The Ultimate Sounds Adventure

Experience the beauty and magic of the Marlborough Sounds from three different perspectives - spend one day hiking, one day sea kayaking and one day mountain biking. At night, rest and relax in the peaceful surroundings of Portage Resort Hotel. Your guide will ensure that you are able to enjoy each day in safety and at your own pace.

Day 1 – Walking Catch a 9.00am water taxi from Picton to Ship Cove in the outer Queen Charlotte Sound and the start of the Queen Charlotte Track. Ship Cove is one of the most historic areas in the Sounds as it was one of James Cook's most popular destinations on his many world travels. The area is surrounded by bountiful virgin bush and the walk to the top of the ridge provides spectacular views. The track travels from Ship Cove through native virgin bush, over two saddles and down into Resolution Bay and then Endeavour Inlet. As you arrive at Furneaux Lodge, you catch a water taxi down the Queen Charlotte Sound to Torea Bay and over the hill to Portage Resort Hotel. The standard accommodation on this trip is bunkroom or you can upgrade to twin share at an additional cost – cook your own meal, or dine in their restaurant, and then rest and relax in the magic surroundings of Keneperu Sound. (approximately 5 hours walking)

Day 2 – Sea Kayaking A leisurely day’s sea kayaking in the Keneperu Sound. As you paddle from the Portage foreshore on the Keneperu Sound, you may visit a mussel farm, paddle past a ship wreck from a bygone era, or experience a chance encounter with dolphins. You will have time to stop on a tranquil beach where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, go for a swim or a short bush walk before paddling back to Portage Resort Hotel. (approximately 5 hours sea kayaking)

Day 3 – Mountain Biking Ride the Kenepuru Road from Portage Hotel to Waterfall Bay before joining the Queen Charlotte Track - regarded as one of New Zealand's best mountain bike rides. Travelling around Onahau Bay, the track is narrow and undulating. From the headland, you descend into a wider more moderate section through magnificent beech forest before a long descent into Anakiwa. At the end of the ride, return by either water taxi or road to Picton. (approximately 4 hours cycling)

Inclusions: All water transfers, guide, all equipment, luggage transfer by water taxi, twin share en-suite accommodation and packed lunch each day.

Departures: Every Wednesday between 01 Nov 09- 30 Apr 10

Minimum Age: 16 years

See also:

• North Island Guided Walks
• South Island Guided Walks