4 Days & 3 Nights

Queen Charlotte Track in Comfort

Walk the Queen Charlotte Track, staying in superior tranquil lodges
Bays, inlets, islands and peninsulas rising from turquoise waters
Walk skyline ridges with unsurpassed coastal views amidst forest reserves
Ship Cove, favourite anchorage of Captain Cook in the 1770s
Delicious dinners made of fresh local produce and with extensive wine lists

Walk the Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s classic coastal trails, whilst staying in stunningly located premier lodges.

Ship Cove, where the trail begins, was Captain Cook’s favourite place to anchor in the 1770’s and according to Maori legend these landscapes are the prows of sunken canoes belonging to Aoraki, their sacred ancestor. Steeped in both Maori and European history it meanders over skyline ridges with constant views of the Marlborough Sounds. Lush forested hills rise steeply from the sea with sheltered coves and sandy bays never far away.

Pause for a dip in the turquoise waters and enjoy the superb local food and Marlborough wine, which this area is famous for.

From £1,265.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Transfer by bus and water taxi to Ship Cove. Walk to North Eastern Side, Endeavour Inlet 9.5 miles / 15 km

Today you will be picked up from your accommodation in Picton and transferred (5 mins) to catch the water taxi (1H) to Ship Cove, the beginning of the Queen Charlotte Track. A briefing by our local partners will be held before setting off. This coastline was a favourite anchorage for Captain James Cook in the 1770’s and is also a site of importance to the local Maori.

This day is regarded as a premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track due to encountering the finest virgin native forest. Walk up to the Ship Cove platform for great views over to Motuara Island and to its smaller neighbour, Hippa Island. On a good day you will also be able to see views over to Resolution Bay and even to the Kaikoura Ranges. The track then winds upwards to Resolution Bay to the Tawa Bay Saddle. See views towards Endeavour Inlet as you walk through amazing examples of native beech forest.

Arrive at the north-eastern side of Endeavour Inlet and stay tonight in the historic Furneaux Lodge. It was built in the 1900’s and the benefit of staying here is its isolation as there are no roads to it and it is also surrounded by 2,000 acres of native forest with some on the most picturesque views over the Marlborough Sounds.

Overnight Furneaux Lodge

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Furneaux Lodge | Lodge

Relaxing and peaceful, the lodge is family-owned and operated and their attention to guests and passion for Furneaux and the Marlborough Sounds will ensure that your time here is enjoyable and memorable.

Day 2 Walk to South Eastern Side, Endeavour Inlet/Punga Cove 8 miles / 12 km

The first part of today’s walk takes you through native bush with an abundance of bird life including bellbirds, fantails and the New Zealand robin. Also pass through Howden Reserve, which is named after the family who built Furneaux Lodge.

As you reach Big Bay, a wide sweeping cove, the vegetation changes to lush coastal forest. There is also the possibility to learn about antimony (a metal used in ship bell-making for example), and this areas thriving mining industry that occurred in the 1880’s.

The sea is never very far away from the track and today you can enjoy many coastal views as you walk. After reaching Camp Bay you can locate the lovely Mahana Lodge just off the track.

Overnight Punga Cove

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Punga Cove Resort | Resort

Described as your “sanctuary in the sounds” this resort in Punga Cove is set amongst stunning scenery and is the perfect retreat for people wanting to relax in style. You will stay in a chalet which has a private sun deck with views of native New Zealand bush and the waters of Marlborough Sounds.

Day 3 Walk to Portage Bay, transfer to Lochmara 15 miles / 23 km

Today is a challenging but very rewarding day as you walk on the ridgeline between Punga Cove and the Torea Saddle. It is affectionally known as the “Big Day”. Majestic views greet you around every corner. Once you reach the iconic Eatwell’s Lookout stare in awe at the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds. Views stretch as far as the Cook Strait to the north and the inland Kaikoura Mountain range to the south. Spot black long lines of mussel farms on the water.

Ever-changing panoramas of the inlets and sounds on both sides will constantly delight as you keep heading along the ridge. At Torea Saddle is where the Maori hauled their canoes from Queen Charlotte to Kenepuru Sound, saving a considerable sea journey. From the Bay of Many Coves shelter you will drop over to the sheltered east side before climbing again to Black Rock Shelter. You may see views back to Picton and even an Interislander ferry passing far below you. Upon reaching Portage Bay you will be transferred by water taxi to stunning Lochmara Lodge.

Overnight Lochmara Lodge

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Lochmara Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Lochmara is a locally owned and operated small resort, (since the beginning of Lochmara Lodge 22 years ago) with only 14 rooms, a waterfront cafe set right on the water's edge, a permanently moored Underwater Observatory and Lochmara is set on 11 acres of land in the Marlborough Sounds in Lochmara Bay.

Day 4 Walk to Anakiwa, Take water taxi back to Picton. Proceed with onward travel plans. 13 miles / 20.5 km

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 17kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 17kg is equivalent to 100 cans of coke. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

By night, stay in highly rated accommodations along the trail all in exquisite locations, and during the day, walk along ridgelines with unsurpassed views of lush green wilderness. You can also try the famous wines of this region and enjoy creative cuisine with local fresh ingredients. This moderately rated tour immerses you in the stunning coastal landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds, located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Winter Sun

Coastal Walking

Grade & Terrain

Most sections of the track are wide and any major streams have been bridged. There is one swing bridge located at Endeavour Inlet but it is wide and sturdy. This tour is rated moderate and enjoyment of any walk is better if you have a reasonable degree of fitness – that does not mean you need to be a marathon runner! 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 like the Queen Charlotte Track. In the lead up to the trip, try to do at least one long walk (up to 8 hours) and also some hill walking as the Queen Charlotte Track does have some steeper sections. Keep in mind the longest day also has an optional boat ride for those who want a day of rest.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

3 Nights in superior lodges
3 Breakfasts
4 Packed lunches
3 Dinners
Transfers from your Picton accommodation to and from the water taxi the morning of your departure and vice versa
Water taxi to the start of the track and from the end of the track
Baggage transfers
Pre-trip briefing from local hosts
Track Guide and Information Pack
Access to the Macs Smartphone App with GPS Tracks
24-7 Emergency telephone support

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to and from Picton
Drinks and snacks
Accommodation in Picton pre- and post-tour
ETA & IVL requests
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights
Rental Car

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.