Home / Our CompanyFive Day Independent self-guided Walking Package
Like the idea of having everything arranged for you but walking independently? Our Independent Packages include organised accommodation at the original popular providers along track, luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups for walking the Queen Charlotte Track. All you need to organise is your breakfast and dinner
Each night you come to rest at a comfortable accommodation place complete with gourmet restaurant, fine New Zealand wines and a superb setting. NB. Package price based on standard accommodation – upgrade and budget options available on request.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet/Furneaux Lodge
(approx. 5 hours/14km)
We collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the water taxi
to Ship Cove where your walk begins. 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 of the Queen
Charlotte Sound. Take time to explore the waterfall walk and the Captain
Cook memorial and then set off on the track proper.
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 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, five minutes on from
there, Punga Cove.
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 Saddle/The Portage
(approx. 8 hours/22.5km)
NB. Optional boat trip to Portage for non-walkers – book at the Punga Cove
office (at own cost).
A challenging day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near
Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner – a wonderful reward
indeed. Those who feel like a day’s rest can opt for a boat ride around
the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Portage.
Accommodation – The Portage Resort Hotel
Nestled at the narrowest point between Queen Charlotte & Kenepuru Sounds,
The Portage Hotel is a well-established accommodation place with a fine
restaurant, relaxed cafe & comfortable, recently upgraded natural timber
chalets. Breakfasts are available as well in the restaurant from 7am.
Day 4 – Rest Day at The Portage Resort Hotel
Today is your chance to rejuvenate and relax at The Portage Resort Hotel. We can arrange guided sea kayaking tours for those interested. Lunch is not included today unless on an organised tour that has been pre-arranged.
Day 5 – Torea Saddle/The Portage to Anakiwa
(approx.7 hours/20.5km)
Farewell Portage and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty to Picton to compete your journey.
Standard Five Day Independent self-guided Walking Package
- Daily departures year round subject to accommodation availability - min. two persons
- 4 nights standard twin share accommodation (Chalet at Furneaux Lodge, A-Frame at Punga Cove & Courtyard at Portage Hotel)
- Water transport to and from track
- Luggage transfers
- Packed lunch each day
- Single supplement available
- Picton accommodation transfers
- Information pack incl. track guide
Upgrade Five Day Independent self-guided Walking Package
- Daily departures year round subject to accommodation availability - min. two persons
- 4 nights superior, sea view twin share accommodation with own private ensuite (Studio at Furneaux Lodge, Weka/Kiwi at Punga Cove & Hillside at Portage Hotel)
- Water transport to and from track
- Luggage transfers
- Packed lunch each day
- Single supplement available
- Picton accommodation transfers
- Information pack incl. track guide
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!