Queen Charlotte Walk/Cruise
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Accommodation
Accommodation is onboard the vessel in eight cabins (twin share – bed and bunk or double bed)
- 3 bathroom facilities, separate ladies and men’s, with a good supply of hot water and these are found on the main deck
- Air conditioning
- Spacious vessel both inside and out, including a comfortable lounge area
View Accommodation Layout |
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Vessel
The vessel Affinity was purpose built in Picton by Carey’s Boatyard for the type of cruising that she does. Affinity has 8 guest cabins, a comfortable lounge for dining and relaxing and a spacious deck.
- The cruise is fully catered for and all linen is supplied
- Spacious vessel both inside and out, including a comfortable lounge area
- Lots of interesting books to read, as well as a few board games
- Easy access both on and off the vessel, and with both platform steps at the stern of the vessel
- 4-meter inflatable tender for shore excursions and for use when divers are in the water
- Use of gumboots for on deck and going ashore
- First aid certificates held by crew members plus an oxygen cylinder onboard
- Vessel applies with all safety regulations and holds all appropriate licenses
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Food
- 5 Continental Breakfasts – Cereals, fruit, yoghurt, toast and spreads.
- 5 Lunches – these are packed hikers lunches if you are walking on the track, or if you prefer a rest (non-walking) day, lunch will be served onboard.
- 5 Pre-Dinner nibbles – Selection of cheese, crackers, chips, dips & dried fruit
- 5 Dinners – these are generally home style meals of meat and seasonal vegetables, sauces and gravies. Meats are generally; Roasted chicken quarters, baked salmon, steak, corn silverside, tasty casseroles.
- 5 Desserts – These range from pavlova, apple sponge, fruit salad and ice cream, trifle etc…
Tea, Coffee and Juice are available as well.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking.
All meals are included in your tour cost. Wine and other beverages are available to be purchased during dinners. |
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General
There are no laundry facilities available. Small items can be hand washed.
Mobile phone coverage: In the Marlborough Sounds coverage is sporadic.
Q. How long have you been operating?
A. Affinity Cruises have been operating since 1996.
Q. What are the cabins like?
A. Seven cabins can be either double (double bed on the bottom with a single bed above the foot) or twin share (two single bunk style beds with the second bed above the foot of the bottom bed). One cabin is either just a single or double, does not have bed across the foot of the other bed.
Q. What bedding / linen is provided?
A. Each bed is made ready for your arrival with sheets and duvets. You are allocated two towels for a seven day cruise, this is to reduce the effect on the environment.
Q. What if I have special dietary requirements?
A. There is a place on the booking form that covers your requirements. We will do our very best to accommodate your requirements but in some cases we may ask you to bring along some of your favourites.
Q. What is there to buy in your on board shop?
A. Items such as T-Shirts, hats, coasters, drink bottles, key rings etc…
Q. I often suffer from seasickness - what can you suggest to help me?
A. Ginger is known to contain properties to alleviate nausea. There is also other options from pharmacies and supermarkets (sea legs tablets, pressure bands etc…) If you are feeling unwell talk to one of the crew as soon as possible.
Q. Am I limited to the amount of luggage I can bring?
A. As there is limited room onboard we recommend 1 medium sized bag per person.
Q. What is the temperature in the Marlborough Sounds?
A. Average temperature over summer in the sounds can range between 20 – 30°c
Q. Is there secure car storage while I am onboard?
A.Yes in Picton please ask for contact details when enquiring.
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Book now for Summer!
2019
Tours filling fast, secure your cabin now!
February 1, 9
March 6, 14(full)
April 17(full)
Another date in mind?
We can build a tour especially for your group, please enquire for dates available.
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The Queen Charlotte Walk / Cruise is a truly unique and exciting way to explore the treasure that is the Marlborough Sounds, the shining jewel of the South Island of New Zealand.
Join us onboard the small cruising ship the Affinity for a cruise that will leave you with a lifetime of memories and new friends.
The advantages of walking and living aboard Affinity is that your accommodation follows you and is there at the end of your days walk with a hot shower and the same bed. All your meals are cooked for you. If you are going ashore over the lunch period a packed lunch will be sent with you.
You don’t have to worry about your luggage as it is still in your cabin and you have no heavy packs to carry every day.
What's included:
Please note: The walk/ cruise tour is unguided but full track route and notes are provided.
If you prefer a guided walk, please see our Queen Charlotte Walk page for details.
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