Like the idea of having everything arranged for you and staying in superb accommodation but still walking independently? Our Boutique Five Day Independent Walk combines the best boutique lodge and luxury hotel-style accommodation available in the Marlborough Sounds within access to the Queen Charlotte Track combined with luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups. If you prefer to stay predominently in smaller properties with an emphasis on luxury, personal service, local delicacies and conservation, this is the package for you!
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 us 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.
Each night you come to rest at a mix of both boutique lodges nestled by the water's edge where your hosts are warm and welcoming, offering up local delights on the lodge menu superbly complimented by fine local wines and the very best suites at larger resorts along the trail with gourmet restaurant on site. Walking doesn't get more luxurious than this!
5 Day Boutique Independent Walk
Itinerary
Day 1 – Ship Cove to No Road Inn (approx. 14km/5 hours)
We collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join Beachcomber Cruises service to Ship Cove where your walk begins. 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 of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Take time to explore the waterfall walk and the Captain Cook memorial and then set off on the track proper. NB. There is also an option to add on a guided two hour visit to the very special, Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary.
Accommodation – No Road Inn
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. Set amidst 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 – No Road Inn to Mahana Homestead (approx. 4 hours/12km)
Today’s mainly coastal walk takes you around the 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. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay before working your way towards Camp Bay and, 15 minutes on from there, Mahana Homestead (past Punga Cove).
Accommodation - Mahana Homestead
Mahana Lodge is nestled in the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, on the Queen Charlotte Track far from the hustle and bustle of city life. The clear waters of Endeavour Inlet stretch out towards bush covered mountains and often the only sound is the gentle lapping of the waves, and the song of the bellbird. Your hosts John and Ann have shaped Mahana into an oasis for the weary with its delightful and lovingly restored historic homestead where you dine on the verandah looking out into the bay to the purpose built lodge with four new ensuite rooms and shared guest lounge. Visit John's extensive organic vegetable garden, enjoy free range eggs and test your hosts' knowledge of the local flora and fauna - you won't be disappointed! A stay at Mahana while walking the Queen Charlotte Track is always memorable . . . people search the world over for a respite such as this . . .
Day 3 - Mahana Homestead to Portage Resort Hotel (approx. 22.5km/8 hours)
Depart Mahana today and head for the ridgeline, pausing to admire the views down into the head of the Kenepuru Sound. Some lovely views are to be had as you traverse the ridgeline between Camp Bay and Torea Bay, near Portage Resort Hotel. This is a challenging day but rewarding with truly grand vistas around every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Those who feel like a day’s rest can opt for a boat ride around the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Accommodation - The Portage Resort Hotel
Nestled at the narrowest point between Queen Charlotte & Kenepuru Sounds, The Portage Hotel is a well-established accommodation place with a stunning restaurant, relaxed cafe & comfortable natural timber chalets. We accommodate you in either the Kenepuru Spa Suites (two available only) or the upmarket Kowhai units - all feature sweeping views over the Kenepuru Sound. Hotel staff will attend to your every need and you dine this evening a la carte in the highly accalimed PTe We
Day 4 – Portage Resort Hotel to Lochmara Lodge (approx. 3-4 hours)
You won’t want to leave but today you depart Portage Resort Hotel and return to the ridgeline to continue your hike along the Queen Charlotte Track. Beautiful views are to be had back towards Picton and Queen Charlotte Sound and further into Kenepuru Sound. Take the Lochmara Lodge side track and wind your way down to your next destination.
Accommodation- Lochmara Lodge
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. 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 licensed 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 5 – Lochmara Lodge to Anakiwa (approx.5 hours)
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and ascend to the 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 Outward Bound wharf in Anakiwa by joining Beachcomber Cruises service back to Picton.
NB. As an optional extra today for $160 per person, you can take advantage of a guided one day sea kayak tour with Wilderness Guides from Lochmara Lodge along the picturesque coastline to the track's end at Anakiwa - another popular way to experience the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds and a great alternative to your walk today if you feel like a change!
| Boutique Five Day Independent Walk Package |
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$1195NZ per person
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