Tucked away at the top of the South Island is the hidden gem that is the Marlborough Sounds.
Formed over 10,000 years ago after the last ice age when sea levels rose and drowned a series of deep valleys, the Marlborough Sounds consists of three main bodies of water (Pelorus, Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds) and a number of secluded bays, coves and sandy inlets, making it one of the best places in New Zealand for exploring the outdoors, on land and water.
The walking track runs almost the entire length of the Queen Charlotte Sound, from Ship Cove to Anakiwa over 70km. The terrain is considered undulating, with hills rising from sea level to 400 metres at the highest point. Accompanied by a local walking guide, you will enjoy learning of the early whalers and sealers and in more recent times, the farmers and fisher folk that make their living from the land and the ocean. Experience the grandeur of ridge-top views over the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, lush coastal forest teeming with ferns and native birdlife and the challenge of a good days walking, with the promise of a comfortable bed and a sumptuous dinner at the end of each day.
Walking Tour
4 days / 3 nights
Above average level of fitness. Walk 20kms, Bike 45kms. Formed tracks and roads with average to steep inclines at times.
NZ$2,375
Another date in mind?We can build a tour especially for your group, please enquire for dates available.
Price: NZ$2,375
Picton to Endeavour Inlet
15km
Furneaux Lodge
Day One of The Queen Charlotte Walk leads walkers from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet, a walk through virgin beech forest and bush, taking approximately 5 hours. From Ship Cove the track ascends and provides walkers with amazing views down into Resolution Bay and surrounding areas. If visibility is good, views as far as the Kapiti Islands and the North Island are able to be seen. Following the track along the Tawa Saddle, gives way to further astounding views of the Endeavour Inlet. A short descent through magnificent native bush and crystal clear streams and then on to the shore line that leads you to your first nights accommodation.
Relax and unwind in this picturesque setting and enjoy dinner with your fellow walkers.
Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay
11.5km
Mahana Lodge
Day Two of the Queen Charlotte Walk is a relatively gentle day covering a distance of 11.5kms and takes approximately 4 hours. Walkers will follow the track from Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay. Following mainly coastal tracks you will walk around the inlet through the native bush to the delightful sounds of fantails and bellbirds.
Endeavour Head has a colourful history dating back to the 1880’s. It was originally a mining site of stibnite – an essential component of antimony used to produce pewter and harden steel. The mine employed over 400 people.
Walkers then pass through Big Bay and onto Camp Bay where Day Two ends. Spend the night relaxing in this idyllic spot.
Camp Bay to Portage
25km
Portage
Day Three is a demanding day, as you walk up to Kenepuru Saddle and follow the undulating ridgeline track for the remainder of the day. A challenging walk, taking approximately 8 hours, walkers are well rewarded by the breathtaking panoramic views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
The accommodation for evening is the delightful, well established Portage Resort with majestic views and excellent cuisine.
Portage to Anakiwa
20km
Day Four of The Queen Charlotte Walk provides walkers with more spectacular views as you climb the main ridge between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds covering a distance of 18kms, on your way to Anakiwa.
Take the time to look back over the distance covered during your walk and take in the breathtaking vistas.
Continue following old bridle paths through regenerating forest that is home to fantails, weka, wax eyes and many more native New Zealand birds.
Finally, your adventure ends with a gentle 3km walk through the magnificent beech forest to Anakiwa where your water taxi will pick you up and return you to Picton.
Double or twin share. If single room accommodation is requested, an additional fee per person is payable to cover this requirement for the duration of the walk.
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings.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 except your evening meal on night Five. Wine and other beverages are available to be purchased during dinners.
Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour. All you carry is a small day pack with your personal gear, drink and lunch. We do the rest.
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a kit bag full of useful goodies.
This will be given to you at the start of your tour.
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
