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 - Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay/Punga Cove (approx. 4 hours/12km)
Today’s mainly coastal walk takes you 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. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay before working your way towards Camp Bay and Punga Cove.
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.
Day 3 - Punga Cove 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 - Portage Resort to Lochmara Lodge (Approx. 3 hours)
From Portage Resort ascend to the ridgeline once again and enjoy stunning views back towards Picton as well as into the turquoise waters of the Kenepuru Sound. Follow the well marked turn off to Lochmara Lodge and enjoy the walk down the private track to Lochmara Lodge itself. A shorter walk today and a chance to enjoy the grounds at Lochmara Lodge.
Accommodation – Lochmara Lodge
Set on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound, Lochmara Lodge features quality accommodation as well as aviaries and enclosures with endangered species, an organic vegetable garden and orchard, educational signage, sculpture trail and art gallery. Kayaks and paddle boards are available for guests to use.
Day 5 - Lochmara Lodge to Anakiwa (approx 6 hours)
Leaving Lochmara Lodge you will ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views back towards Picton as well as into the turquoise waters of the Kenepuru Sound. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale after five days of walking. You will finish your day with a water taxi from Anakiwa to Picton, arriving by late afternoon.
Departure Dates:
Available daily between late September and May - Subject to availability at the time of booking.
