Overview
While it’s the most challenging section of the Queen Charlotte Track taking a full day to complete, the 23.6km Torea Bay to Punga Cove Day Walk from Picton is the most rewarding, giving walkers unparalleled panoramic views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds in New Zealand. Torea Bay is about 20 minutes away across from Picton, so it’s going to be a short but relaxing cruise as the boat departs 8am (from October 1 to April 30 only).
Coming out of Torea Bay after a sheer ascent, you will again climb through native vegetation to the ridge that forms the natural boundary between the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The track meanders in and out of regenerating forest along the winding ridge line. As you look down below, marvel at the bays and coves of the serpentine coastline receding into the distance.
The opaque green waters of the Kenepuru Sound and the shimmering blue sea of Queen Charlotte Sound alternately comes into view. Keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky weka and your ears attuned to the shrill song of bellbirds and the chorus of other endemic New Zealand birds.
Please keep in mind that you need a good level of fitness to arrive at Punga Cove in time to join our boat at around 4.20pm. Refuel with meals and drinks available for purchase at the Boatshed Bar next to the wharf.
Details
Difficulty: 3
Walk operates from 1 October to 30 April each year
Start: Picton (8am)
Finish: Picton (about 5pm)
Overview
While it’s the most challenging section of the Queen Charlotte Track taking a full day to complete, the 23.6km Torea Bay to Punga Cove Day Walk from Picton is the most rewarding, giving walkers unparalleled panoramic views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds in New Zealand. Torea Bay is about 20 minutes away across from Picton, so it’s going to be a short but relaxing cruise as the boat departs 8am (from October 1 to April 30 only).
Coming out of Torea Bay after a sheer ascent, you will again climb through native vegetation to the ridge that forms the natural boundary between the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The track meanders in and out of regenerating forest along the winding ridge line. As you look down below, marvel at the bays and coves of the serpentine coastline receding into the distance.
The opaque green waters of the Kenepuru Sound and the shimmering blue sea of Queen Charlotte Sound alternately comes into view. Keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky weka and your ears attuned to the shrill song of bellbirds and the chorus of other endemic New Zealand birds.
Please keep in mind that you need a good level of fitness to arrive at Punga Cove in time to join our boat at around 4.20pm. Refuel with meals and drinks available for purchase at the Boatshed Bar next to the wharf.
