Queen Charlotte Track Four Day Gourmet Guided Walk

The Four Day Gourmet Guided Walk is the classic way to enjoy the Queen Charlotte Track along with the support, knowledge and guidance of your local guide.

From NZD 2150.00 pp.

Inclusions

  • Pre trip briefing in Picton
  • Packed lunch each day
  • Queen Charlotte Track Land Pass
  • Transfers to/from your Picton accommodation to the water taxi departure point
  • Water transport to and from track (Picton to Ship Cove and Anakiwa to Picton)
  • Generally depart each Tuesday through the season - October to April
  • Full guiding services by a local knowledgeable Guide
  • Luggage transfers (you only carry your day pack)
  • Single room occupancy an additional $695NZ
  • All meals – three course high quality restaurant dining plus complimentary glass of wine each evening
  • Child rate $1495NZ (5-15 years) (based on the child sharing a room with 2 paying adults)
  • Free secure storage of any additional luggage whilst you are on the track

Room inclusions - 3 nights seaview twin share/double accommodation with own private ensuite (Endeavour Suite at Furneaux Lodge, Fern/Frond Suite at Punga Cove and Korimako at Portage Resort)

Due to current bookings, some departure dates will see you staying at Mahana Lodge rather then Punga Cove on your second evening - this will be advised on booking.

Prices are valid for trips taken up until April 2024

Itinerary

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

You will be collected from your accommodation in Picton and after meeting your guide and fellow walkers, you will join the boat trip to Motuara Island for a bird sanctuary tour en route to Ship Cove. Learn about the fascinating marine life of this area and, if you are lucky, see dolphins as well!  Enjoy a short warm up walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary to the lookout – with spectacular 360deg views of the Marlborough Sounds – and see many of New Zealand’s endangered bird species. Arrive late morning at Ship Cove to begin your Queen Charlotte Track adventure. This scenic & historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s. Experience virgin beech forest at its best plus stunning views throughout today’s walk. NB. The visit to Motuara Island is weather dependent

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/Torea Saddle to Anakiwa
(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.  

Due to current bookings, some departure dates will see you staying at Mahana Lodge rather then Punga Cove on your second evening - this will be advised on booking.

2023/2024 Departure Dates:

October 2023 – 3, 10, 17 and 24

November 2023 – 7, 14, 21 and 28

December 2023 – 5, 12, 19 and 27

January 2024 – 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

February 2024 – 6, 13, 20 and 27

March 2024 - 5, 12, 19 and 26

April 2024 – 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

 

2024/2025 Departure Dates:

October 2024 – 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

November 2024 – 5, 12, 19 and 26

December 2024 – 3, 10, 17, 27 and 31

January 2025 – 7, 14, 21 and 28

February 2025 – 4, 11, 18 and 25

March 2025 - 4, 11, 18 and 25

April 2025 – 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29