Queen Charlotte Track Walks
4 Day Premier Guided Walk
If you seek an all-inclusive package with all meals, premier accommodation and local guides, this is the walk for you.
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This guided walk comes to rest each night at a waterfront lodge. If you seek superb accommodation and a trip that is all-inclusive of fine local wines and food, this is the trip for you! After an exhilarating hike each day with a small group of fellow walkers, come to rest at Furneaux Lodge, Mahana Lodge and Lochmara Lodge. Here you’ll enjoy a beautiful meal matched with fine Marlborough wine, all enjoyed in a stunning setting. Your track experience is made all the more easy by the Queen Charlotte Track’s unique water taxi pack transfer system leaving you to walk with just a day pack. Our knowledgeable guides will attend to your every need to ensure all you need do is walk and enjoy!
Day 0
A pre-tour briefing is held the day prior to departure. Details will be forwarded with your booking confirmation.
Day 1 – Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet via Motuara Island
We collect you from your accommodation in Picton this morning, introduce you to your Wilderness Guide and then depart on the boat trip to Motuara Island for a tour en route to Ship Cove. Learn about the fascinating marine life of this area along the way and, if we are lucky, see dolphins as well! Enjoy a short walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary to the lookout – this affords spectacular 360 degree views of the Marlborough Sounds – and encounter many of New Zealand’s endangered bird species including the South Island Saddleback (Tieke).
Arrive late morning at Ship Cove to begin the Queen Charlotte Track. 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 Furneaux Lodge where you will enjoy a private dining experience and the very best ensuite units. NB. The visit to Motuara Island is weather dependent – there is no shelter on the island (nor a toilet).
Day 2 – Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay/Mahana Lodge
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 and 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. Mahana Lodge is a five minute walk past Punga Cove.
Day 3 – Mahana Lodge to Torea Bay/Lochmara Lodge
You won’t want to leave but today we depart Mahana Lodge and return to the ridgeline to continue our hike along the Queen Charlotte Track. A challenging but rewarding day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle. Truly grand views abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Stare in awe at the sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds from the iconic Eatwell’s Lookout. At different times you can see both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds as you walk. This is a truly spectacular section of the track. Those who feel like a day’s rest today can opt for 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 the iconic Lochmara Lodge. NB. Optional boat trip today for non-walkers (additional cost).
Day 4 – Lochmara Lodge to Anakiwa
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and take the private side track to the main Queen Charlotte Track. Ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views back towards Picton as well as into the turquoise waters of the Kenepuru Sound. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale after four days of walking. Take time for a photo stop at the picturesque Davies Bay – you won’t want the journey to end. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty to Picton, arriving back to Wilderness Guides HQ by late afternoon.
Furneaux Lodge Upgrade
Furneaux Lodge comprises the original historic homestead, now home to the restaurant and bar, and ensuite units all set in delightfully picturesque grounds. Furneaux Lodge has an excellent restaurant for dinner and breakfasts. This package stays in upmarket studio suites with private ensuite and views out to the bay.
Mahana Lodge
Mahana Lodge is an oasis for the weary with its delightfully restored historic homestead and purpose built hiker lodge with four ensuite rooms and shared guest lounge. Enjoy free range eggs for breakfast and dine in the delightful conservatory. Your peace will only be broken by the song of the bellbird.
Lochmara Lodge
Set on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound, Lochmara Lodge features quality accommodation as well as aviaries and enclosures with endangered species, an organic vegetable garden and orchard, educational signage, sculpture trail and art gallery. Our premier guided walk stays in the very best Kakariki ensuite units with stunning water views.
| Day | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 km | 5 hrs |
| 2 | 11.5 km | 4 hrs |
| 3 | 23 km | 8 hrs |
| 4 | 16 km | 6 hrs |
| Month | 2019-2020 - 4 Day Premier Guided Walk |
| October 2019 | 12th, all other dates available on request |
| November 2019 | 14th, all other dates available on request |
| December 2019 | 28th, all other dates available on request |
| January 2020 | 11th, 25th, all other dates available on request |
| February 2020 | 4th, 27th all other dates available on request |
| March 2020 | 7th, 27th, all other dates available on request |
| April 2020 | 4th, all other dates available on request |
Walk Map
Click to view high resolution version of the Queen Charlotte Track map
Overview
DURATION: 4 days
Total distance: Max. 70 km (43.5 miles)
Minimum number of persons: 2
Price
$2750NZ per person (based on twin share)
Single Supplement: $545NZ
Child rates not applicable.
Meal Inclusions
Day 1 – lunch/dinner
Day 2 – breakfast/lunch/dinner
Day 3 – breakfast/lunch/dinner
Day 4 – breakfast/lunch
Click to view Queen Charlotte Track gradient map
