
Queen Charlotte Track Walks
3 Day Upgrade Independent Walk
Luxurious ensuite rooms, luggage transfers and daily lunch.
Book NowLike the idea of having everything arranged for you but you’d prefer to walk independently? On this three day standard independent walk, we will organise your accommodation in comfortable standard ensuite rooms, luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups for walking the Queen Charlotte Track. All you need to do is purchase your breakfast and dinner along the way. Each night you come to rest at a comfortable accommodation place – Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove - complete with restaurant, fine wines and a superb setting.
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
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 Camp Bay/Punga Cove
Today’s coastal walk takes you from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove 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, five minutes on from there, your accommodation for the evening at Punga Cove.
Day 3 –2 options:
- Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage Bay (approx. 8 hours/22.5km)
It’s a challenging day walking on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & 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 Punga Cove 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 time table 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.

Furneaux Lodge
Furneaux Lodge offers a range of accommodation depending on your requirements. The waterfront suites used for our Classic guided walk are contemporary one bedroom apartments, and are absolutely private with stunning views. Our standard independent packages stay in the Tobias Junior Suites, each with own ensuite.
Punga Cove Resort
Set amongst stunning scenery in the magnificent waterways of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds, Punga Cove is the perfect retreat for people wanting to relax in style. You'll be accommodated in a modern ensuite unit with stunning views of the bay.
Day | Distance | Time |
---|---|---|
1 | 17 km | 6 hrs |
2 | 11.5 km | 4 hrs |
3 | 23 km | 8 hrs |
- 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 . . .
Walk Map
Click to view high resolution version of the Queen Charlotte Track map
Overview
DURATION: 3 days
Total distance: 51.5 km (33 miles)
Minimum number of persons: 2
Price
Upgrade Option
$760NZ per adult (based on twin share)
$325NZ per child
Single Supplement: $355NZ
Meal Inclusions
Day 1 – lunch only
Day 2 – lunch only
Day 3 – lunch only
Click to view Queen Charlotte Track gradient map
