3 Day Freedom Walk

Use Promo/Voucher code OCT2020 for 30% discount off advertised rates when entering your booking details 

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. 

ITINERARY - from 2 July to 19 July

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 and back to Picton (8 hour walk – 24.5km)
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.  Meet your boat at Torea Bay at approximately 4.15pm for the transfer across Queen Charlotte Sound and back to Picton by 4.30pm.

ITINERARY from 20 July to 31 August

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 – Punga Cove Resort to Furneaux Lodge (4 hour walk – 12km)
Take the boat across Endeavour Inlet to Punga Cove Resort in the morning for the walk back around the bay over the day.  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.   Overnight at Furneaux Lodge

Day Three – Punga Cove to Torea Bay and back to Picton (8 hour walk – 24.5km)
Transfer back across the bay to Punga Cove Resort in the morning to walk up to Kenepuru Saddle.  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.   Meet your boat at Torea Bay at approximately 4.15pm for the transfer across Queen Charlotte Sound and back to Picton by 4.30pm.

  

ITINERARY from 31 August to 31 September

Day One – Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (5 hour walk – 14km)
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 and back to Picton (8 hour walk – 24.5km)
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.  Meet your boat at Torea Bay at approximately 4.15pm for the transfer across Queen Charlotte Sound and back to Picton by 4.30pm.

  

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.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Standard room            $450 per person (normal retail $645)

Upgrade room.            $490 per person (normal retail $700)

Includes

- Water transfers to and from track, including daily luggage transfers

- Twin share en-suite room at Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove Resort

- Packed lunch each day

- Information kit and map

- QCTLC pass

DEPARTURE DATES

Bookings are subject to accommodation availability.  Once you know your preferred departure date, contact us and we will check availability.  It is helpful if you can also indicate other dates that are suitable around your preferred date, in case your first choice is not available.

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.  We recommend you plan to stay in Picton the night before.  Your boat departs from the jetty outside our office at 9.00am. You will return to Picton on the last day of your trip by boat at approximately 3.30pm.  

MEALS

A packed lunch is included in your freedom walk package.  Dinner and breakfast can be purchased at the resorts each day. Each resort has a different style of dining and menu option ranging from bar meals to a la carte dining.  Breakfasts range in price from approximately $20 for a continental breakfast to $30 for a cooked breakfast.  Dinners range from approximately $25 for a bar meal to $65 for a 2 or 3 course a la carte option.  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).  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

July, August and September are between 10-20ºC. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service Web site at www.metservice.com

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. Upon confirmation of availability, we can debit your credit card for the deposit which is $100 per person and we will send you pre-trip information which details what to bring etc 

Frequently Asked Questions

What meals are included and what can I buy?
A packed lunch is included in your freedom walk package. Dinner and breakfast can be purchased at the resorts each day. Each resort has a different style of dining and menu options, ranging from bar meals to a la carte dining.  Breakfasts range in price from approximately $15 for a continental breakfast, to $25 for a cooked breakfast. Dinners range from approximately $20 for a bar meal to $60 for a two or three course a la carte option. Facilities are limited for you to self-cater (generally tea & coffee-making facilities only). This is dependent upon the style of accommodation you are using, please enquire for further details.

Is water available on the track while walking?
Drinking water is available at strategic places on the track. Please note however that this water is not regularly tested. 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.

How fit do you have to be to walk the track?

The track is regarded as a “long” track not a “steep” track. Therefore distances each day, particularly on the third and fourth day are long, but if you are moderately fit you should be able to achieve this walk. We do recommend that to enjoy the trip you are of at least average fitness. Fitness levels vary amongst every individual, therefore we suggest that – as a guideline – if you are walking for at least an hour (maybe two) more than four times a week, you should be able to thoroughly enjoy this trip.

Do we have to carry a big pack?

No. It doesn’t matter if you are freedom or guided walking, you only ever have to carry a light day pack because your luggage is transferred each day by water taxi.

Are there Department of Conservation huts to stay in?

No. There are no Department of Conservation (DOC) huts on the Queen Charlotte Track. However, there are resorts, homestays and DOC campsites that you can stay at.