Day 1 – 17km Hike Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, water taxi transfer to Punga Cove
Make your way to Wilderness Guides HQ on the waterfront and after an extensive briefing, depart on the water taxi to Ship Cove where your trip 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 ponga ferns and other New Zealand native foliage.
This day is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. The track is wide but is steep in places so watch for drop offs and rocky areas as you pass over two high saddles and finish walking along the waters edge.
Your journey takes you to the historic Furneaux Lodge set in rich native forest. Jump aboard your afternoon water taxi, only 15 minutes across the Endeavour Inlet your accommodation at Punga Cove Resort.
Day 2 - 24.5km Ride Punga Cove to Torea Saddle/Portage Resort
Ascend to the main Queen Charlotte Track. Today you are riding mostly along the exposed ridgeline with stunning views over both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. There are many steep hill climbs to challenge you through the morning. The Bay of Many Coves campsite is a welcome stop to enjoy the vistas and some food. Continue along the ridgeline until you reach the Black Rock Shelter. Here the final hills descend into Torea Saddle through stunning beech forest. End the day riding and down the sealed road into Portage Resort.
Alternative Riding Option: Ride the Kenepuru road and enjoy an easier day of mixed gravel and sealed road riding, and stunning views across the Kenepuru Sound.
Day 3 – Kayak Torea Bay to Picton/Ngakuta Bay
Your kayak is delivered to Torea Bay this morning at 8:15am (near Portage) for your independent kayak around the picturesque bays and coves of Queen Charlotte Sound concluding to either Ngakuta Bay or Picton Harbour (weather dependent). There are numerous bays and coves to explore along the way and lunch can be had at a secluded beach of your choice. Be on the look-out for dolphins and little blue penguins as well as New Zealand fur seals on the points you pass. A wonderful way to finish three days of adventure!
NB. No meals are included in this package but can be arranged at the various lodges along the track.
