1 Day Guided Walk and Wildlife Experience

Things To Know

• - Itinerary -

  Meet Your Guide
  Arrive at our waterfront office to meet your guides at 7:30am.
  After a short briefing, and packing you freshly packed lunch, we join our morning boat ride to the outer sounds.

  Birds!
  Start your adventure with a visit to Motuara Island, and protected Historic and Scenic reserve. This island is a sanctuary for native birds and wildlife thanks to the pest protection work carried out by DoC and their friends. 
  Look out for New Zealand Falcons, Kereru woodpigeons, kakariki parakeets and more darting amongst the trees. 
  Walking up to the islands high point, you can ascend through the canopy to a treetop look out with views over to Kapiti Island and on, looking over the Cook Strait.

  A look into the past
  After we depart this special spot, a short boat ride takes us to the historic location of Meretoto - Ship Cove.
  One of the most significant locations in both local Māori and early European history, your guide will help you to immerse yourself in this stunning site.

  Into the trees
  Experience the first section of the famous Queen Charlotte Track. 
  Starting in native original rainforest, you are climbing  gently through ancient giants, stopping occasionally to enjoy the views back down to the water. 
  Our high point today at 200m is marked by seating and an opening in the canopy with views back over Motuara Island, and onward to the Kapiti Coast.
  The downward section of track contrast with native but regenerating forest, a sign of early European farming - now returning naturally to native woodland.
  Ending the walk following down near the coast, we arrive at Resolution Bay for our water taxi collection.
  
  Sit back and relax.
  Bring the day to a close with a relaxing cruise around the Endeavour Inlet and back into Picton. This 2-hour boat ride passes the track lodges as your return to town. Keep your eyes on the water for visiting marine guests including seals and dolphins - tip from the experts: look for diving birds!

  Scheduled service boats arrive back into Picton between 5:00-5:30pm during the busy season.
  Private water taxi arrangements can be made if you want to be back sooner.
  Please contact wilderness Guides directly as part of your booking for prices and availability.

• Departure Dates

  Departures subject to availability and minimum group numbers.
  Standard departure days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Sunday

• What sort of footwear should I use – boots or shoes?

  We recommend sturdy walking shoes or boots at all times of year – in the winter, boots are preferable particularly if there has been a lot of rain. In the height of summer, a strong walking shoe with a good tread is fine. Running shoes are not generally recommended although if this is all you have, at the height of summer, they would suffice. We would not recommend wearing new boots for a multi-day trip – boots or shoes should be well worn in for maximum comfort and minimum blisters! We also have famous New Zealand hikers’ wool available to purchase at our office just in case.

• What's the weather going to be like?

  Average daytime summertime temperatures (December/January/February) are usually in the early to late 20degC.

  A very hot day would be 30degC.

  Spring temperatures (September/October/November) range from 14degC through to 20degC. Autumn (March/April/May) tends to be cooler but very settled with little or no wind, ranging from around 16-18degC in March down to 10-12degC in May.

  In winter time (June/July August), the days can be very settled with not a ripple of the water but cold and crisp with overnight lows of less than 0degC and days up to 10degC.

  Rain is possible at any time of year but the driest months tend to be January/February/March. Layered clothing is best including a thermal undergarment, fleece top, shorts, long trousers, warm jacket and rain coat.