Discover Queen Charlotte Sound
Take a boat cruise, spot some wildlife and enjoy a walk on the Queen Charlotte Track with a day trip in the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound.
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The beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound is located in the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of the South Island. Made up of myriad quiet bays and surrounded by lush native bush, Queen Charlotte Sound is known for its great scenery, excellent wildlife, boating opportunities and the famous Queen Charlotte Track.
You can explore this amazing area with a day trip incorporating the best that Queen Charlotte Sound has to offer!
Five Hour Cruise ‘n Walk Trip
Enjoy a morning cruise across the Sound from Picton. As you glide along the glassy water, keep an eye out for the dolphins, seals and penguins that frequent this area. Arriving at historic Ship Cove you have several hours to guide yourself along the Queen Charlotte Track, through magnificent virgin forest, up to the ridgeline for breathtaking views. Descend to Endeavour Inlet for a refreshment or meal in the sunshine before your return cruise to Picton.
- Walking distance:15km
- Total trip time:8.5 hours in summer; 7.5 hours in winter
- Highlights:The views of Cook Strait and Resolution Bay
Four Hour Cruise ‘n Walk Trip
Following your scenic cruise from Picton, your walk starts at historic Furneaux Lodge in Endeavour Inlet. As you make your way around the beautiful shoreline to Punga Cove Resort for your pick-up, stop to enjoy the abundant punga trees and the melodic call of the bellbird. Again, you’ll have time to enjoy a refreshment at Punga Cove Resort before your ride back to Picton.
- Walking distance:12.7km
- Total trip time:8.5 hours in summer; 7.5 hours in winter
- Highlights:The swing bridge and picturesque punga trees
Three Hour Cruise ‘n Walk Trip
From your drop-off point in Resolution Bay, this option offers a gentle walk suitable for families, around to neighbouring Endeavour Inlet. Traverse native bush, over a low saddle and downwards, along the shoreline to historic Furneaux Lodge. Enjoy lunch at the lodge followed by a meander to an enchanting waterfall. Finally, relax on your return cruise to Picton.
- Walking distance:10.5km
- Total trip time: 6.5 hours in summer; 7.5 hours in winter
- Highlights:The photo opportunities from the saddle, and the ancient beech forest
Two Hour Cruise ‘n Walk Trip
Following your morning cruise, you’ll be dropped at Ship Cove for an ascent up through native forest to the ridge. Here, there’s plenty of time to stop and enjoy the panoramic views of the area’s bays and islands before descending into remote Resolution Bay in time for your boat ride back to Picton.
- Walking distance:14.5km
- Total trip time:6.5 hours in summer; 7.5 hours in winter
- Highlights:The views from the lookout - see if you can spot Moutuara Island.
1 Hour Cruise ‘n Walk Trip
Spend time exploring the area around historic Furneaux Lodge in Endeavour Inlet. Enjoy the short one hour walk through ancient, towering beech forest to the nearby waterfall. A great option for families! Furneaux Lodge offers a great lunch menu and lots of space to relax outside before your cruise back to Picton.
- Walking distance:1km
- Total trip time:6.5 hours in summer; 7.5 hours in winter
- Highlights:The enchanting waterfall!
Half Day Cruise ‘n Walk Trip
Take a short walk on the last leg of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your boat will drop you at Mistletoe Bay where you’ll venture through farmland, native beech forest and past sandy beaches on your way to Anakiwa - the end point of the Queen Charlotte Track, or to Lochmara Lodge. Relax on your afternoon cruise back to Picton.
- Walking Distance: 12.5km
- Total trip time:5 hours
- Highlights:The views of Onahau Bay from the saddle.
Contact Cougar Line for more information or to book your Queen Charlotte Sound day trip.
Article by
Cougar Line Cruises
Written: 2 articles
Cougar Line, Marlborough Sounds premier water transport company, has over 21 years experience transporting people and goods to and from the Queen Charlotte track, resorts and private homes along the Marlborough Sounds.
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