Day 1
Ship Cove/Meretoto - Furneaux Lodge
17km/5 hours approx
Depart Picton by water taxi and travel to Ship Cove/Meretoto. Walk 17km (approximately 5.5 hours), starting with a gradual climb to the viewpoint overlooking outer Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and Motuara Island. Continue along an old bridle track through beautiful native forest to another great view, this time over Endeavour Inlet. From here, it’s downhill to the shoreline and to Furneaux Lodge. Stay at the lodge, which has accommodation ranging from contemporary suites to family cottages and budget-friendly hikers cabins.
Day 2
Furneaux Lodge – Punga Cove
12km/4 hours approx
This stretch of track meanders around the coastline of Endeavour Inlet, winding through gullies of lush tree ferns and forest rich in bird life. Cross trickling streams and a swing bridge before ending your day at the Camp Bay campsite or Punga Cove lodge, where accommodation includes backpacker cabins, luxury suites and cosy A-frames chalets.
Day 3
Punga Cove – Torea Saddle/Portage
23.5km/8 hours approx
Leaving Punga Cove, head uphill and follow the road to the next section of the track. Your climb will be rewarded with stunning views from Eatwells Lookout, a short diversion off the main track. Continuing south, you’ll get 360 degree ridgeline views across Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui and Kenepuru Sound before descending into beautiful forest and emerging at Portage. Choose from hotel, self-contained or backpacker accommodation or stay at a DOC campsite.
Day 4
Torea Saddle/Portage – Anakiwa
20.5km/7-8 hours approx
Day four starts with a challenging uphill climb to the ridgeline. Follow the undulating track while admiring views over Kenepuru Sound and across to Picton before dropping down into forest and Te Mahia Saddle above Mistletoe Bay.
Join old bridle paths through bush and private farmland, taking in views of the bays below before rounding the point into Grove Arm and into coastal beech forest. The beach at Umungata (Davies Bay) makes a scenic final stop before Anakiwa.
