11 Day Top of the South Hiking Tour - Queen Charlotte & Abel Tasman

Arrive in Picton and check into your comfortable 4-star motel. Enjoy warm hospitality and excellent service in a convenient location, perfect for relaxing before your adventure begins.

Start the day with a pick-up from your accommodation in Picton. At your pre-trip briefing you will receive an information pack including a map/track guide and vouchers for your walk.

After the briefing, take a scenic water taxi to historic Ship Cove, the starting point of the Queen Charlotte Track. This iconic coastal walk winds through native bush with breathtaking sea views at every turn. Hike past secluded bays and coves before arriving at Furneaux Lodge in Endeavour Inlet for your overnight stay.

Today’s walk follows the coastline, passing through regenerating native bush filled with the calls of bellbirds, fantails, and other native birds. Stop at the head of the bay to learn about the area's 19th-century antimony mining history. Continue past Big Bay before reaching Camp Bay and your accommodation at Punga Cove.

Enjoy a challenging day hiking along the ridgeline between Punga Cove and Torea Saddle near Portage. The panoramic views over Queen Charlotte Sound are a stunning reward for your efforts. If you prefer a rest day, an optional boat transfer (additional cost) is available to Portage Bay.

The final stretch of the Queen Charlotte Track takes you back to the ridgeline for more spectacular views before descending through open farmland and lush native bush. At Anakiwa, take a water taxi back to Picton, arriving in the late afternoon. From the waterfront, you will be transferred to your 4-star motel for your final night in Picton.

Check out of your accommodation and take the InterCity bus from Picton to Nelson. On arrival, make your way to your centrally located motel for the night.

Start your Abel Tasman adventure with a morning transfer from Nelson to Marahau, arriving at the AquaTaxi base around 8:30 am. After a briefing and luggage check-in, set off on the track, exploring golden sand beaches, coastal forest, and turquoise waters along the way. Spend the day walking, swimming, and enjoying the stunning surroundings before arriving in Anchorage. Choose between comfort camping in Anchorage (seasonal) or returning to a B&B in Marahau for the night.

Begin with a scenic walk along Anchorage Beach before passing Torrent Bay and crossing the iconic Falls River swing bridge. Continue through lush forest to Bark Bay, before tackling the largest ascent of the journey, leading to Tonga Quarry and Onetahuti Bay. After a final short climb, arrive at Awaroa Lodge for a well-earned rest in your reserved hotel room.

Start the day with a tidal crossing near Awaroa Lodge before entering podocarp forest. Walk along the golden shores of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay before reaching Totaranui, a popular camping spot. Enjoy a short loop walk at Pukatea Bay before taking a shuttle to the highly rated Ratanui Lodge, where you can relax in the spa pool or explore the area by bike.

After breakfast, take a short shuttle to Wainui Carpark and begin the final section of your walk. Hike past Wainui Inlet with spectacular views before reaching Whariwharangi. An optional detour to Separation Point (1-hour return) is available before continuing to Mutton Cove and Anapai Beach. Arrive at Totaranui, where an AquaTaxi will take you back to Marahau. A land transfer returns you to Nelson by around 6 pm, where you’ll check back into your pre-booked motel.

Check out of your accommodation and continue your onward journey (own arrangements).