Home / Our CompanyFour Day Gourmet Walk & Kayak
Itinerary
Day 1 – Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet
(approx. 5 hours/14km)
We will collect you from your accommodation in Picton to 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 we are lucky,
see dolphins as well! Enjoy a short warm up walk on Motuara Island Bird
Sanctuary to the lookout – this affords 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 our walk. 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. Our visit to Motuara Island is weather dependent
– this is due to the fact there are no toilets or shelter on the island.
Accommodation – Furneaux Lodge
Built early this century, Furneaux Lodge comprises the original homestead,
restaurant, bar, fully self-contained chalets and upmarket studio units
in a delightfully picturesque setting. Furneaux Lodge has an excellent restaurant
for dinner and/or breakfasts.
Day 2 - Endeavour Inlet to Punga Cove
(approx. 4 hours/12km)
Today's mainly coastal walk takes us 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.
Accommodation – Punga Cove
Nestled amidst the native bush, Punga Cove’s well-appointed individual chalets
are a welcome respite. The gourmet restaurant with its impressive view caps
off a perfect day and is also open for breakfasts overlooking the bay.
Day 3 - Punga Cove to Torea Bay & Kayak to Lochmara Bay
(approx. 4 hours)
This morning you will be collected by water taxi from Punga Cove & taken
on a cruise around the Queen Charlotte Sound to meet your sea kayaking guide
at Torea Bay. Your guide will take you through an extensive safety briefing
and instruction prior to departing. Once paddling on the sheltered waters,
your guide will explain the history of the sunken valleys of the Marlborough
Sounds and point out the wildlife that we see. Lunch is a picnic of Marlborough
fare on one of the uninhabited beaches along the way.
Accommodation - Lochmara Lodge
Once discovered, Lochmara Lodge is never forgotten. This Marlborough Sounds
eco retreat is set on the shores of Queen Charlotte Sound and offers accommodation
for backpackers through to luxury units. The large property has its own
extensive network of tracks with hammocks and other surprises round every
corner. The ideal spot for your final night on this tour - and to enjoy
your guide's culinary skills with an amazing Kiwi gourmet BBQ this evening.
Day 4 - Lochmara Bay to Anakiwa
(approx. 4 hours)
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and, once on the water, paddle in and out of the secluded bays and idyllic coves towards the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. Here bush overhangs the water's edge - forest green against the azure blue of the Sound. After a sumptuous lunch, we paddle down to Anakiwa to meet up with the rest of the walking group. NB. Actual routes may vary depending on weather conditions - we choose the safest and most enjoyable paddling areas!
Four Day Guided Gourmet Kayak & Walk Package
- 3 nights superior, sea view twin share accommodation with own private ensuite
- All meals – restaurant meals (3 course) on 2 nights and gourmet BBQ on final night
- A complimentary glass of wine with evening meal
- Packed gourmet lunch each day
- Guiding services
- All kayak equipment - full instruction provided (beginners catered for)
- Water transport to and from track
- Luggage transfers
- Single supplement available
- Picton accommodation transfers
Other Queen Charlotte track and Marlborough Sounds trip options
For further information on the walking packages available, please click on the links below
Guided Walks
- One Day Guided Walk & Wildlife Tour
- Four Day Boutique Lodges Guided Walk
- Four Day Gourmet Guided Walk
- Four Day Gourmet Walk & Kayak
- Five Day Gourmet Guided Walk
Independent Walks
- Four Day Independent self-guided Walking Package
- Five Day Independent self-guided Walking Package
- Boutique Lodges Five Day Independent self-guided Walking Package
Sea Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds
Click on these links for further information on some of the popular options for sea kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds with Wilderness Guides!