Cruise & Day Walk from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge

Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton to Ship Cove and set off on a 15km nature walk on the Queen Charlotte Track, finishing at Furneaux Lodge. Beachcomber Cruises provide a return scenic cruise from Picton and pick you up at the head of the Endeavor Inlet after you have explored this beautiful section of the famous Queen Charlotte Track. This full day cruise and walk tour is the perfect way to experience Marlborough Sounds, with interesting commentary on your cruise, wildlife encounters, history and superb scenery all included.

Your Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge adventure begins with boarding your Beachcomber Cruises vessel in Picton, and meeting your friendly skipper. As you cruise past pristine waterways and picturesque bays, learn about the history of Queen Charlotte Sound and come across wildlife such as playful dolphins and fur seals. After a 1.5 hour scenic cruise, arrive at the historic Ship Cove, which in the 1770s was used for safe anchorage by the explorer Captain James Cook. Take a moment to explore the bay before heading off to walk a 15km section of the Queen Charlotte Track that passes through native forest with spectacular views.

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 71km long walking track connecting the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds in Marlborough Sounds. This full day cruise and walk from Picton with Beachcomber Cruises provides a taster of the track between Ship Cove and Furneaux Lodge. Climb through the beach forest and keep a lookout for New Zealand birds such as tui, tomtits and weka. Once you reach the Tawa Saddle, you are rewarded with spectacular views across Queen Charlotte Sound before descending into Resolution Bay and the Endeavor Inlet, where your destination awaits. Relax and take in your surroundings at Furneaux Lodge, where you can purchase some well-deserved refreshments or a meal while waiting for your return 1.5 hour cruise to Picton with Beachcomber Cruises.