Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton
Marlborough Sounds, Wellington
Enjoy a 1-hour cruise from Picton to the Historic Ship Cove before embarking on a 12- or 17-kilometer self-guided hike along the renowned Queen Charlotte Track.
Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound
- Visit the Historic Ship Cove, a favorite anchorage of Captain James Cook
- Choose from two self-guided Queen Charlotte Track hiking options
- Walk amongst native bush, keeping a lookout for resident wildlife
Description
Cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound to walk part of the Queen Charlotte Track, one of the top ten coastal walking tracks in New Zealand. Your self-guided adventure starts with a cruise north from Picton to the historic Ship Cove. Here you can learn about the local area from your skipper, whilst on the lookout for marine wildlife. You will be able to choose between the following two hikes:
Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove
Your first hike opportunity will be from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove, a 12.7-kilometer hike. You can enjoy 30 minutes ashore at the historic Ship Cove before rejoining the vessel and cruising around to Furneaux Lodge where you can grab a coffee or even brunch. Begin your self-guided hike along the Queen Charlotte Track, where you will learn that this area is rich in history and follows the coastline around the Endeavour Inlet through regenerating native bush to the Punga Cove Resort.
Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge
This hike provides you with the opportunity to hike from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, a trail of 17 kilometers. You will arrive at Ship Cove where you'll begin your self-guided hike of the Queen Charlotte Track. You can climb away from the beach as you pass through native forest regenerating beneath a high canopy of trees. You will then be able to admire stunning views of the sound when you reach Tawa Saddle. The track then drops into Resolution Bay and follows an old bridle path into Endeavour Inlet to Furneaux Lodge.
After your walk, you'll have time to relax before boarding your cruise vessel for your return boat journey to Picton with an estimated arrival time of 5:30-6:00 PM. Upon check-in, the reservations team will confirm the exact pickup time with you.
Includes
Round-trip water transport
Skipper's commentary
Self-guided walk (12.7 or 17 kilometers)
Excludes
Food and drinks
Important Information
-
A moderate level of fitness is recommended
Walking times vary between 3 and 5 hours, depending on your fitness level
The cruise duration is around 1 hour each way
Wear appropriate walking attire and footwear
Bring a water bottle and snacks
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
