New Zealand Walking Tour:
Queen Charlotte Walk / Boat Stay
Where
Picton to Picton
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Fitness
NZ$2839
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Living the Experience!
The Queen Charlotte Walk / Boat Stay is a truly unique and exciting way to explore the treasure that is the Marlborough Sounds, the shining jewel of the South Island of New Zealand.
Join us onboard the small ship Affinity for a journey that will leave you with a lifetime of memories and new friends. Discover secluded coves and native bird sanctuaries as you explore the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Take advantage of the unique benefits of a walk where your accommodation follows you and is there at the end of your day with a hot shower and the same bed. All your meals are cooked for you.
Tour Itinerary
NZ$2839
Day 1 Bay Cruise
Location: On board the Affinity
Welcome aboard for the beginning of your walk in the Queen Charlotte Sound. You board Affinity at the wharf located next to the ferry terminal in Picton for a 1500 – 3pm departure.
Once all passengers are on-board and we’ve had a safety briefing by the Captain we cruise leisurely into the Sound visiting some of the lovely bays and coves that you will not see from the track that you will be walking later, whilst you indulge in some sunset nibbles, we will then anchor in a sheltered bay overnight and serve dinner around 1900 – 7pm.
Day 2 Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet
Location: On board the Affinity
Distance:
17 km
After breakfast we cruise to Ship Cove where the explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the 1770’s.
Walk 6 hours to Furneaux Lodge where Affinity will be awaiting your return, you may be able to have a quenching drink at the lodge, so bring along some money on this part of the track. (the first section of the track approx. 17km).
Day 3 Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay
Location: On board the Affinity
Distance:
11.5 km
After breakfast you will walk for 4 hours from Furneaux Lodge to Camp Bay/Punga Cove, where again Affinity will be awaiting your return.
If you start earlier than the other walkers you may like to pop along to Punga Cove for a coffee, bring along some money. Once again you will marvel at the scenery and wildlife as you make your way along the track.
After lunch you will visit Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, a 1-hour nature lover’s walk, home to friendly Robins and rare South Island Saddlebacks, here you have the opportunity to go ashore and see these birds as well as amazing views of Queen Charlotte Sound.
Day 4 Camp Bay to Torea Bay
Location: On board the Affinity
Distance:
23 km
Day Three is a demanding day, as you walk up to Kenepuru Saddle and follow the undulating ridgeline track for the remainder of the day.
A challenging walk, taking approximately 8 hours (23km), walkers are well rewarded by the breathtaking panoramic views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
Day 5 Torea Bay to Anakiwa
Location: On board the Affinity
Distance:
20.5 km
Enjoy a 4 hour picturesque walk from Torea Bay to picturesque Mistletoe Bay, climbing to 400m to be rewarded with breathtaking views, then walk another 4 hours to Anakiwa, following an old bridle path that takes you through beautiful regeneration and mature native forest with Fantails, Waxeyes, Tomtits, Finches and Weka.
Day 6 Anakiwa to Picton
Congratulations! You have walked 70kms on the Queen Charlotte Track.
After breakfast we will leisurely cruise to Picton at approx. 0900 the crew will bid you farewell and a safe journey home.
Please note the itinerary is subject to change due to weather/sea conditions and time available.
If you prefer not to walk a day, you are welcome to relax on-board the boat instead.
Gallery
What’s Included
Accommodation
Accommodation is onboard the vessel in eight cabins (twin share – bed and bunk or double bed)
- 3 bathroom facilities, with a good supply of hot water
- Spacious vessel both inside and out, including a comfortable lounge area
The tour price is based on twin share, for a single room the tour cost is $3551
Food
The tour includes:
Daily Continental Breakfasts – Cereals, fruit, yoghurt, toast and spreads. Packed hikers lunches. Pre-Dinner nibbles. Dinner each evening – home cooked fare prepared for you by your crew. All meals are included in your tour cost. Wine and other beverages are available to be purchased during dinners. Tea, Coffee and Juice are available as well.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking.
Luggage & Transfers
Please dont bring large suitcases as luggage space is limited in your cabin. Suitcases or overnight bags can be tucked under the bed or if they are too large may need to be stored on the upper deck.
Tour Kit Bag Exclusive to Tuatara Tours
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a bag of useful goodies. This will be given to you at the start of your tour on day 1.
Additional Info
Vessel
- The vessel Affinity was purpose built in Picton by Carey’s Boatyard for the type of cruising that she does. Affinity has 8 guest cabins, a comfortable lounge for dining and relaxing and a spacious deck.
- The cruise is fully catered for and all linen is supplied
- Spacious vessel both inside and out, including a comfortable lounge area
- Lots of interesting books to read, as well as a few board games
- Easy access both on and off the vessel, and with both platform steps at the stern of the vessel
- 4-meter inflatable tender for shore excursions and for use when divers are in the water
- Use of gumboots for on deck and going ashore
- First aid certificates held by crew members plus an oxygen cylinder onboard
- Vessel applies with all safety regulations and holds all appropriate licenses
All transport
Access and Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
NZ Goods and Service Tax (GST)
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