Tucked away at the top of the South Island is the hidden gem that is the Marlborough Sounds.
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$2250
Current availability, as below:
Another date in mind?We can build a tour especially for your group, please enquire for dates available.
Price: NZ$2250
Picton to Endeavour Inlet
14km
Furneaux Lodge
Please make your way to the main town wharf, Picton (not Interislander Ferry terminal).
Your guide will be waiting to meet you at 9am in front of the Cougarline water taxi office.
There will be a tour briefing and introduction to the other members of your walking group, after which you head out on the water taxi to the start of the Queen Charlotte Track.
Please come ready to walk with items you will need during the day in your day pack (we will supply lunch and a drink bottle for you) and have your overnight gear in a separate bag, this will be transported ahead of you to the lodge.
Your walk today takes you from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet through virgin beech forest and bush, taking approximately 5 hours (14km). 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
Punga Cove 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
23km
Portage Resort
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 (23km), walkers are well rewarded by the breathtaking panoramic views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
Portage to Anakiwa
20.5km
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 20.5kms, 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. Arrival time back in Picton is approximately 5pm at the main wharf where your tour finishes.
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 tour.
You will enjoy great local cuisine; breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, with restaurant quality 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. Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights.
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 on day 1.
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.
