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.
