4 Day Freedom Paddle & Walk - Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track, 73km long, located at the top of the South Island is unique for its stunning coastal views, historical landmarks and wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife. Surrounding the Queen Charlotte Track you’ll find 1500 kilometres of breathtaking Marlborough Sounds’ coastline. Take in the unsurpassed views as you climb the ridges and travel down to the shorelines of the many coves and inlets.  Enjoy some of the beautiful bays, coves and inlets by sea kayak, and the best part of all – you don’t have to carry a large pack, just a light daypack and your luggage will be transported by water transport each day.
Our office is centrally located on the water-front in Picton and as New Zealand Tourism Award winners we take pride in what we do.  Our mature guides delight in sharing their knowledge with you and cater to your needs in a sensitive and professional manner.

ITINERARY

Day One – Independent Walk, 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 has worldwide historical significance as it is the one place that Captain Cook visited five 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 – Independent Walk, Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove (4 hour walk – 12km) Water taxi to Portage Resort
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.  From Punga Cove Resort you catch the water taxi to Portage Reset, your accommodation for the next 2 nights.

Day Three – Guided Sea Kayaking in the Kenepuru Sound
Today you meet your guide for your paddling experience in the Kenepuru Sound, the smallest of the three sounds that make up the Marlborough Sounds.  After a safety briefing and familiarisation with your sea-kayak, you will paddle from the Portage foreshore and spend the day exploring the many bays, coves and inlets of the Kenepuru Sound. The bushclad shorelines of the sounds create a wonderful paddling environment. Your guide will enjoy sharing their knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area. At the end of the day you will paddle back to The Portage.

Day Four – Guided Sea Kayaking in the Queen Charlotte Sound
Paddling out of Torea Bay the day will be spent exploring the Grove Arm, a particularly beautiful part of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You will paddle back to Picton, arriving at around 4pm 

DEPARTURE DATES

The track is open all year and subject to accommodation availability.  This itinerary is offered October to April. 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 half 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.

October to April 
Check into our office on Day 1 at 9.00am, Water Taxi departs at 9.30am. You will get back into Picton on the final day at approximately 4.00pm

MEALS
A packed lunch is included for each day walking/kayaking.  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

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. 

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.

Accommodation Options 

There are three different rates, based on different room types at each accommodation house.  Three different rates and the prices are options given to you once you have selected your preferred departure date and clicked the "book now" button on the next screen. The standard option only has sea views on the first nights.  If you would like to have a sea view every night, then we recommend that you take the Sea View option.  Please ensure that you let us know when booking which option you would like to have.  We will endeavour to meet your request subject to accommodation availability.