Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive into Wellington (own arrangements prior to this). Take the ferry over to Picton (departure times will be selected to suit your arrival into Wellington). This a wonderful 3.5 hour trip through Wellington Harbour, the Cook Strait and then the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Check into your 4 star Motel accommodation in Picton. Here you can expect quality service and warm hospitality in a convenient location.
Day 2 - Queen Charlotte Track - Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (approx. 5½-6 hours hours/16.5km)
The Queen Charlotte Track is New Zealand’s most diverse coastal walk set in the geologically unique Marlborough Sounds. Stretching from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa, this undulating trail features remnants of virgin native bush with a sea view around almost every corner.
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.
Day 3 - Queen Charlotte Track - Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove (approx 4 hours - 11.5km)
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.
Day 4 - Queen Charlotte Track - Punga Cove to Portage Resort (approx 8 hours - 23km)
It’s a challenging day walking on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner a wonderful reward indeed. Those who feel like a days rest can opt for a boat ride around the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Portage Bay (at own cost).
Day 5 - Queen Charlotte Track - Portage Resort to Anakiwa (approx 7 hours - 20.5km)
Farewell Portage 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.
Once back in Picton, you will be transported from the Waterfront back to your 4 star Motel accommodation for your overnight stay in Picton.
Day 6
Check out of your accommodation and today transfer to Nelson from Picton with the Intercity bus. On your arrival into Nelson, make your way to your pre-booked centrally located Motel accommodation.
Day 7 - Abel Tasman Track - Marahau to Anchorage (approx 4 hours - 12.4km)
Golden sandy beaches meet coastal forest and granite cliffs on this Great Walk set in our smallest but most popular national park. Known for its great weather and popular with both hikers and sea kayakers, this is an ideal walk for families and first time walkers. Today your adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park begins!
(Please note that the following itinerary may be different to the one on your chosen departure date, due to the tides on those days (As part of the track is tidal, the tides indicate the direction of the walk))
You will be picked up in Nelson around 7am and transported to Marahau, arriving at the Aquataxi base there about 8.30am. You will start with your briefing before checking in your bags for luggage transfers, collect your lunch and off you go. Spend the day hiking/swimming/exploring the forest, the track and the golden sand beaches enroute to Anchorage. This evening you can either stay in the comfort camping site in Anchorage (seasonal) or return to B+B accommodation in Marahau.
Day 8 - Abel Tasman Track - Anchorage to Awaroa Lodge (approx 6-7 hours - 18.8km)
Begin walking along the wonderful beach at Anchorage, pass civilised Torrent Bay before heading up and over and to the iconic Falls River swing bridge and further to Bark Bay. From this lovely bay the track heads up the largest ascent on the whole trip ending up at back at sea level at Tonga Quarry and Onetahuti Bays. A lovely walk along crescent shaped Onetahuti Beach follows and then the last saddle sees you over to the wonderful Awaroa Lodge. This is the biggest day. Tonight you will stay at Awaroa Lodge where you have a wonderful hotel room reserved for you.
Day 9 - Abel Tasman Track - Awaroa Lodge to Ratanui Lodge (approx 3 hours - 8.1km)
After breakfast, your walk begins with the wide tidal crossing about 20 minutes from Awaroa Lodge. Then it is into some wonderful podocarp forest before bursting out on the golden sand of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay before the ascent over to the popular camping spot of Totaranui. At Totaranui enjoy one of our favourite short walks (the Pukatea loop track) before meeting our land shuttle to the highly-rated Ratanui Lodge. Enjoy time at Ratanui Lodge and maybe go for a stroll along the beach, or relax in the spa pool. Bicycles are also available to explore the area.
Day 10 - Abel Tasman Track - Ratanui Lodge to Totoranui (approx 5 hours - 15.5km)
After breakfast, a short shuttle to Wainui Carpark takes you to the last section of your walk. From Wainui you are on the less travelled section of the track. The views of Wainui Inlet as you climb up into the native forest are stunning. The route today takes you up and over to Whariwharangi, then you’ll have the option of walking the Separation Point Loop track (an extra hour) before heading on to Mutton Cove and Anapai Beach before arriving at Totaranui. Once at Totaranui the AquaTaxi will pick you up and return you past all those golden sand beaches to Marahau. Our land transport to Nelson departs conveniently from the AquaTaxi base dropping you in Nelson around 6pm. Once back in Nelson, you will be dropped off again at your pre booked Motel accommodation
Day 11
Check out of your Nelson Motel accommodation this morning and depart Nelson (own arrangements following this).
We can of course arrange any further travel plans or additional walks following this – please just ask!
Departure Dates:
This package can be arranged between September and May - please email us to check availability for your preferred dates
