Living the Experience!
The Queen Charlotte Walk / Boat Stay 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 ship Affinity for a journey that will leave you with a lifetime of memories and new friends. Discover secluded coves and native bird sanctuaries as you explore the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Take advantage of the unique benefits of a walk where your accommodation follows you and is there at the end of your day with a hot shower and the same bed. All your meals are cooked for you.
Walking Tour
6 days / 5 nights
Above average level of fitness. Walk 20kms, Bike 45kms. Formed tracks and roads with average to steep inclines at times.
NZ$1,849
Tours are filling fast, secure your cabin now!
Do you have another date in mind?We can build a tour especially for your group, please enquire for dates available.
Price: NZ$1,849
Bay Cruise
On board the Affinity
Welcome aboard for the beginning of your walk and boat stay in the Queen Charlotte Sound. Once all passengers are onboard and we’ve had a safety briefing by the Captain, we take a leisurely cruise into the Sound, visiting bays and coves that are not visible from the track, whilst you indulge in some sunset nibbles.
We will then find suitable anchorage in a sheltered bay for the evening and dinner will be served around 7pm.
Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet
15 km
After breakfast we cruise towards Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, home to friendly Robins and rare South Island Saddlebacks, here you have the opportunity to go ashore and see these birds as well as amazing views of Queen Charlotte Sound.
Once back onboard, we will cruise to Ship Cove, where the explorer Captain James Cook visited in the 1770’s.
From Ship Cove you will head off on the track and walk to Furneaux Lodge in Endeavour Inlet being the first section of the track. Affinity will be waiting at Endeavour Inlet for your return and we will then find suitable anchorage in a sheltered bay for the evening.
Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay
11.5 km
This morning after breakfast you will go ashore at Furneaux Lodge and walk to Camp Bay where Affinity will be awaiting your return.
On this section of the track you’ll follow the coastline as well as walking through regenerating native bush with a predominance of manuka and kanuka with a good range of wildlife.
Once back on board we will cruise around Endeavour Inlet and find a suitable overnight anchorage for the night. If conditions are favourable you might like to try your hand at catching a fish for dinner.
Camp Bay to Torea Bay
23.7 km
Day 4 of the Queen Charlotte Walk and Boat Stay provides walkers with more spectacular views as you climb the main ridge between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds covering a distance of approx 23.7km. Take the time to look back over the distance covered during your walk and take in the breathtaking vistas.
Torea Bay to Anakiwa
20.5 km
Once again after breakfast you go ashore to complete your Queen Charlotte walk. The first part of your day takes you from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay , approx 7.6 km
The two highest points on the way are over 400m. From their summits you get a strong feeling that Kenepuru, Mahau and Queen Charlotte Sounds are indeed the sunken valleys between the peaks and ridges you are walking on.
The final section of the walk through to Anakiwa (approx 4 hours, 13km) follows an old bridle path , through beautiful regeneration and mature native forest alive with Fantails, Waxeyes,Tomtits, Finches and Weka.
Once more your Captain will choose a safe anchorage for the night and you can relax and celebrate your achievements.
Anakiwa to Picton
Congratulations! You have walked 70kms on the Queen Charlotte Track.
After breakfast there will be a leisurely cruise back to Picton (approximate arrival time 10.00am) where the crew will bid you farewell and a safe journey home.
Please note the itinerary is subject to change due to weather/sea conditions and time available.
If you prefer not to walk a day, you are welcome to relax on-board the boat instead.
Accommodation
Vessel
