4 Days | An idyllic adventure through the tip of New Zealand’s South Island
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.
Trip overview
- Start
- Picton, New Zealand
- Finish
- Picton, New Zealand
- Theme
- Walking & trekking
- Destinations
- New Zealand
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- PHXQ
- 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.
- This is a hiking trip, you should come prepared as the fitter you are, the more enjoyable all the hikes will be.
- This trip involves plenty of hiking over varied terrain, good footwear, clothing for all types of weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 July 2023 - 30 April 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Private vehicle, Water Taxi
Hotel (3 nights)
- Resolution Bay - Picnic Lunch
- Resolution Bay - Meretoto to Endeavour Inlet Track
- Punga Cove - Big Bay to Punga Cove Track
- Portage Bay - Packed Lunch
- Portage Bay - Kenepuru Saddle to Portage Bay Track
Dates and availability
Important notes
START & END TIME
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8:30am on Day 1 at Cougar Line at Picton Marina on the corner of London Quay & Wellington Street under the 3 purple flags. It is very important you will be at the meeting point on time as the group will take a ferry to Meretoto at 9:30am. Please note, departures from May to September will run on Winter ferry timetable, therefore the welcome meeting will start at 8am with a ferry departure at 9am. You are expected to arrive back in Picton on Day 4 in the mid-afternoon.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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