4 Day Guided Walk

Our 4 Day Guided Walk on the Queen Charlotte Track is a true walking holiday.
These four days will see you experience the splendour of the whole Queen
Charlotte Track.  Highlights of the track include breathtaking coastal
views and continually changing landscapes as you walk from shoreline to
ridgeline and around bays, coves and inlets. The track will take you through
virgin native bush and regenerating farmland, with beautiful native birdsong as
background music.

You will
have the opportunity to experience extraordinary birdlife encounters,
witnessing the endangered South Island Saddleback and South Island Robin in
their natural habitat as part of our customised eco-tour of Motuara Island.
There’ll also be the possibility of seeing dolphins and other marine wildlife
along the way.

At the end
of a long day, you will enjoy the comfort and hospitality of resort
accommodation, in their superior hotel style rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Strategically located along the track, these resorts provide a comfortable bed,
delicious meals and a spa pool to relax in. What better way to rest those weary
feet.

One of the
other wonderful features of this trip is that you don’t have to carry your
pack. We can provide you with a light daypack and your luggage will be
transported by water transport each day.

Itinerary

Day 1  Approximate walking time is 5 – 6 hours.  Walking Distance:
14kms

Your trip
begins with personalised eco-tour with our guides on board a Cougar Line
catamaran. During the morning your guide will share their knowledge of the sea
birds and marine mammals as you travel to Motuara Island 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.

Day 2
 Approximate Walking time is 4 hours Walking distance: 12.5kms

After a
leisurely breakfast at Furneaux Lodge you may like to take a 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 dominate 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 is
served in the restaurant with a glass of wine.

Day 3
 Approximate walking time is 8 hours.  Walking distance: 24.5kms

Today you
walk from Punga Cove to the Peppers Portage along the ridge between Kenepuru
and Queen Charlotte Sound. Spectacular views dominate the day as you negotiate
the very undulating ridge between the two sounds. This section is considered
the most difficult on the track and clients do need to have a good level of
fitness to enjoy this walk.

There is the
option to take water transport from Punga Cove to Peppers Portage for those who
require a rest! Upon your arrival at the Peppers Portage, you can rest and
enjoy the view overlooking the Keneperu Sound.

You will be
staying in twin share Hillside suites, and dinner will be served in the
restaurant with a glass of wine.

Day
4  Approximate walking time is 7 hours. Walking distance: 20kms

Your final
day on the Queen Charlotte Track, today you will ascend to a ridgeline track
providing wonderful vistas of the Sounds as you walk along. After Mistletoe
Bay, the track sidles along the hill and drops down into Davies Bay before the
last half hour through mature beech forest ending at Anakiwa where your water
transport will collect you for your return to Picton.

Arriving in
Picton at around 4.30pm, you can enjoy a farewell get together at our base,
with a relaxing drink and reminisce over the magic of the last four days.

Further
Information

Upon booking
our confirmation email includes detailed pre-trip information.

However, if
you would like to know what we recommend you wear or bring on the walk, read
on:

• Strong (broken-in) walking
  shoes, preferably walking boots


• Camera


• Sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses


• Insect repellent


• Cotton shirts and shorts


• Good rainproof jacket (not just
  showerproof


• Warm wool or fleece
  jersey/sweater


• Money for possible purchases


• Bathing gear


• Nightwear


• Toiletries


• Handkerchiefs – not tissues


• Casual change of clothes for the
  evening

If walking
in early spring or late autumn we recommend you also include the following:

• Woollen socks, hat and gloves


• Warm wool or fleece pants


• Warm wool or polypropylene
  shirts

Frequently
Asked Questions

What time does the trip leave Picton on the first day, and return to Picton
on the last day?

The walk departs on the first day at 8.00am from our office. Therefore we
recommend that you stay in Picton the night prior to departure.   We are
happy to collect you from your accommodation on the morning of departure and
this usually occurs between 7.15am and 7.30am, by prior arrangement. On the
last day you return to our office at around 4.30pm.  There is plenty of
time to catch the 6.00pm ferry to Wellington if required, or a flight out of
Blenheim (25 minute shuttle ride from Picton).



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.

When is
the best time to walk?

The warmest
months are December, January and February (summer), and the coldest are June,
July and August (winter). 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
website: www.metservice.com

What is
the difference between the guided and freedom walks?

The guided
walks have some added extras that are not included in the standard freedom walk
package, such as:

• a knowledgeable guide, who can
  ensure you see all the highlights


• a customised eco-tour experience


• all meals are included


• upgraded accommodation


• post-trip functions

We believe
that these added extras provide another dimension to this walking holiday.

We recognise
that some people prefer a complete walking holiday, sharing their experience
with a group of like-minded people from all over the world and therefore the
guided option is the best one. We also appreciate that some people prefer to be
independent and walk on their own, or with their group of friends only,
therefore we also offer a “freedom” option.

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.