Queen Charlotte Track - 4 Day Guided Walk & Kayak

When to Go

This trip operates from the start of October until the end of April and each season offers something different on the track...

Spring (September to November) sees many native plants in flower and is also a relatively quiet time to walk the track.

Summer (December to February) offers long, warm days, though this can be a busy time on the track.

Autumn (March to May) offers ideal conditions with warm, tranquil days and cool evenings.

Group Size

Minimum 2 / maximum 10 plus 1 guide

Departure Dates

This small group walk departs every Tuesday from October through to the end of April.

Itinerary

Day 0: Arrive Picton

You will need to arrive in Picton the day before the tour commences as there will be a pre-tour briefing this afternoon. Accommodation is not included in Picton so please let us know if you would like assistance with this.

Day 1 : Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet (15km; 5hrs)

Following collection from your Picton accommodation this morning, we will depart on the boat trip to Ship Cove, stopping at Motuara Island en route. Here we take a short walk to the lookout which offers spectacular 360 degree views of the Marlborough Sounds.

Arrive Ship Cove late morning and begin the Queen Charlotte Track. This day is considered the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Our walk concludes at the historic Furneaux Lodge where we will stay overnight.

Day 2 : Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay/Punga Cove (12km; 3 - 4hrs)

From Furneaux Lodge we continue along the coastal walk, through native bush to Endeavour Inlet where we learn more about the mining industry (antimony) that thrived here in the 1880's.

We continue along the track towards the pristine native beech forest at Big Bay, then on to Camp Bay and our overnight accommodation at Punga Cove.


Day 3 : Water taxi from Punga Cove to Torea Bay / Kayak to Lochmara Lodge (Approx. 4 hours kayaking)

This morning you will be collected by water taxi from Punga Cove and taken to Torea Bay. Here your guide will run through an extensive safety briefing and instruction prior to heading out in our

We will then enjoy around 4 hours of paddling on the sheltered waters, learning about the history of the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds and the wildlife we see along the way.

Enjoy a picnic lunch of local Marlborough fare on one of the pristine beaches.

Our day ends at the beautiful Lochmara Lodge.

Day 4 : Lochmara Lodge to Picton (Approx. 4 hours kayaking)

From Lochmara Lodge we paddle in and out of secluded bays and coves and towards the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound.

After a sumptuous final lunch, we continue paddling either into Picton Harbour or nearby Ngakuta Bay, depending on weather conditions. Total paddle time is around 4 hours and we should arrive back to Picton by 3.30pm.

Getting There

There are plenty of ways to get to Picton, depending on where you are originating from and your preferred mode of transport. The closest airport is Blenheim (about a 20 minute drive from Picton) and there are direct flights with Air New Zealand from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. From Wellington you may also choose to take the ferry across Cook Strait to Picton. If you are coming from Christchurch, a popular option is to take the scenic rail journey.

Costs & Inclusions

Inclusions:

Fitness Level

Having reasonable level of fitness will make this journey more enjoyable. If you are active 2 or 3 times a week (walking, golfing, running, gym) then this is an excellent base for doing a multi-day walk. The Queen Charlotte Track does have some steeper sections, so doing some hill walking prior to this trip would be a good idea, as would doing at least one long day walk.