Itinerary
Day 1 - Ship Cove to 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 (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 Torea Bay – Lochmara Lodge (approx. 8 hours/23km)
It’s a challenging day walking on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Bay. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. At different times you can see both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds as you walk. This is a truly spectacular section of the track. Your water taxi will meet you at Torea Bay and will bring you to around to Lochmara Lodge at the end of the day.
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.
Day 4 - 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 four days of walking. You will finish your day with a water taxi from Anakiwa to Picton, arriving by late afternoon.
If you chose the 5 day option, you will enjoy a rest day at Lochmara Lodge and then complete the walk on day 5. A great way to recharge your batteries, enjoy some kayaking, or indulge with a relaxing massage.
Departure Dates:
Available daily between September and May - Subject to availability at the time of booking.
