Queen Charlotte Walk: New Zealand: 2011
11 days/10 nights ex Christchurch: 6 days walking

Trip grade:	Moderate
Trip Dates:	5 - 15 February, 2011
Tour Cost:	A$2390.00 twin/sharing. Single room supplement A$750.00 ex Christchurch
Accommodation:	Hotels/motels, B&Bs and tourist lodges
Maximum group size:	12

From Christchurch we head north for some superb walking on the Kaikoura Peninsula. North again to the Marlborough region, famous for its wine, (which we will be tasting of course) and then on to Picton to start the Queen Charlotte Track through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

The 67 kilometre track passes through lush coastal forest, around coves and inlets, and along skyline ridges offering breathtaking views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. We stay in comfortable lodges all the way and baggage is moved by water taxi!

Itinerary

Day 1:
Meet at our hotel in Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch

Day 2:
Travel via the Tranz Coastal train from Christchurch to Kaikoura. Settle in to our accommodation and set off foot to explore the town. Overnight (3 nights): Kaikoura


Day 3:
A day walk on the Kaikoura Peninsula. Overnight: Kaikoura.

Day 4:
A second day walk in the Kaikoura region. Overnight: Kaikoura

Day 5:
Travel by mini-coach to Picton; the main port in the Marlborough Sounds. En route we will stop at Blenheim for a winery tour and tastings. Overnight: Picton.

Days 6:
Walking from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet (approx. 5 hours/14km) After breakfast we will be transferred by water taxi to Ship Cove where our Queen Charlotte Walk begins. This reserve was a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook's during his explorations in the 1770s. Situated in virgin beech forest, it has stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sound. We can take time to explore the waterfall walk and the Captain Cook memorial before we set off on the track proper. Overnight: Furneaux Lodge, Endeavour Inlet.

Day 7:
Walking from Endeavour Inlet to Camp Bay (approx. 4 hours/12km)
Today's mainly coastal walk takes us around the inlet through regenerating native bush; home to a variety of NZ native birds. At the head of the bay to learn we pass the site of antimony mining that thrived there in the 1880s.
Overnight: Punga Cove Resort

Day 8:
Walking from Camp Bay to Torea Saddle/Portage Bay (approx. 8 hours/22.5km)
This is a long day on the ridgeline between Punga Cove and the Torea Saddle near Portage. Grand vistas around every corner. Those who feel like a day's rest can opt for a boat ride around the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound to Portage. (at additional cost). Overnight (2 nights): The Portage Resort Hotel

Day 9:
A rest day at Portage Bay. The Portage Resort Hotel is situated on the water's edge. Simply relax at the hotel, hire a mountain-bike, or book onto a guided sea kayaking tour. Overnight: Portage Resort Hotel.

Day 10:
Walking from The Portage to Anakiwa - Picton (approx.7 hours/20.5km) Today we will ascend to the ridgeline once again, enjoying panoramic views. Open farmland and a native bush section to finish. We return by boat from the Anakiwa Jetty to Picton to compete our Queen Charlotte Walk.
Overnight: Picton Hotel, Picton.

Day 11:
Our tour ends after breakfast, giving you the opportunity to extend your time in New Zealand.