Cruise and Walk - New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Discovery

Description

A fantastic combination of a small ship cruise and walking – “A true Marlborough Sounds Experience”.

In designing our itineraries, we had to keep in mind what our passengers (who often turn into friends) wanted:

Interesting and flexible itineraries.
Special requests to visit areas of importance to them.
Not to rush around, but to sit back and take in the atmosphere.
Good Kiwi food like mum used to make.
We feel that we have all the above and more on our cruises, and are proud to say it. So if you have always wanted to explore these places but never knew how to before, what are you waiting for?

Experience your dream with us!

Trip Name

Cruise and Walk - New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Discovery

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Small Ship Passenger Capacity: 16 The vessel Affinity was purpose-built in Picton by Carey’s Boatyard for the type of cruising that she does. Affinity has 8 guest cabins, a comfortable lounge for dining and relaxing, and a spacious deck. Affinity Features: Accommodation is onboard the vessel in 8 cabins (twin share — bed and bunk or double bed). If you are a sole passenger and require a cabin to yourself, our single supplement is available. All cruises are fully catered and all linen is supplied. 3 bathrooms facilities on the main deck — separate ladie's and men’s — with a good supply of hot water. Air conditioning for summer and central heating for winter. Spacious vessel both inside and out, including a comfortable lounge area. Lots of interesting books to read, as well as a few board games. Easy access both on and off the vessel, with platform steps at the stern of the vessel. 4-metre inflatable tender for shore excursions and for use when divers are in the water. Use of gumboots for on deck and going ashore. First aid certificates held by crew members, plus an oxygen cylinder onboard. Vessel complies with all safety regulations and holds all appropriate licences.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Days 1 - 6 Enjoying cruising and walking the Queen Charlotte

Departs from and returns to PictonWalk to the summit of Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Kakariki and Bellbirds live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along. A gem in the Marlborough SoundsVisit Ship Cove where the explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the 1770’s and the starting point of the track. Walk 6 hours from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (approx. 17km)Walk 4 hours from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove, marvel at the scenery and wildlife as you walk along the second section of the track (approx. 12.7km)Walk 8 hours from Camp Bay to Torea Bay, a challenging section of the track as you walk along ridge tops with magnificent views of Queen Charlotte and the Kenepuru Sounds (approx. 23.7km)Walk 4 hours from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay, climbing to 400m to be rewarded with breathtaking views (approx. 5.6km). Then continue onto the last section of the track 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 (approx. 13km)**Affinity will meet you at the end of each walking section – No back tracking** Hot showers to freshen and invigorate you at the end of your enjoyable days walk, your meals all prepared for you, if you are ashore at lunchtime a packaged lunch will be sent with you.You have the same cabin each night so there is no worrying about your luggage which means no heavy packs to carry as your luggage remains on-board.We find safe anchorage every night in a calm and picturesque bay, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better – just ask! Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Day 2 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Day 3 - Day 6 - Picton

Trip ends Picton 09am

Day 4 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Walk to the summit of Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Kakariki and Bellbirds live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along. A gem in the Marlborough Sounds
Visit Ship Cove where the explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the 1770’s and the starting point of the track. Walk 6 hours from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (approx. 17km)
Walk 4 hours from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove, marvel at the scenery and wildlife as you walk along the second section of the track (approx. 12.7km)
Walk 8 hours from Camp Bay to Torea Bay, a challenging section of the track as you walk along ridge tops with magnificent views of Queen Charlotte and the Kenepuru Sounds (approx. 23.7km)
Walk 4 hours from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay, climbing to 400m to be rewarded with breathtaking views (approx. 5.6km). Then continue onto the last section of the track 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 (approx. 13km)
You will meet you at the end of each walking section – No back tracking!
Hot showers to freshen and invigorate you at the end of your enjoyable days walk, your meals all prepared for you, if you are ashore at lunchtime a packaged lunch will be sent with you.
You have the same cabin each night so there is no worrying about your luggage which means no heavy packs to carry as your luggage remains on-board.
We find safe anchorage every night in a calm and picturesque bay, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better – just ask! Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.