Day trip

Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton

4.9 / 5

57 reviews

Activity provider: Beachcomber Cruises
Day trip

Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton

Activity provider: Beachcomber Cruises

From US$ 54.40 per person

Eco-certified

Enjoy a 1-hour cruise from Picton to the Historic Ship Cove before embarking on a 12 or 15 kilometer self-guided hike along the renowned Queen Charlotte Track.

About this ticket

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 8.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Host or greeter
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Visit the Historic Ship Cove, a favorite anchorage of Captain James Cook
  • Choose from two self-guided Queen Charlotte Track hiking options
  • Walk amongst native bush, keeping a lookout for resident wildlife
Full description

Cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound to walk part of the Queen Charlotte Track, one of the top ten coastal walking tracks in New Zealand. Your self-guided adventure starts with a cruise north from Picton to the historic Ship Cove. Here you can learn about the local area from your skipper, whilst on the lookout for marine wildlife. You will be able to choose between the following two hikes:

Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove

Your first hike opportunity will be from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove, a 12.7-kilometer hike. You can enjoy 30-minutes ashore at the historic Ship Cove before rejoining the vessel and cruising around to Furneaux Lodge where you can grab a coffee or even brunch. Begin your self-guided hike along the Queen Charlotte Track, where you will learn that this area is rich in history and follows the coastline around the Endeavour Inlet through regenerating native bush to the Punga Cove Resort. 

Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge

This hike provides you with the opportunity to hike from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, a trail of 15 kilometers. You will arrive at Ship Cove where you'll begin your self-guided hike of the Queen Charlotte Track. You can climb away from the beach as you pass through native forest regenerating beneath a high canopy of trees. You will then be able to admire stunning views of the sound when you reach Tawa Saddle. The track then drops into Resolution Bay and follows an old bridle path into Endeavour Inlet to Furneaux Lodge. After your walk, you'll have time to relax before boarding your cruise vessel around 4:00 PM for your return boat journey to Picton with an estimated arrival time of 5:30-6:00 PM.

Includes
  • Round-trip water transport
  • Skipper's commentary
  • Self-guided walk (12.7 or 15 kilometers)
  • Food and drinks
Not suitable for
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain gear
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Sports shoes

Know before you go

  • A moderate level of fitness is recommended
  • Walking times vary between 3 and 5 hours, depending on your fitness level
  • The cruise duration is around 1-hour each way
  • Wear appropriate walking attire and footwear
  • Bring a water bottle and snacks
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 57 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5

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Star rating:

The mail boat captain was excellent with his knowledge of the area as we headed up to the start of the track. The track itself is beautiful and we made the 17 km in under 5 hours which included a break for lunch. The track is well maintained and suits all ages who are keen on long walks in the forest. At the end of the walk you can grab a beer or other drinks and food if hungry while waiting for the mail boat to pick you up.

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March 29, 2023

An incredible hike with pieces of history (Cpt Cook in 1770) with stunning views :) Be aware that the trail is really rocky, so you should choose good shoes with a stable sole. And better ask for pick up time at Furneaux Lodge, if you're doing the day trip :) I didn't and played Roadrunner on the hike ^^

March 29, 2023

I would highly recommend this trip as a great way to see an insight into the beauty of the Marlborough sounds and enjoy a coastal walk from Furneaux lodge to Punga cove finished with a relaxing swim and picnic. Jason our skipper on beachcomber cruises was extremely informative and interesting as he safely guided us around the inlets dropping us off and picking us up from our locations right on schedule.

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March 29, 2023

Product ID: 179966