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Itinerary

NB. A pre-tour briefing is conducted the day prior to departure. Details will be forwarded with your booking confirmation.

Day 1 – Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet
(approx. 5 hours/14km)
We will collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join the boat trip to Motuara Island for a bird sanctuary tour en route to Ship Cove. Learn about the fascinating marine life of this area and, if we are lucky, see dolphins as well!  Enjoy a short warm up walk on Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary to the lookout – this affords spectacular 360deg views of the Marlborough Sounds – and  see many of New Zealand’s endangered bird species. Arrive late morning at Ship Cove to begin our walk. This scenic & historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s. Experience virgin beech forest at its best plus stunning views throughout today’s walk. NB. Our visit to Motuara Island is weather dependent – this is due to the fact there are no toilets or shelter on the island.

Accommodation – Furneaux Lodge 
Built early this century, Furneaux Lodge comprises the original homestead, restaurant, bar, fully self-contained chalets and upmarket studio units in a delightfully picturesque setting. Furneaux Lodge has an excellent restaurant for dinner and/or breakfasts.

Day 2 – Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay/Punga Cove
(approx. 4 hours/12km)
Today’s mainly coastal walk takes you around the inlet through regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other NZ native birds. Pause at the head of the bay to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Follow the main track onwards and into Big Bay before working your way towards Camp Bay and, five minutes on from there, Punga Cove.

Accommodation – Punga Cove
Nestled amidst the native bush, Punga Cove’s well-appointed individual chalets are a welcome respite. The gourmet restaurant with its impressive view caps off a perfect day and is also open for breakfasts overlooking the bay.

Day 3 – Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/The Portage
(approx. 8 hours/22.5km)
NB. Optional boat trip available to Portage for non-walkers (at own cost)

A challenging day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. Those who feel like a day’s rest can opt for a boat ride around the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Portage.

Accommodation – The Portage Resort Hotel
Nestled at the narrowest point between Queen Charlotte & Kenepuru Sounds, The Portage Hotel is a well-established accommodation place with a fine restaurant, relaxed cafe & comfortable, recently upgraded natural timber chalets. Breakfasts are available as well in the restaurant from 7am.

Day 4 – Rest Day at The Portage Resort Hotel

Today is your chance to rejuvenate and relax at The Portage Resort Hotel. We can arrange guided sea kayaking and wine walk tours for those interested. Lunch is not included today unless on an organised tour that has been pre-arranged.

Day 5 – Torea Saddle/The Portage to Anakiwa
(approx.7 hours/20.5km)
Farewell Portage and ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying stunning views. Open farmland and a grand native bush section to finish is a fitting finale. Today you return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty to Picton to compete your journey.