From CAD 1,522 Was CAD 2,030
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(12 reviews)
Experience Overview
With a soundtrack of bellbirds and a backdrop of the stunning Marlborough Sounds, hiking the Queen Charlotte Track is an experience like no other. Over four days you’ll join an expert local leader as you walk past secluded bays, picturesque coves and native forest, learning about the area’s Maori and European history as you go. But hiking through wild scenery doesn’t mean sacrificing creature comforts – end each day at fabulous lodge accommodation with modern amenities, a perfect way to recharge your batteries. In a country full of views to take your breath away, this corner of New Zealand might just top the list.
Highlights
- Hike sections of the Queen Charlotte Track with an expert local leader, weaving through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery of New Zealand’s South Island while learning about its history.
- Venture from the historic site at Meretoto to the beautiful Endeavour Inlet where you’ll have the chance to explore the bay in a kayak or on a stand up paddleboard.
- Wander along the coastline through gorgeous native bush and listen for the calls of fantails and bellbirds before arriving at the picturesque seaside settlement of Punga Cove.
- The scenery may be wild but your accommodation couldn’t be more comfortable – rest your head each night in well positioned lodges with modern amenities.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2278
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Water Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: PHXQ
Starts: Picton / Queen Charlotte Track, New Zealand
Finishes: Queen Charlotte Track / Picton, New Zealand
Duration: 4 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (3), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1522 (CAD 380 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Picton! Hugging the side of the Queen Charlotte Sound, this seaside town is the jumping off point for your explorations of its famous track. Your adventure gets rolling with a 8:30am welcome meeting (or 8am if your departure runs between May and September) where you’ll link up with your local leader and fellow travellers, then it’s a ferry to Meretoto, also known as Ship Cove. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins which can often be spotted swimming alongside the boat! Famed for being James Cooks base for his explorations of the country and a place of shelter for the Maori people, take some time to explore the cove while your leader shares its history. Depart Meretoto and begin today’s hike, climbing away from the coastline through untouched forests of ferns and beech – your leader will point out the fascinating and varied plant life as you go. Pause at a lookout point to admire views of the Queen Charlotte Sound, then descend into Resolution Bay and stop for a picnic lunch (please note you should bring your own picnic lunch for today). Follow the shoreline over an old bridle path to the stunning Endeavour Inlet where you’ll have some downtime to kayak, stand up paddleboard or simply stretch out next to the water and relax. Later in the day, continue to your lodge accommodation and settle in for the night.
Included Activities:
- Resolution Bay - Picnic Lunch
- Resolution Bay - Meretoto to Endeavour Inlet Track
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up to the songs of birds and prepare for another scenic day of walking. Skirt along the coastline through gorgeous native bush while your leader helps you listen for the calls of fantails and bellbirds. Pass by Big Bay, walk through shady forest to Camp Bay, then arrive at the beautiful Punga Cove in the Marlborough Sounds. On arrival, take some time to explore this small but picturesque seaside settlement and perhaps pop into one of the few local eateries for lunch with a view. The afternoon is yours to make the most of your spectacular setting. You may like to hire a kayak to explore the bay’s clear waters, or chill out at your accommodation and make use of the outdoor pool. Your accommodation has a wonderful on-site restaurant for dinner this evening.
Included Activities:
- Punga Cove - Big Bay to Punga Cove Track
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is your longest day of walking and also offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery – get ready to give your legs and your camera a good workout! Depart from Punga Cove and follow the ridgeline towards the Kenepuru Saddle. Climb to the Eatwells Lookout, taking in sweeping views of the Marlborough Sounds as your leader points out Cook Strait and the Kaikoura Ranges in the distance, then descend to the Torea Saddle. Walk the final stretch to Portage Bay, your base for the night. With remarkable coastal views emerging with every step, this is sure to be a day to remember. This evening, perhaps join your fellow hikers and enjoy an optional but well-earned three course dinner at the excellent restaurant at your hotel and take the time to reminisce with your group about everything you’ve seen on your journey.
Included Activities:
- Portage Bay - Packed Lunch
- Portage Bay - Kenepuru Saddle to Portage Bay Track
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a morning at leisure to enjoy all that Portage has to offer. You may like to rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard to explore the bay, or perhaps head out snorkelling to discover what lies beneath the water. Then it’s time to leave Portage Bay behind and take a short walk over the saddle to Torea Bay. From here it’s just a quick ferry ride to Picton, where on arrival your adventure will come to an end.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Michael - Traveled, April 2024
Stunning, beautiful 3 day hike through the Marlborough Sound. Accommodation is warm and cosy, boat transfers easily conducted and you leave with a greater appreciation of the utter sereneness that is New Zealand. Also, so many birds to see!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Glyn - Traveled, February 2024
Our trip leader Jef was friendly, informative and pleasant. It was easy to have conversations with him about a wide variety of topics. He had a good sense of humour and my wife and I learned a lot. We would happily go on another trip led by Jef.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Janina - Traveled, February 2023
An organised tour with Intrepid was a great way to hike the Queen Charlotte. Having a guide provided a level of confidence as it's been a while since I've done any multi-day hiking. Accommodation, transport and some meals were sorted so nothing to do but turn up and walk.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2023
Rhiannon - Traveled, February 2023
This is an excellent walk and felt pretty manageable (day 3 was quite long but definitely doable). You get a great range of scenery and it’s totally hassle free! Would 10/10 recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2023
Heather - Traveled, November 2022
Intrepid offer the best group tours all over the world. Our Queen Charlotte walk did not disappoint and was as wonderful as all the others I've experienced. Good value, good accommodation good sized groups and fantastic guides. Intrepid tours always run smoothly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2022
Ailin - Traveled, November 2022
Breathtaking views coupled with a well executed itinerary create an uplifting and unforgettable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2022
Bruce - Traveled, November 2022
The trip was well organised and our guide ‘Snowy’ was great company who took the time to interact well with everyone. We had a great mix of people. The walk is challenging but comfortable and the accommodation is great. Only gripe is the Lodges need to invest in fans for warmer months.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2022
Kath - Traveled, November 2022
This trip offers the best of the NZ outdoors whilst walking in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. Listening to the birdsong in the forest, watching (and potentially swimming with) dolphins, seals and stingrays, from a nature perspective this trip has it all. Then add in top-notch accommodation, stunning views everywhere you look, excellent food and wine, what more could you ask for on an Intrepid trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2022
David and Rosalyn - Traveled, February 2022
A beautiful part of the country, especially if you have good weather. But a knowledgeable kiwi guide would be essential. If possible clarify this before commiting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2022
Emma - Traveled, December 2021
A great mix of good hiking & lovely accommodation to relax in at the end of each day
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2021
Patricia - Traveled, December 2021
An easy and fun 3 days of walking for those used to walking , The views are spectacular, so remember to bring a camera to capture the changing colours. The Local legends sets the mood and the accommodation and food are treats and well earned after a day’s exercise
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2021
Margaret - Traveled, November 2021
Our tramp of Queen Charlotte Tramp went really well, the accommodation and food were excellent, fortunately the weather was kind. It was great to see other trampers along the way, the track we covered and views along the way gives a true perspective of the amazing coastline contained within the Sound.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2021
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