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When English explorer Captain James Cook sailed into the settled waters of the Marlborough Sounds in the late 17th Century, he must have believed this was paradise. Join Wilderness Guides for a modern day journey in Cook’s footsteps along the renowned 71km Queen Charlotte Track. Explore this vast network of drowned river valleys from the unique perspective of this well-formed track. Here lush coastal beech forest reaches out to greet lapping tides of ever-changing hues. This new and unique guided walk option for 2008 comes to rest each night at boutique luxury lodges and a Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre.
Remember, we can also arrange fantastic Marlborough Sounds sea kayaking and Marlborough Wine Region walking tours pre and post your adventure with us on the track!
Itinerary
NB. A pre-tour briefing is conducted at our offices in the Picton Railway Station at 5pm the day prior to departure. Please let us know if you are unable to attend for any reason.
Day 1 – Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet (approx. 5 hours)
Wilderness Guides collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the boat trip with Beachcomber Cruises to Motuara Island for a bird sanctuary tour en route to Ship Cove. Learn about the fascinating marine life of this area and, if we are lucky, see dolphins as well! Enjoy a short warm up walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary to the lookout – this affords spectacular 360deg views of the Marlborough Sounds – and see many of New Zealand’s endangered bird species. Arrive late morning at Ship Cove to begin our walk. This scenic & historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s. Experience virgin beech forest at its best plus stunning views throughout today’s walk. NB. Our visit to Motuara Island is weather dependent – this is due to the fact there are no toilets or shelter on the island. Packs are to be checked prior to visiting to ensure no traces of our visit are left behind.
Accommodation – No Road Inn
Newly completed for 2008, the No Road Inn is a small waterfront lodge on the only privately owned land in Queen Charlotte Sound where the virgin native forest extends right to the sea. Your hosts Garry and Barbara invite you to join them at their new boutique property nestled at the foot of Mount Furneaux in Endeavour Inlet.
Four spacious suites – the Queen Charlotte Suite, Howden Suite, Resolution Suite and Adventure Suite – await walkers, each with its own super king or twin bed, clawfoot bath and stunning sea and bush views. Set amidst 2000-year old giant rimu and kahikatea trees, the No Road Inn is an oasis for the hiker with a guest lounge, games room, theatre and private hot tub.
Dine this evening on a three course meal of Marlborough fare with local seasonal delicacies including blue cod, greenshell mussels, New Zealand lamb and locally baked bread with olive oils; perfectly matched with a Marlborough wine of your choice.
Day 2 – Endeavour Inlet to Craglee Lodge Retreat, Bay of Many Coves (approx. 7 hours or short walk option of 4 hours)
Farewell the No Road Inn and continue the mainly coastal walk around Endeavour Inlet through regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other NZ native birds. Pause at the head of the bay to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Head uphill towards the ridgeline and onwards to the Bay of Many Coves Shelter. Soon the bays and coves of the Queen Charlotte Sound are far below. Turn off the main Queen Charlotte Track to join the private Craglee Lodge Retreat track. The track descends through manuka forest via a winding, fairly steep track; the steeper sections are roped to help you along. This track is very well marked, however care should be taken underfoot as there are many tree roots and small loose rocks; mainly due to wild pigs digging on the track at night. Walking poles are recommended. NB. There is also the option to walk from No Road Inn to Camp Bay and transfer from there by waiting water taxi to Craglee Lodge - a four hour walk only.
Accommodation – Craglee Lodge Retreat
At Craglee Lodge, it's all about you – a just reward after your hike today. This is a stunning retreat location and a sanctuary to recharge and be spoilt offering superb food, an easy atmosphere and hosts, Rosie & Steve, who take time to make time.
The lodge consists of three levels, and all enjoy unspoilt views over the pristine waters of the bay. The scent of fresh flowers, the aromas of home baking, candlelight dinners, twin baths snuggled into the native bush and a grotto with fireplace to simply sit and stargaze add to the unique and romantic Craglee experience. The resident chef prepares all meals with fresh local produce and ensures that fresh fruit and baking is available every day. Eat indoors or al fresco, from a choice of garden settings or decked areas.
During the evenings take a tranquil stroll through the tracks, softly illuminated by glow worms, or a bottle of wine up to the grotto for star gazing, or simply kick back and relax in our outdoor baths and enjoy nature's symphony.
Day 3 – Craglee Lodge Retreat to Lochmara Lodge (approx. 7-8 hours)
You won’t want to leave but today we depart Craglee Lodge Retreat and return to the ridgeline to continue our hike along the Queen Charlotte Track. Today is a challenging day traversing the ridgeline between Craglee Lodge Retreat & Lochmara Lodge. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Those who feel like a day’s rest are treated to a boat ride around the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Lochmara Lodge. We conclude our walk at Torea Bay and transfer by waiting water taxi to our accommodation at Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre.
Accommodation – Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre
Set on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound is the Marlborough Sounds’ only Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre.
Built by Marlborough locals Shayne Olsen and Louise Bright, since 1997 Lochmara Lodge has achieved national and international recognition as one of the best places to stay in New Zealand. One aspect that has remained constant over that time is the owners’ continued dedication towards art, conservation and education. This is a place where visitors can learn, interact and appreciate New Zealand’s flora, fauna and art, while still offering a unique accommodation experience in beautiful ensuite units with seaviews.
Set in 11 acres, the property features aviaries and enclosures with endangered species breeding programs, organic vegetable garden and orchard, educational signage, sculpture trail and art gallery. It also now has its very own fully licenced café and restaurant, where the cuisine is based on sustainability. The cuisine is simple, rustic and full of flavour, using ingredients that truly give you a taste of this beautiful environment, the Marlborough Sounds.
A fitting finale to your Queen Charlotte Track boutique lodge experience!
Day 4 – Lochmara Lodge to Anakiwa (approx. 5 hours)
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and ascend to the Queen Charlotte Track once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty and join Beachcomber Cruises back to Picton to compete your journey.
| Boutique Lodge Guided Walk Package |
| $1950 NZ per person |
|
SPECIAL DEPARTURES CAN BE ARRANGED ON DEMAND - PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Current dates available:
17th October 2010
25th October 2010
15th November 2010
6th January 2011
18th January 2011
