Getting There
Our journey from Wellington to South Island seamlessly blended historical exploration with natural splendor. The ferry voyage across Cook Strait, connecting Wellington and Picton, marked the prelude to our adventure. Socializing with fellow walkers from the Scenic Walkers group over dinner in town and a night in an unpretentious motel added a friendly touch.
The next day, under the arrangements made by Wilderness Guides, we took a water taxi to the enchanting Ship Cove nestled in Queen Charlotte Sound. The cove&s historical resonance, shaped by Captain James Cook&s multiple visits, instilled a profound sense of wonder. As a strategic haven for replenishing supplies during Cook&s 18th-century voyages, Ship Cove pays homage to his ship, HMS Resolution. Beyond historical significance, the cove serves as the starting point for the Queen Charlotte Track, a 70 km trek through breathtaking landscapes - a harmonious confluence of history and nature that etched indelible memories of our journey.
Day 01
Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge
03-Apr-2021
Commencing our trek from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge unfolded as a delightful blend of history, nature, and comfort. Immersed in the historical tapestry of Ship Cove, we explored Captain Cook's legacy through informative boards. Fueled with energy, we ascended the 270-meter ridge, relishing panoramic views throughout the day. The well-maintained track facilitated a seamless trek, with encounters of enthusiastic bike riders adding a dynamic element. Descending to Schoolhouse Bay and climbing to Tawa Saddle showcased the diverse terrain. Reaching The Bluewater Lodge and ultimately Furneaux Lodge we were pleasantly surprised by the Tobias Junior Suite - a luxurious departure from our typical tramping accommodations. The comfortable bed and ensuite marked a welcome upgrade. The day culminated with a sumptuous dinner, and drinks at the lodge's restaurant, setting high expectations for the remainder of our walking adventure.
Day 02
Furneaux Lodge to Mahana Lodge
04-Apr-2021
Embarking on a trek from Furneaux Lodge to Mahana Lodge proved to be a delightful journey, characterized by a perfect blend of scenic beauty and culinary delights. The day commenced with a leisurely stroll along the Endeavour Inlet, offering mesmerizing vistas of Furneaux Lodge. The gradual ascent through densely forested shores led us to the ridge's zenith, unveiling breathtaking panoramas of the sounds below.
Mahana Lodge, situated a mere 10 to 15-minute walk from Punga Cove Resort, boasts a quaint charm with wooden cabins and a main building housing an outdoor restaurant. The lodge's intimacy is evident, accommodating only a handful of guests nightly. The culinary experience was nothing short of magical; a gourmet dinner, meticulously prepared by the host, awaited us at 7.00 p.m. The chef's engaging introduction to each dish, elucidating cooking methods and ingredient origins, set the stage for a gastronomic adventure. Following a sumptuous main course and delectable dessert, the day concluded with a serene night walk in search of glow worms in the nearby bush. It was a fitting conclusion to a day marked by both physical activity and culinary indulgence.
Day 03
Mahana Lodge to Portage Resort
05-Apr-2021
Starting our trek from Mahana Lodge to Portage Lodge, the day unfolded as a captivating journey through varied landscapes and scenic viewpoints. Following a hearty breakfast, we were guided through a shortcut along Akerbloms Road towards the Kenepuru Saddle, a route that promised both efficiency and scenic charm. The track ascended towards Eatwells Lookout, situated at 470 meters above sea level, treating us to a panoramic 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape - a moment of serene appreciation for the beauty of the region.
Having conquered the more challenging sections, we eased into a mostly downhill walk towards the Bay of Many Coves. Between Bay of Many Coves and Ruakaka Bay, a breathtaking vista of Kenepuru Sounds unfolded, adding a touch of magnificence to the journey. The final leg was a gentle descent leading us to the Portage Resort. Despite an initial room allocation confusion, we regrouped, preparing for pre-dinner drinks and a convivial group dinner in the comfort of our corrected suites. As the last evening together, we lingered a little longer, savoring shared stories and reflecting on the memorable moments of our trek.
Day 04
Portage Resort to Anakiwa
06-Apr-2021
Embarking on our journey from Portage Resort to Anakiwa, we encountered both challenges and rewards. The initial hurdle was a daunting ascent, requiring us to conquer nearly 400 meters to reach the summit of Onahau Lookout. A gender-based divergence unfolded as the resourceful female members secured a lift in a van to the peak, leaving the male counterparts, specifically myself, to navigate the ascent on foot.
As we reconvened at the road crossing, the fatigue of the uphill trek lingered. However, the panoramic views from Onahau Lookout, spanning Kenepuru Sounds, Lochmara Bay, and Onahau Bay, served as a breathtaking reward. Following a brief reprieve, we resumed our journey towards Grove Arm, ultimately reaching our destination in Anakiwa.
In Anakiwa, while awaiting the water taxi and accommodating the slower walkers, some of us indulged in a refreshing dip in the chilly waters of the local stony beach. The concluding leg of our adventure involved a swift sail across the sounds, returning us to Picton, marking the end of our Queen Charlotte Track escapade.
