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 and then from the seat of a sea kayak. Here lush coastal beech forest reaches out to greet lapping tides of ever-changing hues.
Each night we come to rest at a comfortable accommodation place. This is luxurious lodge to lodge walking and sea kayaking at its best!
4 Day Guided Walking & Kayaking Package
Itinerary
Day 1 – Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet
(approx. 5 hours/14km)
We will collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the boat trip 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.
Accommodation – Furneaux Lodge
Built early this century, Furneaux Lodge comprises the original homestead, restaurant, bar, fully self-contained chalets and upmarket studio units in a delightfully picturesque setting. Furneaux Lodge has an excellent restaurant for dinner and/or breakfasts.
Day 2 - Endeavour Inlet to Punga Cove
(approx. 4 hours/12km)
Today's mainly coastal walk takes us 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.
Accommodation – Punga Cove
Nestled amidst the native bush, Punga Cove’s well-appointed individual chalets are a welcome respite. The gourmet restaurant with its impressive view caps off a perfect day and is also open for breakfasts overlooking the bay.
Day 3 - Punga Cove to Torea Bay & Kayak to Lochmara Bay
(approx. 4 hours)
This morning you will be collected by water taxi from Punga Cove & taken on a cruise around the Queen Charlotte Sound to meet your sea kayaking guide at Torea Bay. Your guide will take you through an extensive safety briefing and instruction prior to departing. Once paddling on the sheltered waters, your guide will explain the history of the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds and point out the wildlife that we see. Lunch is a picnic of Marlborough fare on one of the uninhabited beaches along the way.
Accommodation - Lochmara Lodge
Once discovered, Lochmara Lodge is never forgotten. This Marlborough Sounds eco retreat is set on the shores of Queen Charlotte Sound and offers accommodation for backpackers through to luxury units. The large property has its own extensive network of tracks with hammocks and other surprises round every corner. The ideal spot for your final night on this tour - and to enjoy your guide's culinary skills with an amazing Kiwi gourmet BBQ this evening.
Day 4 - Lochmara Bay to Anakiwa
(approx. 4 hours)
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and, once on the water, paddle in and out of the secluded bays and idyllic coves towards the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. Here bush overhangs the water's edge - forest green against the azure blue of the Sound. After a sumptuous lunch, we paddle down to Anakiwa to meet up with the rest of the walking group. NB. Actual routes may vary depending on weather conditions - we choose the safest and most enjoyable paddling areas!
| Gourmet Kayak & Walk Package |
| $1550 NZ per person |
|
|
Month |
10/11 - 4 & 5 Day Walk |
10/11 - Kayak/Trek |
|
October 2010 |
5, 12, 19, 26 |
5, 12, 19, 26 |
|
November 2010 |
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 |
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 |
|
December 2010 |
7, 14, 21, 27 |
7, 14, 21, 27 |
|
January 2011 |
4, 11, 18, 25 |
4, 11, 18, 25 |
|
February 2011 |
1, 8, 15, 22 |
1, 8, 15, 22 |
|
March 2011 |
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
|
April 2011 |
5, 12, 19, 26 |
5, 12, 19, 26 |
If the dates above do not suit your travel plans please do let us know, we are always willing to look at new/addtional departure dates (dependent on demand and minimum numbers).
