Queen Charlotte Track Details

Tour Details

Start

Start: Picton 8:00 to 8:25am (pick-up from your Picton accommodation)

Finish

Finish: Picton 5:30pm (approx.)

DEPARTURE DATES

5, 12, 19, 28 October, 2020
3, 9, 16, 23, 30 November, 2020
7, 14, 27 December, 2020
3, 11, 18, 25 January, 2021
1, 9, 15, 22 February, 2021
1, 8, 15, 22 March, 2021
6, 12, 19 April, 2021

Prices

Period 1st Oct 20 - 30th Sep 21
5 Day Guided Walk Adult NZD $2,495.00
5 day Guided Walk incl single supp. NZD $3,180.00
5 Day Guided Walk Child NZD $1,625.00
4 Day Guided Walk Adult NZD $1,995.00
4 Day Guided Walk Adult incl single supp. NZD $2,530.00
4 Day Guided Walk Child NZD $1,350.00

Days

5 days

Fitness grade

Grade: C
(Well graded track. Only day-packs carried)

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Single supplement applies to all individual travellers. If another single traveller of the same gender is willing to share and this can be arranged, the single supplement may be refunded.

Children’s rates apply 12 years and under, and are for children accompanying two adults and sharing a room. If accompanying one adult only, then adult rate applies to children.

Minimum 4 participants, maximum 12 participants.

The night before departure
We strongly recommend that you spend the evening prior to your trip in Picton and if you have time you are invited to come to the Marlborough Sounds office when you arrive into Picton. This enables you to have any questions answered and last minute details given but this is not essential.
A welcome pack will be delivered to your accommodation house which will include details such as: your guide, the names of the rest of the walkers in your group and pick-up/arrival time at the office for your trip.

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Transport

You are transported to the start of the track by a Cougar Line catamaran. Your overnight luggage is transported to the lodges the night before departure and is transferred each day by boat. You only need to carry what you require for the day. You are returned from the end of the track (Anakiwa) to Picton by water-taxi.

Additional Costs

Alcohol at lodges.

Included in price:

Cheerful, informative guiding from mature experienced guides
Wholesome, quality food, a glass of wine with your evening meal (other alcohol can be paid for directly to the accommodation house)
Four nights superior twin share en-suite accommodation with sea views (studio suites at Furneaux Lodge, A-Frame chalet at Punga Cove Resort and Hillside Suites at Portage Resort Hotel)
Transport forward of luggage
Welcome pack
Eco tour on Motuara Island
Sea kayaking
Water transfer return at end of walk

Grading & Fitness

Grade: C
Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

Clients require a good level of fitness to enjoy this itinerary. Itineraries are suitable for adult persons into the fit seventies.

Accommodation

You will enjoy Superior Twin share accommodation with sea views (studio chalet at Furneaux Lodge, A-Frame studio unit at Punga Cove Resort and Hillside Suite at Portage Resort Hotel). Furneaux Lodge is isolated, and no roads lead to it. It is privately owned and family run and is unique in the Marlborough Sounds with expansive grounds running from the native bush down to the sea. Punga Cove offers tastefully furnished chalets nestled into the bush-clad hillside, with sun decks giving privacy and superb views across the bay. At Portage Resort, rooms are spread across the expansive gardens with spectacular views, specifically of Kenepuru Sound. All meals are served in the resort restaurants.

What to Take

Essential Items:

Strong broken-in walking shoes, preferably walking boots
Camera, film, memory sticks
Peaked sunhat
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Cotton shirts and shorts
Rainproof jacket (not just showerproof)
Warm wool or fleece jersey/sweater
Money for possible purchases
Bathing gear
Nightwear
Toiletries
Handkerchiefs (not tissues)

Casual change of clothes for the evening.

If walking in early spring or late autumn we recommend you include the following:

Woollen socks
Hat and gloves
Warm wool or fleece pants
Warm wool or polypro shirts.

We supply:

Light day pack (if required)
All meals & snacks
All water transport
Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
Portage of luggage each day

Food

All evening meals are served in the resort restaurants and include a glass of wine . Additional alcohol can easily be purchased at the accommodation house each evening.

Guides & Safety

The guides are experienced in first aid and carry first aid kits and communication equipment at all times. They have backgrounds from all walks of life but all have a passion for the outdoors and the Marlborough Sounds environment.

What will the weather be like?

Although the weather is usually fair in the Sounds, you should be prepared for adverse conditions at any time of the year, hence the need for warm clothing.

What about alcohol and food preferences?

Alcohol is available for purchase at your accommodation each evening. If you have any particular food allergies or tastes please advise at time of booking so your requirements can be catered for.

What do we do during our rest days?

During your rest day at Portage Resort Hotel - your guide is available to take you on a sea kayaking trip. Join this intimate paddling experience in the Kenepuru Sound, the smallest of the three sounds. As you paddle from the Portage Bay foreshore on the Kenepuru Sound, you may visit a mussel farm, paddle past a ship wreck from a bygone era, or experience a chance encounter with dolphins. You will have time to stop on a tranquil beach where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, go for a swim or a short bush walk before paddling back to Portage Bay foreshore. No experience is necessary to enjoy this trip and your guide will ensure that you have a fun, safe sea kayaking experience. 24 hours notice is required if you wish to go paddling for the day. This is included in your package and is subject to availability.

Portage Resort Hotel also has access to other activity equipment such as mountain bikes, motor boats, yachts, etc., which can be hired. The use of these activities is not included in the price. There are also other options available such as cruising on Keneperu Sound, golf, etc., for the morning or afternoon. Portage Resort also has a spa and swimming pool for your use.

What happens with our luggage?

Your overnight luggage is transported to the lodges each day by boat. There is a restriction on how much luggage each person is allowed (generally 25kg) whilst on the track. If you are travelling through the country with more luggage it can be securely stored at the Picton office.

Where can we leave our vehicle?

If you wish to leave a car in Picton during your trip, unsecured parking is available from $5 a day. Any excess luggage and valuables can be stored in our Picton office rather than being left in your vehicle. If you prefer secure parking please enquire for availability and rates.

Do I need to be very fit?

You need to be of moderate/above average fitness to enjoy this trip. Although some of the walkway is rough in parts, the pace is not difficult and there is plenty of time to boil the billy and admire the views.

Booking Conditions

Payment

For bookings four or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip.

For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required.

The 25% deposit includes a NZ$100 non-refundable fee

Cancellations

More than 30 days prior to departure: $100 per person cancellation fee

Cancellations received between 30 and 7 days prior to departure, will receive a 50% refund of the trip value (less the NZ$100 non-refundable fee)

Cancellations received 7 days or less from date of departure: No refund

Covid-19 Booking Assurance

We recommend, that should changes be required due to travel restrictions, you transfer your booking to a later date (within 12 months of your booking). There is no fee for change of bookings under these conditions.

Our cancellation and refund policy is as follows:

1. Cancellations received 30 to 16 days prior to departure date receive – 75% of total package refunded
2. Cancellations received up to 15 to 8 days from the date of departure – 50% of total package refunded
3. Cancellations received 7 days or less from date of departure – No refund

Travel Insurance

We suggest clients take out comprehensive travel insurance. World Nomads Travel Insurance provides online quotes.

Queen Charlotte Track