Days
4
Pricing From
$2150
Difficulty
3
Popular with hikers and kayakers, you spend time paddling on the sheltered waters, your guide will explain the history of the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds and point out the wildlife that we see.
English voyager Captain James Cook sailed into the calm waters of the Marlborough Sounds in the late 17th Century, and must have thought he was in paradise. Today you can follow the legendary 71km Queen Charlotte Track on a present day expedition following in Captain Cook's path. Following the Queen Charlotte Track allows you to discover this immense system of drowned river valleys from the matchless viewpoint of this well-formed track.
On the Queen Charlotte Track luxuriant coastal beech forest reaches out to meet lapping tides of constantly shifting hues. Each night we come to rest at a comfortable accommodation place. This is a luxurious lodge to lodge Queen Charlotte Kayak and Walk - sea kayaking and walking at its best!
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 26 April 2020 only.
Difficulty: 3
Start: Picton (early morning)
Finish: Picton (late afternoon)
Includes:
Meals Included
Accommodation Included
Pricing:
Cost per Person
Min of 2 people to guarantee a departure.
Pricing is based on twin-sharing studio. If you require triple share, you need upgrade to a 2-bedroom chalet.
Child rate: 3-12 years
Popular with hikers and kayakers, you spend time paddling on the sheltered waters, your guide will explain the history of the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds and point out the wildlife that we see.
English voyager Captain James Cook sailed into the calm waters of the Marlborough Sounds in the late 17th Century, and must have thought he was in paradise. Today you can follow the legendary 71km Queen Charlotte Track on a present day expedition following in Captain Cook's path. Following the Queen Charlotte Track allows you to discover this immense system of drowned river valleys from the matchless viewpoint of this well-formed track.
On the Queen Charlotte Track luxuriant coastal beech forest reaches out to meet lapping tides of constantly shifting hues. Each night we come to rest at a comfortable accommodation place. This is a luxurious lodge to lodge Queen Charlotte Kayak and Walk - sea kayaking and walking at its best!
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 26 April 2020 only.
Sea Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds
Kayaker in Marlborough Sounds
Kereru, the New Zealand Wood Pigeon
The Marlborough Sounds
View from the deck at Portage Hotel
Sunset in Marlborough
Love Marlborough
Saddleback on Motuara Island
Hikers in Marlborough Sounds
Ridgeline on the Queen Charlotte Track
The Marlborough Sounds
Overlooking Motuara Island
We will collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the boat trip to Motuara Island for a bird sanctuary tour en route to Ship Cove. Learn about the fascinating marine life of this area and, if we are lucky, see dolphins as well!
Enjoy a short warm up walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary to the lookout - this affords spectacular 360deg views of the Marlborough Sounds - and see many of New Zealand's endangered bird species. Arrive late morning at Ship Cove to begin our walk. This scenic & historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s. Experience virgin beech forest at its best plus stunning views throughout today's walk.
NB. Our visit to Motuara Island is weather dependent - this is due to the fact there are no toilets or shelter on the island.
Built early this century, Furneaux Lodge comprises the original homestead, restaurant, bar, fully self-contained chalets and upmarket studio units in a delightfully picturesque setting. Furneaux Lodge has an excellent restaurant for dinner and/or breakfasts.
Today's mainly coastal walk takes us 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.
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.
This morning you will be collected by water taxi from Punga Cove & taken on a cruise around the Queen Charlotte Sound to meet your sea kayaking guide at Torea Bay.
Your guide will take you through an extensive safety briefing and instruction prior to departing. Once paddling on the sheltered waters, your guide will explain the history of the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds and point out the wildlife that we see.
Lunch is a picnic of Marlborough fare on one of the uninhabited beaches along the way.
Once discovered, Lochmara Lodge is never forgotten. This Marlborough Sounds eco retreat is set on the shores of Queen Charlotte Sound and offers accommodation for backpackers through to luxury units. The large property has its own extensive network of tracks with hammocks and other surprises round every corner.
The ideal spot for your final night on this tour - and to enjoy your guide's culinary skills with an amazing Kiwi gourmet BBQ this evening.
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and, once on the water, paddle in and out of the secluded bays and idyllic coves towards the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. Here bush overhangs the water's edge - forest green against the azure blue of the Sound. After a sumptuous lunch, we paddle down to Anakiwa to meet up with the rest of the walking group.
NB. Actual routes may vary depending on weather conditions - we choose the safest and most enjoyable paddling area.
Cost per Person
Min of 2 people to guarantee a departure.
Pricing is based on twin-sharing studio. If you require triple share, you need upgrade to a 2-bedroom chalet.
Child rate: 3-12 years
We will collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the boat trip to Motuara Island for a bird sanctuary tour en route to Ship Cove. Learn about the fascinating marine life of this area and, if we are lucky, see dolphins as well!
Enjoy a short warm up walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary to the lookout - this affords spectacular 360deg views of the Marlborough Sounds - and see many of New Zealand's endangered bird species. Arrive late morning at Ship Cove to begin our walk. This scenic & historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s. Experience virgin beech forest at its best plus stunning views throughout today's walk.
NB. Our visit to Motuara Island is weather dependent - this is due to the fact there are no toilets or shelter on the island.
Built early this century, Furneaux Lodge comprises the original homestead, restaurant, bar, fully self-contained chalets and upmarket studio units in a delightfully picturesque setting. Furneaux Lodge has an excellent restaurant for dinner and/or breakfasts.
Today's mainly coastal walk takes us 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.
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.
This morning you will be collected by water taxi from Punga Cove & taken on a cruise around the Queen Charlotte Sound to meet your sea kayaking guide at Torea Bay.
Your guide will take you through an extensive safety briefing and instruction prior to departing. Once paddling on the sheltered waters, your guide will explain the history of the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds and point out the wildlife that we see.
Lunch is a picnic of Marlborough fare on one of the uninhabited beaches along the way.
Once discovered, Lochmara Lodge is never forgotten. This Marlborough Sounds eco retreat is set on the shores of Queen Charlotte Sound and offers accommodation for backpackers through to luxury units. The large property has its own extensive network of tracks with hammocks and other surprises round every corner.
The ideal spot for your final night on this tour - and to enjoy your guide's culinary skills with an amazing Kiwi gourmet BBQ this evening.
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and, once on the water, paddle in and out of the secluded bays and idyllic coves towards the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. Here bush overhangs the water's edge - forest green against the azure blue of the Sound. After a sumptuous lunch, we paddle down to Anakiwa to meet up with the rest of the walking group.
NB. Actual routes may vary depending on weather conditions - we choose the safest and most enjoyable paddling area.
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