Itinerary:
Day 1 – Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet
We collect you from your accommodation in Picton to join a pre-tour briefing prior to the water taxi to Ship Cove where your walk begins. This scenic and historic reserve was a favourite anchorage for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s as well as being a site of significance for local Maori. Bush is mainly a mixture of stunning podocarp and beech forest with punga ferns and other New Zealand native foliage. This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Your walk concludes at the historic Furneaux Lodge.
Day 2 – Punga Cove - Furneaux lodge
10am transfer Furneaux - Punga Cove.
Today’s coastal walk takes you from Punga Cove through mostly regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other New Zealand native birds. The track continues through native bush and over a small swing bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet. Pause there to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. Before you know it your back enjoying the comfort of Furneaux lodge.
Day 3 – 2 options:
Water taxi Furneaux lodge - Punga Cove (8am)
Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage Bay (approx. 8 hours/24.5km)
It’s a challenging day walking on the ridgeline between Punga Cove & Torea Saddle near Portage. Truly grand vistas abound round every corner – a wonderful reward indeed. You will be collected from Torea Bay at 4:30pm and return to Picton at 5.00pm approx.
or
Take the morning water taxi transfer from Furneaux lodge to Picton
The water taxi will come and pick you up at approx. 10.45am. This time table is valid May to September - return time to Picton around 12.30-12.45pm). Cruise around the bays and make your way to Picton, arriving there early afternoon.
