Queen Charlotte Five Day Freedom Walk (Including rest day)

This five day freedom walk can be arranged staying in standard or upgrade accommodation and sees you walking the entire track and includes a rest day too.

From NZD 1175.00 pp.

Inclusions

Standard Package - $1175NZ per person (based on twin share) 

(Room inclusions - Tobias Suite at Furneaux Lodge, Lodge en suite Room at Mahana Lodge* and Korimako at Portage Resort (2 nights))

Upgrade Package - $1325NZ per person (based on twin share) 

(Room inclusions - Endeavour Suite at Furneaux Lodge, Frond/Fern Suite Punga Cove and Tui Terrace at Portage Resort (2 nights)) 

Family Package - $1195NZ per adult and $895 per child (aged 5-15 - based on sharing with 2 adults) 

(Room inclusions - Cooks Cottage at Furneaux Lodge, Mamaku Apartment at Punga Cove and Korimako 2 bedroom at Portage Resort (2 nights)) 

  • Pre trip briefing in Picton
  • Queen Charlotte Track Pass
  • Water transport to and from track
  • Packed lunch walking each day (not included on your rest day)
  • Luggage transfers (you only carry your day pack)
  • Information pack including track reference guide
  • Transfers to/from your Picton accommodation to the water taxi departure point
  • Free secure storage of any additional luggage whilst you are on the track
  • Single room occupancy available on request - supplement applies
  • 4 nights track accommodation as chosen above

* If there is no availability at Mahana Lodge on your chosen dates within the standard package, we can instead book a standard room at Punga Cove (this will include a slight price increase - details will be sent on confirmation). The standard rooms at Punga Cove (Koru) include a queen bed only, if a twin bedded room is required, you will need to choose the upgrade option.

Prices are valid for trips taken up until May 2024

Itinerary

Day 1 - Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet/Furneaux Lodge  (approx. 5½-6 hours hours/16.5km)

You will be picked up from your Picton accommodation and after your pre trip briefing you will catch the water taxi out to the historic Ship Cove where the walk begins. Hike around the scenic bays and coves of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet.

Accommodation - Furneaux Lodge

Built in the early 1900's at the foot of it's namesake Mount Furneaux, and surrounded by acres of New Zealand native forest, Furneaux Lodge is set on 3 acres of the flattest and most picturesque scenery in the Marlborough Sounds which has been unchanged since Captain Cook's first visit to the inlet in the 1770's.  Furneaux Lodge comprises of the original homestead, restaurant, bar and accommodation in a delightfully picturesque setting. 

Day 2 – Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove/Mahana Lodge, Endeavour Inlet (Approx. 4 hours/12km)

Travel the coast around Endeavour Inlet to Punga Cove through regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other New Zealand native birds.

Accommodation - Punga Cove 

Experience clear sparkling water, native New Zealand bush and simple tranquillity. Nestled amidst a profusion of punga ferns, Punga Cove’s well-appointed rooms are a welcome respite. The restaurant with its impressive ridge top view across the bay completes a perfect day.

OR Accommodation - Mahana Lodge 

The clear waters of Endeavour Inlet stretch out towards bush covered mountains and often the only sound is the gentle lapping of the waves, and the song of the bellbird.  Mahana is an oasis for the weary with its delightful and lovingly restored historic homestead where you dine on the verandah looking out into the bay. Breakfast is included in your stay at Mahana Lodge (not suitable for children). 

Day 3 - Punga Cove/Mahana Lodge to Portage/Torea Saddle (Approx. 8 hours/23km)
A challenging but rewarding day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas feature round every corner with views back to Picton and over both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.

Accommodation - Portage Resort 

Portage Resort is a well-established accommodation with a fine restaurant, relaxed cafe & comfortable natural timber chalets. The property is set amongst a rustic landscape of native plants with an abundance of birdlife to be seen as you submerge yourself into the nature. Relax, unwind and switch off from the rest of the world and enjoy being in a remote part of the Sounds.

Day 4 - Rest Day at Portage Resort

A chance to relax and enjoy the lodge surroundings (lunch isn't included on this day) 

Day 5 - Torea Saddle (Approx. 7 hours/20.5km)

Farewell Portage Bay and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale. You will finish your day with a water taxi from Anakiwa to Picton, arriving by late afternoon.  

Departure Dates:

Available daily between September and May - Subject to availability at the time of booking.