3 Day Standard Independent Walk

Things To Know

• Itinerary

  Day 1 – Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet

  We collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the water taxi to Ship Cove where your walk begins. This scenic and historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s as well as being a site of significance for local Maori. Bush is mainly a mixture of stunning podocarp and beech forest with punga ferns and other New Zealand native foliage. This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your walk concludes at the historic Furneaux Lodge.

  Day 2 – Endeavour Inlet to Mahana Lodge (or Punga Cove)

  Today’s coastal walk takes you from Furneaux Lodge to Mahana Lodge through mostly regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other New Zealand native birds. From Furneaux Lodge, the track continues through native bush and over a small swing bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet. Pause there to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay where pristine native beech forest awaits before working your way towards Camp Bay and Punga Cove. Five minutes on from there is your accommodation for the evening at Mahana Lodge.

  Day 3 –2 options:

  • Mahana Lodge to Torea Saddle/Portage Bay (approx. 8 hours/22.5km)
    It’s a challenging day walking on the ridgeline between Mahana Lodge & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. You will be collected from Torea Bay at 5pm and return to Picton at 5.30pm approx.
  • Take the morning water taxi transfer from Mahana Lodge to Picton
    The water taxi will come and pick you up at approx. 10.15am (This time table is valid is from October through to April - return time to Picton 12.30) or pickup at 11.30 (This timetable is valid all year round - return time to Picton around 12.30-12.45pm). Cruise around the bays and make your way to Picton, arriving there early afternoon.

• Track Section & Distances

  Day	Distance	Time
  1	17km (11.3miles)	6 hrs
  2	11.5km (7.2miles)	4 hrs
  3	23km (14.3miles)	8 hrs

• Additional Tour

  Add on first day guided walk - $295 per person

  For those that want the added value of a local guide who will attend to every need as well as provide full interpretation on the area, this is the perfect way to start your Queen Charlotte Track experience. Your first day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Many beautiful views are to be had across the Marlborough Sounds. Your informative local guide will explain the European and Maori connections of this significant historical area as well as provide detailed information on flora and fauna along the trail and general track advice. You are then well equipped to continue on your way for the remainder of your independent track experience.