Like the idea of having everything arranged for you and staying in superb accommodation but still walking independently? Our new Boutique Five Day Independent Walk takes the best boutique lodge accommodation available in the Marlborough Sounds within access to the Queen Charlotte Track combined with luggage transfers, daily lunch and Picton drop off/pickups. If you prefer smaller properties with an emphasis on luxury, personal service, local delicacies and conservation, this is the package for you!
When English explorer Captain James Cook sailed into the settled waters of the Marlborough Sounds in the late 17th Century, he must have believed this was paradise. Join us for a modern day journey in Cook’s footsteps along the renowned 71km Queen Charlotte Track. Explore this vast network of drowned river valleys from the unique perspective of this well-formed track. Here lush coastal beech forest reaches out to greet lapping tides of ever-changing hues.
Each night you come to rest at a boutique lodge nestled by the water's edge where your hosts are warm and welcoming, offering up local delights on the lodge menu superbly complimented by fine local wines.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Ship Cove to No Road Inn (approx. 5 hours)
We collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join Beachcomber Cruises service to Ship Cove where your walk begins. 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 of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Take time to explore the waterfall walk and the Captain Cook memorial and then set off on the track proper. NB. There is also an option to add on a guided two hour visit to the very special, Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary.
Accommodation – No Road Inn
Newly completed for 2008, the No Road Inn is a small waterfront lodge on the only privately owned land in Queen Charlotte Sound where the virgin native forest extends right to the sea. Your hosts Garry and Barbara invite you to join them at their new boutique property nestled at the foot of Mount Furneaux in Endeavour Inlet. Set amidst giant rimu and kahikatea trees, the No Road Inn is an oasis for the hiker with a guest lounge, games room, theatre and private hot tub. Dine this evening on a three course meal of Marlborough fare with local seasonal delicacies including blue cod, greenshell mussels, New Zealand lamb and locally baked bread with olive oils; perfectly matched with a Marlborough wine of your choice.
Day 2 – No Road Inn to Mahana Homestead (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, 15 minutes on from there, Mahana Homestead (past Punga Cove).
Accommodation - Mahana Homestead
Mahana Lodge is nestled in the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, on the Queen Charlotte Track far from the hustle and bustle of city life. The clear waters of Endeavour Inlet stretch out towards bush covered mountains and often the only sound is the gentle lapping of the waves, and the song of the bellbird. Your hosts John and Ann have shaped Mahana into an oasis for the weary with its delightful and lovingly restored historic homestead where you dine on the verandah looking out into the bay to the purpose built lodge with four new ensuite rooms and shared guest lounge. Visit John's extensive organic vegetable garden, enjoy free range eggs and test your hosts' knowledge of the local flora and fauna - you won't be disappointed! A stay at Mahana while walking the Queen Charlotte Track is always memorable . . . people search the world over for a respite such as this . . .
Day 3 - Mahana Homestead to Craglee Lodge Retreat (approx. 3-4 hours)
Depart Mahana today and head for the ridgeline, pausing to admire the views down into the head of the Kenepuru Sound. Some lovely views are to be had as you traverse the ridgeline before turning down off the main QueenCharlotte Track to the privately maintained Craglee Lodge track. NB. This track does require a good degree of fitness and a walking stick or pole is recommended due to its steepness in parts but it is well formed and very achieveable. The other option today is to take a water taxi from Mahana Homestead to Craglee for a day of relaxation.
Accommodation – Craglee Lodge Retreat
At Craglee Lodge, it's all about you – a just reward after your hike today. This is a stunning retreat location and a sanctuary to recharge and be spoilt offering superb food, an easy atmosphere and hosts, Rosie & Steve, who take time to make time. The lodge consists of three levels, and all enjoy unspoilt views over the pristine waters of the bay. The scent of fresh flowers, the aromas of home baking, candlelight dinners, twin baths snuggled into the native bush and a grotto with fireplace to simply sit and stargaze add to the unique and romantic Craglee experience. The resident chef prepares all meals with fresh local produce and ensures that fresh fruit and baking is available every day. Eat indoors or al fresco, from a choice of garden settings or decked areas. During the evenings take a tranquil stroll through the tracks, softly illuminated by glow worms, or a bottle of wine up to the grotto for star gazing, or simply kick back and relax in our outdoor baths and enjoy nature's symphony.
Day 4 – Craglee Lodge Retreat to Lochmara Lodge (approx. 6.5/7 hours)
You won’t want to leave but today you depart Craglee Lodge Retreat and return to the ridgeline to continue your hike along the Queen Charlotte Track. Today is a challenging day traversing the ridgeline between Craglee Lodge Retreat & Lochmara Lodge. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. You conclude your walk at Torea Bay (at 4pm) and transfer by water taxi to Lochmara Lodge.
Accommodation- Lochmara Lodge
Set on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound is the Marlborough Sounds’ only Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre. Built by Marlborough locals Shayne Olsen and Louise Bright, since 1997 Lochmara Lodge has achieved national and international recognition as one of the best places to stay in New Zealand. Set in 11 acres, the property features aviaries and enclosures with endangered species breeding programs, organic vegetable garden and orchard, educational signage, sculpture trail and art gallery. It also now has its very own fully licensed café and restaurant, where the cuisine is based on sustainability. The cuisine is simple, rustic and full of flavour, using ingredients that truly give you a taste of this beautiful environment, the Marlborough Sounds. A fitting finale to your Queen Charlotte Track boutique lodge experience.
Day 5 – Lochmara Lodge to Anakiwa (approx.5 hours)
Farewell Lochmara Lodge and ascend to the track 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 Outward Bound wharf in Anakiwa by joining Beachcomber Cruises service back to Picton. NB. As an optional extra today for $110 per person, you can take advantage of a guided one day sea kayak tour with Wilderness Guides from Lochmara Lodge along the picturesque coastline to the track's end at Anakiwa - another popular way to experience the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds and a great alternative to your walk today if you feel like a change!
| Boutique Five Day Independent Walk Package |
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$950 NZ per person
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