Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton

7 Hours

Mobile Ticket

Hotel Pickup Offered

Language Offered

Overview

If you're planning to hike in the Marlborough Sounds, this local boat service ensures easy round-trip transport from Picton to the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose from three self-guided walks of varying length and challenge. Hop on the boat in the morning to the start of your route at Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay, then be picked up at the other end of your hike in the late afternoon. Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea on board as you take in the natural beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound.Â

Round-trip boat service and self-guided walk on Queen Charlotte Track, from Picton
Choose from three different routes according to your taste for an incredible experience of the Queen Charlotte Track
Explore historic Ship Cove before setting out on the trail (if option chosen)
Get spectacular views of the Queen Charlotte Sound, and various beaches and forests
Look and listen for native birds such as oyster catchers, weka and silvereye
Enjoy hiking one of the most popular tracks in New Zealand
Rejuvenate with purchased drinks at resorts near the ferry piers and complimentary coffee and tea aboard the boat

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

This round-trip boat service from Picton makes a day hike on the Queen Charlotte Track an easy option for those short on time.Â The entire 44-mile (70-km) track normally takes a few days complete, but you can explore one of three sections in just one day.Â This popular tramping route is known for its astounding vistas over Queen Charlotte Sound, situated within the greater Marlborough Sounds. You'll trek past lush native plants and historic landmarks while on the lookout for birdlife.Leaving Picton in the morning, climb aboard the boat and cruise Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay to the starting point of your chosen hike. When you reach the other end, the boat picks you up in the late afternoon for the return trip to Picton, which includes complimentary tea or coffee on board.Â Choose from three options in theÂ Itinerary for your day hike along the Queen Charlotte Track.Â You can purchase a drink or bite to eat at the lodges at the end of each walk, but it is recommended that you bring your own snacks and drinks to keep you fortified throughout the day. ItineraryNature's Best WalkOne of the most popular day hikes, the moderately challenging 5-hour walk between Ship Cove and Furneaux Lodge covers 9 miles (14 km). After a scenic boat ride to the start of your walk, take a moment to discover the history of Ship Cove. In 1770, Captain James Cook resupplied his ship here and it became his favorite anchorage in New Zealand.Â You can browse informative displays about Cook and the Maori; see a monument to Cook and carved sculptures by Maori artisans. Enjoy the pretty beach where you may spot shorebirds such oyster catchers and weka.Â Then hit the trail, following well-groomed paths through virgin rainforest on a steady climb to the Tawa Pass. Soak up spectacular views of the sound as you walk, including Resolution Bay, Tawa Bay and Endeavour Inlet. Arriving at Furneaux Lodge, have time to relax and perhaps purchase a late lunch or coffee before returning to Picton.Â Lodge to Lodge WalkOne of the easiest sections of the track, the Lodge to Lodge walk begins at Furneaux Lodge and ends at the Punga Cove Resort. After about a 1.5-hour boat ride, arrive at Furneax Lodge. If you like, purchase coffee or brunch at the lodge before setting out on your trek. The trail mostly follows the coastline around Endeavour Inlet, winding through lush native plant life on land that was once farmland and has been allowed to regenerate with native bush. Stop to see the remains of an antimony mine and read the posted information panels about it on-site.Â Continue along the shore then through native forest with fantastic views right of the Inlet and the larger Queen Charlotte Sound.Â Expect a relatively easy 3- to 4.5-hour walk covering almost 8 miles (12.7 km) with some up and down. When you arrive at Punga Cove Resort, purchase a well-deserved beverage at the Boat Shed Cafe before boarding your boat for the return journey to Picton.Top of the WorldThis route permits you to walk a lot of the track in the shortest amount of time. Expect to walk just under 15 miles (24 km) on a challenging full-day walk that takes about 8 hours, and is well worth the effort. Your day starts when your boat leaves Picton in the morning and drops you off at Torea Bay.Â Start up the trail to the ridge line and soak in panoramic views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds as you trek. Follow the path through native forest and pine forest with stunning scenery throughout the day. When you arrive at Punga Cove, reward yourself with the purchase of a drink or a meal at the resort's bar. Your boat picks you up in the late afternoon to take you back to Picton.

Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

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