Punga Cove, Marlborough, New Zealand. Flickr:Claire Fox

Marlborough Sounds Hike & Cruise

New Zealand Hiking + Walking Tours

Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound & walk the Queen Charlotte hiking track

Tour Type
Self Guided
Skill Level
Moderate
Length
6 days
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Prices from
NZ$2864 Rates
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Overview
Itinerary
Map
Boats
Inclusions
Dates & Pricing
Extra Info
Photos

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Overview
Hike and cruise in New Zealand? Even as we type the name, our wanderlust is stirred. Far from the normal stomping grounds, the land of the kiwis beckons. This is the landscape of Tolkien's Middle Earth: sweeping mountain vistas and rolling green hills.
At the top of New Zealand's south island, you will find the Marlborough Sounds whose winding waterways reveal secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves, and precious island sanctuaries.
The coastal paradise of Queen Charlotte Sound is one of the two main waterways of the Sounds. Native birdlife thrives here, and the pristine waters are home to dolphins, penguins, orca, stingrays, and other seabirds.
Your floating accommodation, the Affinity, is your means to maneuver the narrow waterways, shallow bays, and areas that the bigger ships just cannot navigate.
Highlights
- Queen Charlotte Sound
- Queen Charlotte Track
- Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary
- Beautiful Ships Cove
- Punga Cove
- Kenepuru Sounds
View 19 Photos
Itinerary
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.
Map
Boats
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.
Boat Types: Standard
- 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
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation aboard the Affinity for 5 nights
- All meals: daily continental breakfast, lunch (packed lunch for those out on the trail), & dinner
- Morning & afternoon teas
- Sunset snacks
- Track fees
- Gumboots for use onboard
- Transfers as indicated
What’s Not Included
- International & domestic flights
- Personal expenses
- Walking guide (all walks are self-guided)
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Standard Class
Affinity
December 11, 2024
January 7 & February 15, 2025
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- † Currency exchange rate set 90 days before travel
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024/2025

Type of cabin Price per person
Perpendicular bed cabin* $ 2,864 NZD
Supplement for single cabin** $ 712 NZD
*Seven cabins can be either double (double bed on the bottom with a single bed above the foot) or twin share (two single bunk-style beds with the second bed above the foot of the bottom bed).
**One cabin is either just a single or double (does not have a bed across the foot of the other bed).
Please note that this tour requires a 20% non-refundable deposit.
Extra Info
Airport Info
You have a couple of options in regards to your arrival in New Zealand and travel to Picton.
1. Auckland Airport, conveniently located between both the city of Auckland and Manukau. From Auckland, you can access a direct flight to Blenheim/Marlborough which is a 30-minute drive from Picton. There are shuttle services and we can provide more information on request
2. Wellington International Airport once again, accessing direct flight to Blenheim/Marlborough or a ferry directly from Wellington to Picton.
3. Christchurch Airport followed by the Coastal Pacific Train to Picton. Between the rugged Pacific coastline and the steeply rising Kaikoura mountains, you will experience spectacular views of the Marlborough wine growing region and the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains.
Climate
Because much of the Marlborough region is sheltered by high country to the west, south, and in some areas to the east, it is New Zealand’s sunniest region. Warm, dry, and predictable weather generally predominates during summer. Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Day of Rest
All walks are optional and you may wish to stay onboard and relax.
Remarks
No wifi on board and cell phone coverage in the Marlborough Sounds can be sporadic.
Important to know
Travel documents
1. Verify that your passport will not expire until:
- 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand, or
- 1 month after the date you plan to leave New Zealand — if your passport was issued by a country that has a New Zealand embassy or consulate that issues passports.
2. Passport holders of some countries and territories do not have to apply for a visa before they travel to NZ but must hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period, you must request an NZeTA before you travel if you:
- travel on a passport from a country on the list of visa waiver countries and territories, and
- are visiting for up to 3 months — or, if you are a British citizen, up to 6 months.
Information about NZeTA
What to Pack
Cruising onboard Affinity is relaxed and casual and you will feel most comfortable if you bring relaxed and casual clothes with you. Weather can be changeable and the best way to cope with this is to pack ‘layers’ of clothing, including some wool and/or polypropylene thermal clothes. You will probably be surprised how few clothes you end up wearing while you are away and may wonder why you packed so much.

Recommended:
- Binoculars
- Day pack
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
- Insect repellant (sandflies can be pesky)
- Swimsuit
- If you want to fish, please bring your own fishing gear, plus hooks and sinkers. Some gear is provided on board for casual anglers who want to give it a go.
Tour Operator
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Affinity Cruises.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.
Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos