Key info
Duration: 5 days
Total Distance: 73.5km (45.6miles)
Meal Inclusions: Day 1 – lunch only, Day 2 – lunch only, Day 3 – lunch only, Day 4 - no meals, Day 5 – lunch only
Minimum number of persons: 2
5 Days | 73.5km
5 Day Upgrade Independent Walk
- Adult
- $1370 (based on twin share)
- Single supplement
- $850
No child rate available.
Would you like to take a little longer to truly enjoy the journey – and treat yourself along the way? On this five day upgrade independent walk, we will organise your accommodation in superior ensuite rooms with sea views, luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups. You can spend an extra night at Portage Hotel to enjoy a day of well-deserved rest and relaxation. 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, Punga Cove and two nights Portage Hotel - 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 sea view from your 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 Camp Bay/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, five minutes on from there, your accommodation for the evening at Punga Cove.
Day 3 – Punga Cove to Torea Bay/The Portage
A challenging but rewarding day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle. Truly grand views abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Stare in awe at the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds from the iconic Eatwell’s Lookout. 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. Those who feel like a day’s rest today can opt for a boat ride around the bays’ of the Queen Charlotte Sound. At day's end walk from Torea Saddle down to the Portage Hotel. NB. Optional boat trip available to The Portage today for non-walkers (additional cost).
Day 4 – Rest Day
Today is your chance to rejuvenate and relax. We can arrange guided sea kayaking tours for those interested (subject to minimum numbers and weather conditions). Lunch is not included today unless on an organised tour that has been pre-arranged.
Day 5 – Torea Bay/The Portage to Anakiwa
Farewell The Portage and 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. Take time for a photo stop at the picturesque Davies Bay – you won’t want the journey to end. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty to Picton, arriving back to Wilderness Guides HQ by late afternoon.
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Track Section & Distances
Day Distance Time 1 17km 6 hrs 2 11.5km 4 hrs 3 24.5km 8 hrs 4 Rest Day 5 20.5km 7 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.