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This trip dossier contains all the information you require for booking this trip. Please print off and read carefully before booking.
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Days: 5 days
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Grade: C
(Well graded track. Only day-packs carried) |
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Start/Finish:
Start: Picton 8:00 to 8:25am (pick-up from your Picton accommodation)
Finish: Picton 5:30pm (approx.) |
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Departs:
October 2019: 7, 14, 21, 29
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Prices:
Period 1st Oct 19 - 30th Sep 20 |
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.
Departing from Picton your trip begins with a customized eco-tour with your guide on board The Cougar Line as you travel to the Motuara Island bird sanctuary in the outer-Queen Charlotte Sound. Here you may have the opportunity to see the rare South Island Saddleback and South Island Robin who have been re-colonised on to this island sanctuary.
From Motuara Island you will cross the Sound to be dropped off at Ship Cove where you will begin your walk on the Queen Charlotte Track. Ship Cove is one of the most historic areas in the Sounds as it was one of James Cook's most popular destinations on his many world travels. The area is surrounded by bountiful virgin bush and the walk to the top of the ridge provides spectacular views. As you make your way down into Endeavour Inlet, you will spy Furneaux Lodge, your first nights accommodation. You will stay in twin share Studio Suites.
Dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine.
After a leisurely breakfast at Furneaux Lodge you may walk up to the waterfall and see the magnificent stands of virgin native bush. Re-join the track as it winds its way around the coastline to the other side of Endeavour Inlet. Prolific birdsong dominates the day today as you walk through some regenerating bush and virgin native bush. Your accommodation this evening is at Punga Cove Resort in twin share chalets. Dinner is served in the restaurant with a glass of wine.
Walk from Punga Cove to the Portage Resort Hotel along the ridge between Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sound. Spectacular views are offered as you negotiate the undulating ridge between the two sounds. This section is considered the most difficult on the track and you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this day. There is an option to take water transport from Punga Cove to the Portage Resort Hotel if you require a rest. Upon your arrival at the Portage Resort Hotel, you can rest and relax in the spa and enjoy the view overlooking the Kenepuru Sound. You will be staying in twin share suites, and dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine.
Sleep in, rest, relax and enjoy the leisure activities around Portage Resort Hotel. If you feel like a little more activity you may like to go fishing, play golf on the local rural golf course, or go sea kayaking with your guide. 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 can 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. This is included in your package and is subject to a minimum of 2 people.
Your final day on the Queen Charlotte Track. Today you will ascend to a ridgeline track which provides wonderful vistas of the Sounds as you walk along. After Mistletoe Bay, the track sidles the hill and drops down into Davies Bay before the last half an hour through mature beech forest ending at Anakiwa where your water transport will collect you for your return to Picton.
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.
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.
Essential Items:
Casual change of clothes for the evening.
If walking in early spring or late autumn we recommend you include the following:
We supply:
You are transported to the start of the track by the launch, Dolphin Watch Marlborough. 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.
All meals are served in the resort restaurants. The rates do not include alcohol, however this can easily be purchased at the accommodation house each evening.
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.
Alcohol at lodges.
Included in price:
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 have 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.
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.
Cancellations
More than 30 days prior to departure: $100 per person cancellation fee
Cancellations received 30 and up to 7 days from date of departure: cancellation fee is 50% of full ticket price
Cancellations received 7 days or less from date of departure: NO REFUND
We suggest clients take out comprehensive travel insurance. World Nomads Travel Insurance provides online quotes.
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