Standard Four 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 Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet

(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 – 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 Four Day Independent self-guided Walking Package

• Daily departures year round subject to accommodation availability - min. two persons
• 3 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 Four Day Independent self-guided Walking Package

• Daily departures year round subject to accommodation availability - min. two persons
• 3 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

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Click here for further information on some of the popular options for sea kayaking and / or hiking in the Marlborough Sounds with Wilderness Guides!