Queen Charlotte Track...freedom walkers delight

Freedom walk the Queen Charlotte Track with a minimum amount of fuss, and a maximum amount of comfort including hotel stays, daily luggage transfers etc.

Located at the top of the South Island, in the Marlborough Sounds, The Queen Charlotte Track is quickly becoming one of New Zealand’s classic walks and a “must do” on every international or domestic visitors itinerary. This 71km walking track is renowned for the uniqueness of its panoramic coastal views, lush coastal forest, resort accommodation and excellent water transport services – creating a walk that is challenging yet comfortable.

Our itinerary allows the independent walker to enjoy the track hassle-free. We have selected the best accommodation and water transport operator, this combined with our own award winning client service ensure that your walk on the Queen Charlotte Track is a memorable experience. For those who might like to join a group or prefer to have the benefit of flora and fauna interpretation as you walk, you may like to consider our guided walk options. Please enquire for further details.
ITINERARY
NOTE: Clients do require a good level of fitness to enjoy this itinerary.
Day One – Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (5 hour walk – 14km)
There is no better way to start your walk than boarding The Cougar Line catamaran in Picton and enjoying their award winning service en-route to Ship Cove. Ship Cove is of world wide historical significance being the one place that Captain Cook visited 5 times to re-provision his ships. As you sweep into Ship Cove you will understand why. A steady climb out of Ship Cove provides unsurpassed views to the North Island. Follow the track down into Resolution Bay and through to Endeavour Inlet where you spy Furneaux Lodge with its broad sweeping lawns. This historic homestead has a restaurant and bar with chalet accommodation.

Day Two – Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove Resort (4 hour walk – 12km)
This gentle coastal part of the track provides a good opportunity for taking a leisurely lunch and stopping to enjoy the plentiful birdlife along the way. Punga Cove Resort, your accommodation tonight, has individual chalets set amongst the bush clad hillside providing stunning views across Endeavour Inlet. Perhaps you might like to soak in the spa or swim in the solar-heated pool before adjourning for wine and dinner in their award winning restaurant.

Day Three – Punga Cove to Portage Resort Hotel (8 hour walk – 24.5km)
This section is the most challenging and rewarding of the track. Climbing away steeply from Punga Cove the sweeping views begin to appear as you walk along the ridge between the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound. The track is very undulating and therefore can be challenging for some people. As in the old days, Portage Resort Hotel is a welcome respite after a long day. The modern chalet-style units have all facilities required for your comfort and their restaurant is renowned for their barbecues and seafood.

Day Four – Portage Resort Hotel to Anakiwa (7 hour walk – 20km)
Once again the track follows the ridge climbing up to the highest point on the track at 400m. From the summit you have unsurpassed views into the surrounding Sounds. Winding down to sea level you will come upon some particularly beautiful virgin native bush which leaves you with a lasting impression of what must have been before man arrived. The harbour of Anakiwa comes into view and so too does the end of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your water transport collects you and, as you travel back to Picton, you can relax and reminisce on the magic of the last four days.

5 DAY FREEDOM WALK
The 4 day Freedom Walk can be extended to take a rest day at Portage Resort Hotel on day 4 and resume the walk on day 5. No packed lunch is provided on the rest day.

ACTIVITY OPTIONS AT PORTAGE RESORT HOTEL ON REST DAY
We now have a base set up at Portage Resort Hotel operational from 1 December to 31 March where you can hire sea kayaks or mountain bikes for rental, or you can join our guided sea kayaking day trip in the Kenepuru Sound at $105 per person including lunch. This departs daily with a minimum of 2 people. If you would like to take this option on your rest day, or instead of walking on the last day, we are happy to arrange this for you.

DEPARTURE DATES
The track is open all year and subject to accommodation availability, you can walk at any time of the year. Once you know your preferred departure date, contact us and we will check availability. It is helpful if you can also indicate other dates that are suitable around your preferred date, in case your first choice is not available.