terrain mostly tracks.
- Light day pack carried, with luggage transported by water taxi.
- Options for non-walkers available
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.
*Contact us to book your ferry and train journey
Details
Difficulty: 3
Start: Picton (7am)
Finish: Picton (about 5pm)
Includes:
Standard package
- 4 nights standard twin share accommodation
- Water transport to and from track
- Luggage transfers
- Picton accommodation transfers
- Information pack incl. track guide
Meal inclusions
- Day 1 – lunch only
- Day 2 – lunch only
- Day 3 – lunch only
- Day 4 - no meals
- Day 5 – lunch only
Pricing:
Cost per Person 2024-25
- Adult: NZ$1,270
- Child: NZ$1,030
- Single supplement: NZ$750
Child rate: 4-14 years
Pricing is based on twin-sharing studio. If you require triple share, you need upgrade to a 2-bedroom chalet.
Minimum two persons; packages can be arranged for singles.
NZ$250 per person deposit payable on booking, balance due 45 days before travel.
Currency ConverterOverview
On this 5 Day Unguided Walking Package, everything is the same as the Queen Charlotte Track 4 Day Independent Walk; with the added bonus of a rest day to explore the Marlborough Sounds.
We will organise your accommodation, luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups for walking the New Zealand Queen Charlotte Sounds Track. On a 5 Day Unguided Walking Package all you need to organise is your breakfast and dinner!
When English explorer Captain James Cook sailed into the settled waters of the Marlborough Sounds in the late 17th Century, he must have believed this was paradise. Join us for a modern day journey in Cook's footsteps along the renowned 71km Queen Charlotte Track. Explore this vast network of drowned river valleys from the unique perspective of this well-formed track. Here lush coastal beech forest reaches out to greet lapping tides of ever-changing hues.
Each night you come to rest at a comfortable accommodation place complete with gourmet restaurant, fine wines and a superb setting.
Tour Grading: C
- No hiking experience necessary.
- You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
- Terrain mostly tracks.
- Light day pack carried, with luggage transported by water taxi.
- Options for non-walkers available
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.
*Contact us to book your ferry and train journey
Itinerary
Open AllDay 1Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour InletApprox. 6 hours/17km walking
We collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join 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.
Day 2Endeavour Inlet to Punga CoveApprox. 4 hours/12km walking
Today’s coastal walk takes you from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove through mostly regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other New Zealand native birds. From Furneaux Lodge, the track continues through native bush and over a small swing bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet. Pause there to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay where pristine native beech forest awaits before working your way towards Camp Bay and Punga Cove. Five minutes on from there is your accommodation for the evening at Punga Cove.
Day 3Punga Cove to The PortageApprox. 8 hours/24.5km walking
A challenging but rewarding day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle and the Portage Hotel. Truly grand views abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Stare in awe at the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds from the iconic Eatwell’s Lookout. At different times you can see both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds as you walk. This is a truly spectacular section of the track. Those who feel like a day’s rest today can opt for a boat ride around the bays’ of the Queen Charlotte Sound. At the end of today's walk continue from Torea Saddle down to the Portage Hotel.
NB. Optional boat trip available to Portage Hotel today for non-walkers (additional cost).
Day 4Rest Day at The Portage Resort Hotel
Today is your chance to rejuvenate and relax at The Portage Resort Hotel. We can arrange guided sea kayaking tours for those interested. Lunch is not included today unless on an organised tour that has been pre-arranged.
Option: 1 Day Guided Sea Kayaking Tour
Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds with an awesome little one-day guided sea kayak trip. This tour takes in Queen Charlotte Sound with its sheltered coves, beautiful beaches, azure blue waters and lush native bush – stopping at a secluded beach for a yummy lunch. Learn about the history of the area from our knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly guides. Available on rest day at Portage, or Lochmara.
Day 5Torea Saddle/The Portage to Anakiwa and PictonApprox.7 hours/20.5km walking
Farewell Portage and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty to Picton to compete your journey.
Cost per Person 2024-25
- Adult: NZ$1,270
- Child: NZ$1,030
- Single supplement: NZ$750
Child rate: 4-14 years
Pricing is based on twin-sharing studio. If you require triple share, you need upgrade to a 2-bedroom chalet.
Minimum two persons; packages can be arranged for singles.
NZ$250 per person deposit payable on booking, balance due 45 days before travel.
Itinerary
Open AllDay 1Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour InletApprox. 6 hours/17km walking
We collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join 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.
Day 2Endeavour Inlet to Punga CoveApprox. 4 hours/12km walking
Today’s coastal walk takes you from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove through mostly regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other New Zealand native birds. From Furneaux Lodge, the track continues through native bush and over a small swing bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet. Pause there to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay where pristine native beech forest awaits before working your way towards Camp Bay and Punga Cove. Five minutes on from there is your accommodation for the evening at Punga Cove.
Day 3Punga Cove to The PortageApprox. 8 hours/24.5km walking
A challenging but rewarding day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle and the Portage Hotel. Truly grand views abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Stare in awe at the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds from the iconic Eatwell’s Lookout. At different times you can see both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds as you walk. This is a truly spectacular section of the track. Those who feel like a day’s rest today can opt for a boat ride around the bays’ of the Queen Charlotte Sound. At the end of today's walk continue from Torea Saddle down to the Portage Hotel.
NB. Optional boat trip available to Portage Hotel today for non-walkers (additional cost).
Day 4Rest Day at The Portage Resort Hotel
Today is your chance to rejuvenate and relax at The Portage Resort Hotel. We can arrange guided sea kayaking tours for those interested. Lunch is not included today unless on an organised tour that has been pre-arranged.
Option: 1 Day Guided Sea Kayaking Tour
Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds with an awesome little one-day guided sea kayak trip. This tour takes in Queen Charlotte Sound with its sheltered coves, beautiful beaches, azure blue waters and lush native bush – stopping at a secluded beach for a yummy lunch. Learn about the history of the area from our knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly guides. Available on rest day at Portage, or Lochmara.
Day 5Torea Saddle/The Portage to Anakiwa and PictonApprox.7 hours/20.5km walking
Farewell Portage and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty to Picton to compete your journey.
