Minimum 2 persons booked required to depart.
Please contact us if you are travelling on your own as you may be able to join with a small group.
Group and Private rates available on request.
If you are passing through Picton or Marlborough, this one day guided experience is an excellent outing through the premium section of the track in the Marlborough Sounds, including a visit to a protected wildlife bird island.
This trip is for those who want the added value of having everything provided as well as the chance to learn about the history and wildlife of the Marlborough Sounds with one of our passionate and knowledgeable local guides, this is the perfect one day experience of the Queen Charlotte Track.
Duration: 1 day (7:30am to 5:00pm)
Total Distance: 9km (5.6 miles)
Meal Inclusions: Lunch only
Minimum number of persons: 2
Basic Description: Visit Motuara Island, a protected bird sanctuary, before seeing the historic Ship Cove and walking on the Queen Charlotte Track.
Enjoy lunch on track and the company of your knowledgeable guide.
Group rates available on request.
Please contact us if you are travelling on your own as you may be able to join with a small group.
Meet Your Guide
Arrive at our waterfront office to meet your guides at 7:30am.
After a short briefing, and packing you freshly packed lunch, we join our morning boat ride to the outer sounds.
Birds!
Start your adventure with a visit to Motuara Island, and protected Historic and Scenic reserve. This island is a sanctuary for native birds and wildlife thanks to the pest protection work carried out by DoC and their friends.
Look out for New Zealand Falcons, Kereru woodpigeons, kakariki parakeets and more darting amongst the trees.
Walking up to the islands high point, you can ascend through the canopy to a treetop look out with views over to Kapiti Island and on, looking over the Cook Strait.
A look into the past
After we depart this special spot, a short boat ride takes us to the historic location of Meretoto - Ship Cove.
One of the most significant locations in both local Māori and early European history, your guide will help you to immerse yourself in this stunning site.
Into the trees
Experience the first section of the famous Queen Charlotte Track.
Starting in native original rainforest, you are climbing gently through ancient giants, stopping occasionally to enjoy the views back down to the water.
Our high point today at 200m is marked by seating and an opening in the canopy with views back over Motuara Island, and onward to the Kapiti Coast.
The downward section of track contrast with native but regenerating forest, a sign of early European farming - now returning naturally to native woodland.
Ending the walk following down near the coast, we arrive at Resolution Bay for our water taxi collection.
Sit back and relax.
Bring the day to a close with a relaxing cruise around the Endeavour Inlet and back into Picton. This 2-hour boat ride passes the track lodges as your return to town. Keep your eyes on the water for visiting marine guests including seals and dolphins - tip from the experts: look for diving birds!
Scheduled service boats arrive back into Picton between 5:00-5:30pm during the busy season.
Private water taxi arrangements can be made if you want to be back sooner.
Please contact wilderness Guides directly as part of your booking for prices and availability.
Standard Departures*: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
Private departures available daily - please enquire directly
*all departure dates are subject to minimum booking numbers
The Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track is the ultimate place to hike and explore with Wilderness Guides as you follow in the footsteps of those gone before.
