Ultimate Day Walk, Kupes Trail
9 hours 30 minutes · E-Ko New Zealand Ltd
from $211.67 per person Check availability →
Self-Guided Hike, Boat Transfer
Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton
from $67 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.
- Duration
- 8 hours 30 minutes
- Meeting point
- London Quay
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Run by
- Beachcomber Cruises
Overview
The day starts at London Quay in Picton, where Beachcomber Cruises runs the boat that carries walkers out into Queen Charlotte Sound. After roughly an hour on the water, the vessel reaches Historic Ship Cove, a favorite anchorage of Captain James Cook, and from there the walking options split. One route runs 17 kilometers from Ship Cove itself, over Tawa Saddle and down through Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge. The other skips the long leg: walkers get about half an hour ashore at Ship Cove, reboard, and start a 12.7-kilometer hike from Furneaux Lodge around Endeavour Inlet to Punga Cove Resort.
Either way, the track is well marked and travels through regenerating native bush along the coastline, with views out over the sound for much of the way. Walking time runs between three and five hours depending on pace, and reviewers repeatedly describe the terrain as manageable, some calling it quite flat and others noting lots of ups and downs without calling it strenuous. The boat collects everyone at the far end and returns to Picton, arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, for a total duration of 8.5 hours.
This suits independent travellers who want a proper chunk of the Queen Charlotte Track without logistics, guides or overnight gear. It is not a guided walk, the skipper's commentary happens on the cruise legs, and food and drinks are bought separately at the lodges. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
From$67 per person
Duration8 hours 30 minutes
Rating4.8 from 424 reviews
What's Included
Included
- Round-trip water transport
- Skipper's commentary
- Self-guided walk (12.7 or 17 kilometers)
Not Included
- Food and drinks
Run byBeachcomber Cruises
Itinerary
- Meet at London QuayCheck in at Beachcomber Cruises, Queen Charlotte Cruise & Track Adventures, London Quay, Picton. The reservations team confirms the exact schedule at check-in.
- Cruise to Ship CoveA water taxi of about 1 hour north through Queen Charlotte Sound, with skipper commentary and the chance to keep an eye out for marine wildlife.
- Walk the track, 5 hoursChoose the 17-kilometer hike from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge, or take the shorter option with roughly 30 minutes at Ship Cove before reboarding to Furneaux Lodge for the 12.7-kilometer walk to Punga Cove. Walking time varies between 3 and 5 hours with fitness.
- Relax at the lodgeTime to unwind before the pickup. Food and drinks at Furneaux Lodge cost extra, and one reviewer mentioned having a swim while waiting for the return boat.
- Cruise back to PictonA water taxi of about 1 hour returns to the London Quay departure point, with estimated arrival between 5:30 and 6:00 PM.
CommentaryIncluded
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points shape how this day goes, from footwear to how much spare time you end up with at the end.
- Fitness and pace. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, with walking time between 3 and 5 hours. Several reviewers said the track was not too difficult, and one fast walker finished the shorter route with a couple of hours to spare, so there is room to slow down and enjoy the stops along the way.
- What to bring. Warm clothing, a sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, weather-appropriate layers and sports shoes are recommended for this cruise. Bring your own water bottle and snacks, since food and drinks are not included and the lodges cost extra.
- Track condition. Reviewers consistently describe the track as well marked, easy to follow and in good condition. One mentioned a toilet conveniently placed midway along the route.
- Crowds and quiet. Several reviewers said they saw very few other people on the trail on their days out, with one reporting a single other walker. That quiet came on their own trips, so the experience can vary.
- Self-Guided Hike, Boat Transfer (this tour)$67
- Hike to Eatwells Lookout$83.40
- Ultimate Day Walk, Kupes Trail$211.67
- Food and drink. Food and drinks are not included, and Furneaux Lodge is the spot where you can grab a coffee or brunch before the walk. One reviewer found the food at the cafe where they caught the water taxi average but praised the drinks, so snacks are a sensible backup.
- Trust the timings. One reviewer noted the posted timings on the boards were accurate for their group, who walk at a good pace. The reservations team confirms the exact schedule at check-in.
Common issues. This is a self-guided walk, so anyone expecting a guide on the track will not have one; commentary comes from the skipper on the boat legs. Walking times vary widely with fitness. Food, drinks and hotel pickup are excluded. Smoking, vaping, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, non-folding wheelchairs and walking frames are not allowed, so the tour does not suit travellers with limited mobility. One reviewer wished the boat commentary were clearer and more consistent between crews.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Price?
Round-trip water transport between Picton and the track, the skipper's commentary on the cruise legs, and the self-guided walk, either 12.7 or 17 kilometers. Food and drinks are not included, and neither is hotel pickup.
Where Does The Tour Start?
At Beachcomber Cruises, Queen Charlotte Cruise & Track Adventures on London Quay in Picton. There is no hotel pickup, and the reservations team confirms the exact pickup time with you at check-in.
How Hard Is The Walk?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Walking time runs between 3 and 5 hours depending on pace, and reviewers generally describe the track as manageable, with some ups and downs but nothing they considered strenuous.
Can I Choose Which Section To Walk?
Yes. The 17-kilometer option starts at Ship Cove and ends at Furneaux Lodge, while the shorter 12.7-kilometer option starts at Furneaux Lodge after a brief stop at Ship Cove and ends at Punga Cove Resort.
What Should I Bring?
Warm clothing, a sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, weather-appropriate clothing and sports shoes, plus your own water bottle and snacks. Food and drinks cost extra, though you can grab a coffee or brunch at Furneaux Lodge.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window, check the booking page for the terms that apply to your booking.
Check Live Dates And Prices
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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