1 Day Walk or Ride the Queen Charlotte Track from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge

Your adventure will begin as you cruise north from Picton on one of our fleet through the drowned river valleys of the Queen Charlotte Sound and past idyllic bays. As we head towards Ship Cove your skipper will talk about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area and – if there is time- will get closer to any passing wildlife, including dolphins who like to play in the wake of the boat.

In the 1770s, sheltered Ship Cove provided safe anchorage, food, water and timber for explorer Captain James Cook and his ship crews on five separate occasions and saw some of the earliest sustained contact between Mäori and Europeans.

There is plenty of historical information at Ship Cove before you climb away from the beach through native forest regenerating beneath a high canopy of trees. The forest includes manuka, kanuka, five finger and tree ferns and is home to many native New Zealand bird species: tui, fantails, silvereyes and tomtits. If you stop for a break, a curious weka may come to check you out.

When you reach Tawa Saddle, stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sound spread out before you. The track then drops into Resolution Bay and follows an old bridle path into Endeavour Inlet.

Furneaux Lodge at the head of the Endeavor Inlet is your destination. Here you can buy drinks and meals and relax before boarding your cruise vessel at approximately 4-4.30pm for your return to Picton. Arriving back at approximately 5.30-6pm.

Notes:

1. Between 1 December and 1 March bikes are recommended to go on the 8am departure to Ship Cove.
2. All resorts operate a closedown period over the winter months so there may be no café facilities available at the end of your walk. Please contact our reservations office to check for current availability.

Distance and Duration

17km, approximately 5 hours walking

Additional Terms and Conditions

• If you have a discount card please contact our office directly to receive your discount. Refunds will not be made if you book online at full rate.
• There is a minimum number of persons required for this tour to operate, our reservations team will contact you if this will not be going ahead
• During the winter months we do operate on a reduced schedule, if the day you require is not available on the booking calendar please contact us to check for additional availability