4 Day Freedom Paddle & Walk - Queen Charlotte Track

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. Approximate walking time is 5 – 6 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. 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.

Price
Rates are based on two people sharing an ensuite room. Single supplements apply to anyone in a unit to themselves.

Upon booking we send you a detailed pre-trip information sheet which covers what to bring, arrival and departure times and so on.

Departure
The track is open all year so, subject to accommodation availability. This itinerary is offered from 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.

Gear
Upon booking we send you detailed pre-trip information which covers what to bring, arrival and departure times etc.

Trip Conditions
Booking is subject to accommodation availability on the track.
Dinner, breakfast and refreshment costs are to be met by you.
As you are staying at licensed resorts they request that you do not take alcohol onto the property.
Additional water transport costs, if required, are to be met by you.
Upon arrival at our office you will be asked to complete a registration form.
As you are taking a self-guided trip, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being for the duration.
Any additional costs incurred during your trip, due to illness or accident, are to be met by you. We understand that due to Covid19, Governments can unexpectedly impose travel bans that disrupt your plans. We have modified our standard terms and conditions to try and provide more flexibility, should you be affected by changes in government restrictions, while at the same time ensuring that we comply with the terms and conditions required by our suppliers.
Please note that we will be recommending, that should changes be required due to travel restrictions, you transfer your booking to a later date (within 12 months of your booking). There is no fee for change of bookings under these conditions. Our payment, cancellation and refund policy is as follows:
A non-refundable deposit of $100 per person is required to confirm your booking
Full payment is required 30 days prior to departure date.
Cancellations received 30 to 16 days prior to departure date receive – 75% of total package refunded
Cancellations received up to 15 to 8 days from the date of departure – 50% of total package refunded
Cancellations received 7 days or less from date of departure – no refund

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance.  If you are living in NZ, we know it is not commonplace to take out domestic travel insurance, however the investment in your holiday with us can be substantial therefore it is worth considering taking out domestic travel insurance for this purpose.  Companies such as https://www.covermore.co.nz/travel-insurance/domestic-travel-insurance are worth considering.

FAQ’s

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 Web site at www.metservice.com

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, and therefore 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 many other accommodation options available – including resorts, homestays and DOC campsites that you can stay at.

We have never kayaked before, can we still do this trip?

Yes, many of our clients have never sea kayaked before, but find it really easy to do. You may feel a little tired in your shoulders after a day’s paddling, but we do have plenty of stops along the way and the pace is gentle.