September Spring Special 4 Day Freedom Walk - Queen Charlotte Track

Located at the top of the South Island, in the Marlborough Sounds, The Queen Charlotte Track is quickly becoming one of New Zealand’s classic walks and a “must do” on every international or domestic visitors itinerary.   This 73km walking track is renowned for the uniqueness of its panoramic coastal views, lush coastal forest, resort accommodation and excellent water transport services – creating a walk that is challenging yet comfortable. 

Day One – Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (5.5 hour walk – 17km)
There is no better way to start your walk than boarding The Cougar Line catamaran in Picton and enjoying their award winning service en-route to Ship Cove.   Ship Cove is of worldwide historical significance being the one place that Captain Cook visited 5 times to re-provision his ships.   As you sweep into Ship Cove you will understand why.   A steady climb out of Ship Cove provides unsurpassed views to the North Island.   Follow the track down into Resolution Bay and through to Endeavour Inlet where you spy Furneaux Lodge with its broad sweeping lawns.   This historic homestead has a restaurant and bar with chalet accommodation.

Day Two – Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove Resort (4 hour walk – 12km)
This gentle coastal part of the track provides a good opportunity for taking a leisurely lunch and stopping to enjoy the plentiful birdlife along the way.   Punga Cove Resort, your accommodation tonight, has individual chalets set amongst the bush clad hillside providing stunning views across Endeavour Inlet.   Perhaps you might like to soak in the spa or swim in the solar-heated pool before adjourning for wine and dinner in their award winning restaurant.

Day Three – Punga Cove to Torea Bay?Lochmara Lodge (8 hour walk – 24km + 20 minute water taxi transfer)
This section is the most challenging and rewarding of the track.   Climbing away steeply from Punga Cove the sweeping views begin to appear as you walk along the ridge between the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound.   The track is very undulating and therefore can be challenging for some people.   As in the old days, Portage Resort Hotel is a welcome respite after a long day. Portage has a range of comfortable ensuite rooms and their restaurant provides excellent food with a selection of local wines to match.

Day Four – Lochmara to Anakiwa (6 hour walk – 17km) 
Climb up out of the bay along Lochmara Lodges' track to once again join the Queen Charlotte Track. From the ridgeline there are sweeping views of both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.  Winding down to sea level you will come upon some particularly beautiful virgin native bush which leaves you with a lasting impression of what must have been before man arrived.   The harbour of Anakiwa comes into view and so too does the end of the Queen Charlotte Track.   Your water transport collects you and, as you travel back to Picton, you can relax and reminisce on the magic of the last four days.

NON WALKING PARTNERS
Maybe your husband, wife or partner, isn’t so keen on walking, but is keen to have a relaxing four or five day holiday.  Due to the flexibility of water transport throughout the Sounds non walkers can boat each day to the next resort while you are walking with the group.  This is a wonderful option for couples or groups of friends who have mixed fitness levels. Please note, there is an additional charge for some of the transfers.

DEPARTURE TIMES

You need to meet at our office at least ½ an hour prior to boat departure time on the morning of departure so that we can provide you with your trip information and packed lunch for the day. 
Your water transport will depart on the first day at  9.00am. You will return to Picton on the last day of your trip by boat at approximately 4pm. 
 

MEALS
A packed lunch is included for each day walking in your freedom walk package.  Dinner and breakfast can be purchased at the resorts each day.  Facilities are limited (tea & coffee making facilities only) for you to self cater. This is dependent upon the style of accommodation you are using – please enquire for further details. 

LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Your luggage will be transferred each day by water taxi, so walkers only need to carry a day pack with what they require for the day. The cost of the water taxi transferring you luggage is included in the package.

WATER 
Drinking water is available at strategic places on the track (please note this water is not regularly tested, and Doc recommend that you boil/treat before use).  We recommend that you walk with your own bottle that holds approximately 1 litre or more which can be topped up each evening at your accommodation.

WEATHER

The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service Web site at www.metservice.com

Most places in New Zealand receive over 2000 hours of sunshine a year, with the sunniest areas, such as Marlborough, receiving over 2350 hours.

As New Zealand observes daylight saving, during summer months daylight can last up until 9.00pm.

New Zealand experiences relatively little air pollution compared to many other countries, which makes the UV rays in our sunlight very strong during the summer months. In order to avoid sunburn, visitors should wear sunscreen,sunglasses, and hats when they are in direct summer sunlight, especially in the heat of the day (11am - 4pm).

HOW TO BOOK

Select your preferred departure date from the calendar.  Your enquiry will be processed as "pending supplier". This is because we have to check availability at the properties before confirming your departure.  We will email you as soon as possible by return to confirm availability or recommend another date. Once the booking is in place we will request the deposit, which is $100 per person.

Queen Charlotte Track Land Co-op Pass
Important steps have been taken to protect the future of the Queen Charlotte Track to ensure it will always be a place of rare beauty and freedom.  The Land Co-op pass has been introduced, the cost of this has been included in the price of the Freedom Walk.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• Pre-trip information
• Information pack for use while walking the track
• Accommodation, as listed
• Packed lunch each day walking
• Water transport to the track, transfer tom Torea to Lochmara on Day 3, and transfer back to Picton
• Transfer of luggage each day
• Use of Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company as a base
• Queen Charlotte Track Land Co-op Pass