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 night's accommodation. You will stay in twin share Studio Suites. Dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine. Includes lunch and dinner.
Picturesque and peaceful. Furneaux Lodge is a luxurious lodge nestled amongst stunning gardens with the ocean at your doorstep. With only boat or walking access, you can enjoy a quiet night in this beach paradise. The self-contained chalets are perfect for families or upgrade to a brand new luxury suite with a private room, living area, sundecks and private bathrooms. This family owned lodge is warm and welcoming, a great introduction to the Marlborough Sounds.
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 some regenerating and virgin native bush. Your accommodation this evening is at Punga Cove Resort in twin share chalets. Dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Punga Cove Resort is set amongst the stunning scenery of the Marlborough Sounds, and offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. Enjoy a delicious meal paired with a local wine or craft beer in the licensed restaurant, while appreciating the breathtaking views of Endeavour Inlet.
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. Dinner will be served in the restaurant with a glass of wine.Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Portage Resort historic lodge has been in the Marlborough Sounds for over 100 years. A rustic landscape of native plants surrounding your private chalet room encourage an abundance of birdlife. From your room enjoy views of the quiet bay or the stunning Kenepuru Sound. Resort facilities include a choice of two different restaurants, an indoor spa and an outdoor swimming pool.
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. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Enjoy a second night at the historic Portage Resort.
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. Includes breakfast and lunch.
