Marlborough Sounds Hike & Cruise

Day 1: Embarkation in Picton
Day 2: Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Furneau Lodge, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 3: Furneau Lodge - Camp Bay/Punga Cove, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 4: Camp Bay/Punga Cove - Torea Bay, 15 mi. (24 km)
Day 5: Torea Bay - Mistletoe Bay, 12 mi. (19 km)
Day 6: Disembarkation

All walks are optional - you may wish to stay on board and relax or there may be a shorter walk option. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during the self-guided walks. The daily itinerary may be altered due to weather conditions and the time available.

Day 1: Embarkation in Picton
Welcome aboard for the beginning of your cruise and walk in the Queen Charlotte Sound! Embarkation begins at 3:30 pm in Picton aboard the Affinity, waiting for you moored at the wharf located next to the ferry terminal in Picton. Once all passengers are on-board you will have a safety briefing by the Captain. Afterwhich, while you snack and get to know your fellow passengers and crew, the ship begins a leisurely paced cruise into the Sound, visiting some of the lovely bays and coves that will not be visible as you hike. You will anchor in a sheltered bay for the night.

Dinner will be served at approximately 7 pm. 

Day 2: Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Furneau Lodge, 11 mi. (17 km) 
After breakfast, you cruise towards Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, home to friendly robins and rare South Island Saddlebacks. Here you have the opportunity to go ashore and see and enjoy a 1-hour nature lover’s walk as well as amazing views of Queen Charlotte Sound. You then continue to Ships Cove, the favorite anchorage spot of Captain James Cook during this exploration of New Zealand in the 1770s. The cove is stunningly beautiful, with lush forest and deep green waters. The trek will take about 6 hours, destination Furneaux Lodge, where the Affinity will be awaiting your return. You may be able to have a  thirst-quenching drink at the lodge, so bring along some money on this part of the track. 

Day 3: Furneau Lodge - Camp Bay/Punga Cove, 8 mi. (13 km)
You will walk for 4 hours from Furneaux Lodge to Camp Bay/Punga Cove, where again Affinity will be awaiting your return. If you are earlier than the other walkers you may like to pop along to Punga Cove for a coffee. Once again you will marvel at the scenery and wildlife as you make your way along the track. (approx. 12.7 km). As there will be time left to fill in the afternoon, it is a perfect time to explore Endeavour Inlet as you will not see it all as you trek. You will anchor in a sheltered bay overnight.

Day 4: Camp Bay/Punga Cove - Torea Bay, 15 mi. (24 km) 
You will walk approximately 8 hours today from Camp Bay/Punga Cove to Torea Bay, a challenging section of the track along ridge tops with magnificent views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. 

Day 5: Torea Bay - Mistletoe Bay, 12 mi. (19 km)
Enjoy a 4-hour scenic walk from Torea Bay to picturesque Mistletoe Bay, climbing to 400 m to be rewarded with breathtaking views (approx. 5.6 km), then walk another 4 hours to Anakiwa, following an old bridle path that takes you through beautiful regeneration and mature native forest with Fantails, Waxeyes, Tomtits, Finches, and Weka. (the final section of the track approx. 13 km).

Day 6: Disembarkation
After breakfast, the Affinity will leisurely cruise to Picton.  At approx. 9 am the crew will bid you farewell and a safe journey home.

Your accommodations during your unique New Zealand cruise and walk is the standard class ship, the Affinity. This vessel is simple, practical, and the perfect vessel to cruise hidden bays and coves. The atmosphere on board is homey and informal.

• Affinity

  Standard

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  View Boat

  Standard Class Boat

  The Affinity was purpose-built in Picton by Carey’s Boatyard for exactly the type of cruising that she does, deep into the Marlborough Sounds. Affinity has 8 guest cabins, a comfortable lounge for dining and relaxing, and a spacious deck. This boat is the perfect size for groups of families and friends. Read More