Queen Charlotte Track Itinerary | Hiking New Zealand (HikingNZ)

DAY 1

Picton to Furneaux Lodge

17km/5-6 hrs hiking

Departing from Picton, our trip begins with an eco-tour with your guide we travel to the Motuara Island bird sanctuary in the outer-Queen Charlotte Sound. Here you may have the opportunity to see the rare tīete, South Island Saddleback and kakaruai, South Island Robin which have been reintroduced to this island sanctuary.

From Motuara Island we cross the Sound to Ship Cove where we begin our 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 we make our way down into Endeavour Inlet, we will spy Furneaux Lodge, our first night's accommodation. Dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine. Includes lunch and dinner.

Queen Charlotte Sound - the awe-inspiring gateway to the South Island.

Accommodation

We stay in double or twin share Endeavour suites at Furneaux Lodge

DAY 2

Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove

12.5km/4 hrs hiking

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 as you walk through regenerating and virgin native bush. Dinner is served in the Punga Cove Resort restaurant with a glass of wine. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At times hike amongst the lush native bush

Accommodation

Accommodation this evening is at Punga Cove Resort in double or twin share Frond or Fern Suites.

DAY 3

Punga Cove to Portage Resort Hotel

24km/8 hrs hiking

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 arrival at the Portage Resort Hotel, you can relax in the spa and enjoy the view overlooking the Kenepuru Sound. Dinner is served in the restaurant with a glass of wine. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Optional Upgrade - extend your trip and stay another night at Portage Resort Hotel*

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. This is included in the upgrade and is subject to a minimum of 2 people. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
*Please contact us for more information. Limited spaces, subject to availability.

The track provides unsurpassed views of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Accommodation

We will stay in double or twin share suites at The Portage, and dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine

DAY 4

Portage Resort Hotel to Anakiwa and Picton

20km/7 hrs hiking

This is our final day on the Queen Charlotte Track. Today we ascend to a ridge line 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 our water transport will return us to Picton at around 4.30pm. Includes breakfast and lunch.

Queen Charlotte Track

Picton to Furneaux Lodge

17km/5-6 hrs hiking

Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove

12.5km/4 hrs hiking

Punga Cove to Portage Resort Hotel

24km/8 hrs hiking

Portage Resort Hotel to Anakiwa and Picton

20km/7 hrs hiking

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