Queen Charlotte and Abel Tasman Hike

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch to Picton

   You'll be picked up from a central location in Christchurch at 8am, and then drive north to Kaikoura, which takes about 2.5 hours. The scenic drive leads you to the Kaikoura Peninsula, where you'll embark on your first walk along the cliff tops. You'll be rewarded with dramatic views of mountains and sea, with opportunities to spot seals and seabirds.
   
   Afterward, you'll continue driving up the east coast for another 2 hours until you reach Picton, the gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds. You'll have time to explore the town, visit the marina, or take a short bush walk before meeting for your first group dinner. You'll spend the next two nights in Picton.

   Walking time: 1.5 - 2.5hrs
   

   • Accommodation in Picton
   • Lunch and Dinner
2. Day 2Motuara Island & Queen Charlotte Track

   This morning, you'll start early to catch an 8am cruise to the far reaches of the Marlborough Sounds. Your first stop is Motuara Island, where you'll disembark to the magic of morning birdsong and have an hour to explore this fascinating bird sanctuary. You can walk to a lookout point, approximately 800 meters each way, offering incredible 360-degree views. Keep an eye out for native penguins, tui, bellbirds, saddleback, and yellow-crowned parakeets.
   
   Returning to the boat, you'll cross to Resolution Bay, named after Captain James Cook’s ship, the HMS Resolution, from his second and third voyages. Here, you'll join the Queen Charlotte Track and gradually climb uphill through lush native forest along an old bridle path. You'll cross over Tawa Saddle to reach Endeavor Inlet, where a fantastic lookout with an interesting information panel provides a great spot to rest and enjoy the views.
   
   The track continues to weave through native tree ferns with glimpses of the vivid blue ocean as you descend back to the shoreline. After reaching Furneaux Lodge, you’ll have time for a quick swim or refreshments before catching your late afternoon water taxi back to Picton. You will overnight again in Picton.

   Walking times
   Motuara Island 1 hour
   Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge 3 hours (10.5km)
   

   • Accommodation in Picton
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
3. Day 3Queen Charlotte track to Lochmara Lodge

   After breakfast, you'll pack an overnight bag to be transported by boat to tonight's accommodation, while the rest of your gear will be stored on the bus. From Picton, you'll take a short water taxi across Queen Charlotte Sound to Torea Bay. Today's scenic walk starts with a climb out of the bay to a low saddle where you'll meet up with the Queen Charlotte Track.
   
   Weaving in and out of Manuka bush, you'll climb a ridgeline for incredible panoramic views of the vivid blue sea, secluded bays, and bush-clad shorelines on either side. Reaching a high point, you'll be rewarded with stunning views in all directions. From here, you'll gradually descend into Lochmara Bay to reach your comfortable lodge, accessible only by foot, bike, or boat.
   
   The rest of the afternoon offers a great opportunity to relax in one of the many hammocks, take out a kayak or paddleboard, swim, explore the bush walks around the property, visit the Underwater Observatory (own expense), or enjoy the art exhibition spaces. When it gets dark, make sure to explore the glowworm grotto!
   
   Walking time: 3-5 hours

   • Lochmara Lodge
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     On the Track Lodge, Nydia Bay

     Spend the third night here, at this delightful eco-lodge nestled into lush surrounds

   • 

     On the Track Lodge, Nydia Bay

     Spend the third night here, at this delightful eco-lodge nestled into lush surrounds

   • 

     On the Track Lodge, Nydia Bay

     Spend the third night here, at this delightful eco-lodge nestled into lush surrounds

4. Day 4Lochmara Lodge to Motueka

   After a relaxed breakfast, you'll have a chance to enjoy more of the activities and surroundings at your beautiful accommodation. At 11am, you'll depart by water taxi and return to Picton. From there, you'll drive to Nelson, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk to "The Center Of New Zealand," a vantage point overlooking the city and Tasman Bay.
   
   The final drive of the day will take you to the small town of Motueka, known for its lively café culture and artistic community. You'll stay here for the next two nights.
   
   Walking time: 1-2 hours

   • Accommodation in Motueka
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Motueka and Abel Tasman track

   This morning, you'll drive to Marahau to start the famous Abel Tasman track. You'll embark on a half-day hike into Anchorage along the well-formed Abel Tasman walkway, which drops into several beautiful sheltered bays and golden sand beaches. Around midday, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking Torrent Bay.
   
   After lunch, you'll board a catamaran for an exciting sail around the heads and back to your vehicle. To round out a wonderful day, you'll take some time to enjoy Kaiteriteri Beach, with the chance for a late afternoon swim or a relaxing stroll along the golden sands. From here, it's only a short drive back to Motueka.
   
   Walking time: 3 hours  
   Sailing: 3 hours

   • Accommodation in Motueka
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Relax and take a ride on a yacht

     See Abel Tasman National Park from a different perspective as you enjoy a boat ride

6. Day 6Motueka to St Arnaud

   Leaving Moteuka you will have a short 1-hour drive inland into the Nelson Lake National Park and at St Arnaud, you will have a choice of a shorter 2-hour loop in the Lake Rotoiti Nature Recovery area or a 5 hr circuit to the upper slopes of Mt Roberts. This track climbs steeply to the bushline and the summit of the ridgeline with awesome views over the lake & St Arnaud range, before returning via a loop track back to the coach and your accommodation. The bush is stunning and Lake Rotoiti a magic location.

   Walking options: 2 hours or 5 hours
   

   • Accommodation in St Arnaud
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Lake Rotoiti Trekking

     Choose your walk today, all guaranteeing magnificent views

7. Day 7St Arnaud to Christchurch

   Thanks to intensive pest eradication efforts, native bird numbers are increasing in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Early risers will have the chance to take a short bush walk and experience the enchanting morning songs of the forest, known as the “dawn chorus.”
   
   Afterwards, you'll drive through the spectacular Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass to the alpine resort of Hanmer Springs. Here, you can opt for a short walk in the forest, visit the hot pools for a relaxing soak in the thermal springs (own expense), or wander around the small town and relax in a local café.
   
   In the late afternoon, you'll return to Christchurch, with an expected arrival in central Christchurch around 6pm.

   • Breakfast and Lunch