Overview
Like the idea of having everything arranged for you but walking independently? On a 4 Day Unguided Walking Package, we will organise your accommodation, luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups for walking the New Zealand Queen Charlotte Track. 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. NB. Package price based on standard accommodation.
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
Finish: Picton
Includes:
- 3 nights accommodation
- luggage transfers
- daily picnic lunch
- Picton drop off/pickups
Pricing:
Cost per Person 2024-25
- Adult: NZ$1,050
- Child: NZ$865
- Single supplement: NZ$600
Child rate: 3-12 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
Like the idea of having everything arranged for you but walking independently? On a 4 Day Unguided Walking Package, we will organise your accommodation, luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups for walking the New Zealand Queen Charlotte Track. 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. NB. Package price based on standard accommodation.
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 AllWe 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.
Today's mainly coastal walk takes you around the inlet through regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other NZ native birds. Pause at the head of the bay to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay before working your way towards Camp Bay and, five minutes on from there, 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.
NB. Optional boat trip to Portage for non-walkers - book at the Punga Cove office (at own cost).
A challenging day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner - a wonderful reward indeed. Those who feel like a day's rest can opt for a boat ride around the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Portage.
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.
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.
Optional 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 in Portage, Torea or Lochmara Bays
Cost per Person 2024-25
- Adult: NZ$1,050
- Child: NZ$865
- Single supplement: NZ$600
Child rate: 3-12 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 AllWe 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.
Today's mainly coastal walk takes you around the inlet through regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other NZ native birds. Pause at the head of the bay to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay before working your way towards Camp Bay and, five minutes on from there, 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.
NB. Optional boat trip to Portage for non-walkers - book at the Punga Cove office (at own cost).
A challenging day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner - a wonderful reward indeed. Those who feel like a day's rest can opt for a boat ride around the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Portage.
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.
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.
Optional 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 in Portage, Torea or Lochmara Bays
