Key info
Duration: 3 days
Total Distance: 53km (33miles)
Meal Inclusions: Day 1 – lunch only, Day 2 – lunch only, Day 3 – lunch only
Minimum number of persons: 2
3 Days | 53km
3 Day Standard Independent Walk
- Adult
- $900 (based on twin share)
- Child
- $675 (based on sharing with two adults)
- Single supplement
- $475
Like the idea of having everything arranged for you but you’d prefer to walk independently? On this three day standard independent walk, we will organise your accommodation in comfortable standard ensuite rooms, luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups for walking the Queen Charlotte Track. All you need to do is purchase your breakfast and dinner along the way. Each night you come to rest at a comfortable accommodation place – Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove - complete with restaurant, fine wines and a superb setting. Standard packages feature simple ensuite-style accommodation, normally without a view of the ocean, while Upgrades will ensure you have a more modern ensuite-style unit.
Things To Know
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet
We collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the water taxi to Ship Cove where your walk begins. This scenic and historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s as well as being a site of significance for local Maori. Bush is mainly a mixture of stunning podocarp and beech forest with punga ferns and other New Zealand native foliage. This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your walk concludes at the historic Furneaux Lodge.
Day 2 – Endeavour Inlet to Punga Cove
Today’s coastal walk takes you from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove through mostly regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other New Zealand native birds. From Furneaux Lodge, the track continues through native bush and over a small swing bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet. Pause there to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay where pristine native beech forest awaits before working your way towards Camp Bay and your accommodation for the evening at Punga Cove.
Day 3 –2 options:
- Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage Bay (approx. 8 hours/24.5km)
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. You will be collected from Torea Bay at 4:30pm and return to Picton 5.00pm approx. - Take the morning water taxi transfer from Punga Cove to Picton
The water taxi will come and pick you up at approx. 10.00am (This time table is valid is from October through to April - return time to Picton 11.30). Cruise around the bays and make your way to Picton, arriving there mid day.
- Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage Bay (approx. 8 hours/24.5km)
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Track Section & Distances
Day Distance Time 1 17km 6 hrs 2 11.5km 4 hrs 3 24.5km 8 hrs -
Additional Tour
Add on first day guided walk - $295 per person
For those that want the added value of a local guide who will attend to every need as well as provide full interpretation on the area, this is the perfect way to start your Queen Charlotte Track experience. Your first day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Many beautiful views are to be had across the Marlborough Sounds. Your informative local guide will explain the European and Maori connections of this significant historical area as well as provide detailed information on flora and fauna along the trail and general track advice. You are then well equipped to continue on your way for the remainder of your independent track experience.
The Remote Beauty Of The Queen Charlotte Track Awaits
The Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track is the ultimate place to hike and explore with Wilderness Guides as you follow in the footsteps of those gone before.