Day 1 – 28.5km Ride Ship Cove to Punga Cove
Make your way to Wilderness Guides HQ on the waterfront and after an extensive briefing, depart on the water taxi to Ship Cove where your bike ride 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 ponga ferns and other New Zealand native foliage.
This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. The track is wide but is steep in places so watch for drop offs and rocky areas.
Your journey takes you past the historic Furneaux Lodge, an ideal spot to stop for a coffee. Continue around the Endeavour Inlet as the trail undulates around the coastal track. Once you pass Camp Bay DoC Campsite you are only a couple minutes from your accommodation at Punga Cove Resort.
Day 2 - 24.5km Walk Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage Resort
Ascend to the main Queen Charlotte Track. Today you will be walking mostly along the exposed ridgeline with stunning views over both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. There are many short steep hill climbs to challenge you through the morning before the Bay of Many Coves campsite hut is a welcome stop to enjoy the vistas and some food. Continue until you reach the Black Rock Shelter before the final hills and then descend to Torea Saddle and down the road to Portage Resort, your destination for today.
Day 3 – Kayak Torea Bay to Picton/Ngakuta Bay
Your kayak is delivered to Torea Bay this morning (near Portage) for your independent kayak around the picturesque bays and coves of Queen Charlotte Sound concluding to either Ngakuta Bay or Picton Harbour (weather dependent). There are numerous bays and coves to explore along the way and lunch can be had at a secluded beach of your choice. Be on the look-out for dolphins and little blue penguins as well as New Zealand fur seals on the points you pass. A wonderful way to finish three days of adventure!
NB. No meals are included in this package but can be arranged at the various lodges along the track.