Our Freedom“4 Day Paddle & Walk” is a wonderful way to combine two days of independent walking on the iconic Queen Charlotte Track with two days of Guided Sea Kayaking in the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. The best of both worlds.
Package Includes:
- Pre-trip information
- Complete information pack for use while walking the track
- Twin/Double-share accommodation, as listed
- 2 days Guided Sea Kayaking and safety equipment
- Packed lunch each day
- Water transport to the track, and transfer Punga Cove to Portage
- Daily Luggage Transfers
- Use of Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company as a base (including access to our hot showers, luggage storage, etc)
Trip Departure Time: 9.00am
Trip Return Time: 4.00pm (approx)
Duration: 4 days
On Day One and Day Two you will walk the Queen Charlotte Track independently – taking in the sights at historic Ship Cove, and admiring the spectacular views along the way. On Day Three your guide will join you and you will kayak in the turquoise waters of the Kenepuru Sound, and on Day Four you’ll paddle back to Picton via the Grove Arm, past golden beaches, and bush-clad shorelines.
Highlights of the track include stunning coastal views and continually changing landscapes as you walk from shoreline to ridge-line and wind your way around bays, coves and inlets. At the end of a long day you can relax and unwind in the comfort of hotel style rooms with ensuites.
Take in the unrivalled views by day as you climb the ridges and make your way down to the shorelines of the many secluded bays. Experience the magic of the Sounds from sea level as you travel by sea kayak, and the best part of all – you only have to have to carry a small daypack, your luggage will be transported by boat each day.
Day 1: Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge
Approximate walking time is 5.5 – 6.5 hours. Walking Distance: 17kms
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/Meretoto. Meretoto is of worldwide historical significance in that the bay was Cook’s preferred place for the re-provisioning of his ships. Cook stayed here five times in all. A steady climb out of Ship Cove rewards walkers with unsurpassed views of the North Island. Follow the track down into Resolution Bay and through to Endeavour Inlet where you will spy Furneaux Lodge with its broad sweeping lawns. This historic homestead has a restaurant and bar with chalet accommodation.
Day 2: Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove Resort
Approximate Walking time is 4 hours. Walking distance: 12.5kms
After 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 3. 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 4. 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.
Packages
We have endeavoured to provide a couple of rate options for you. All options include private ensuite accommodation and sea views; however, the upgrade option offers our premium room category at each resort.
Please ensure that you let us know when booking which option you would like to have. We will do our very best to meet your request – subject to accommodation availability.
Rates are based on twin/double-share accommodation. If you are travelling on your own then the single supplements will apply. If you have an odd number in your group and are happy to share between 3, then select the triple share option.
Package Options
| Standard with Sea Views | Furneaux Lodge | Tobias Junior Suite |
| The Portage | Korimako Room | |
| Upgrade | Furneaux Lodge | Endeavour Suite |
| The Portage | Tui Terrace | |
| Triple Share | Furneaux Lodge | Cooks Cottage |
| The Portage | Korimako 2 Bedroom | |
Booking this Package
The track can be walked at any time of the year, subject to accommodation availability.
Please use the calendar at the top of this page to request departure date.
You may also advise other suitable dates in the comments box in case your first choice is not available.
Alternatively, please feel free to email us on [email protected] with your booking request.
Booking Terms & Conditions
These can be found on our Terms and Conditions Page
FAQ’S
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, please see menu links below:
Furneaux Lodge Menu
Punga Cove Menu
Portage Resort Menu
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.
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, home-stays and DOC campsites that you can stay at.