Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Track

From Blenheim to Blenheim

South Island
Wildlife and Nature

Tour Description

Enjoy the fantastic wine and scenery of Marlborough followed by a hike along the unique and beautiful Queen Charlotte Track.

The Marlborough wine region is by far New Zealand's largest, accounting for three quarters of the country's wine production, so explore, sample and indulge at leisure, as you visit the many wineries in this region. Next catch a boat through the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds, to your chosen starting point, and begin your hike along the Queen Charlotte track. Walk through ancient beach, meander along the coast, encounter fern-fringed bays. Your luggage will be transferred by water taxi for you, so you can enjoy your walk more, and take things at your own pace. Spend 2 nights along the Queen Charlotte Track, overnighting in lodges hidden among nature. Allow time to take a kayak or stand-up paddle board and explore more of these beautiful bays and coves from the water.

This tour is a perfect combination of the some of the best New Zealand wine and walking!

Viva's Best Bits...

Marlborough wine region does not only have the best wine but also set upon stunning coastlines. The Marlborough Wine Trail is a great way to get off the beaten track!

The Queen Charlotte Track, is unique and a less walked track and great way to combine stunning coastal and forest scenery.

"The boat trips to and from the Queen Charlotte track are great for spotting some incredible wildlife like groups of dolphins who are surfing the waves!" Ersan, Team Viva

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Day 1

Blenheim Marlborough wine region

Please make your way from Blenheim airport/town to your hotel within the Marlborough wine region. You have the rest of the day at leisure to wine and dine at your hotel.

Day 2

Marlborough wine region

Spend today enjoying the wine region! Marlborough has more than 30 cellar doors offering tastings and there are a number of options for touring around the region from self-drive to guided tours and even cycling through the vines. Marlborough produces 75% of the New Zealand's wine and 85% of New Zealand's sauvignon blanc. You could opt to hire a car for the day and drive the classic New Zealand Wine Trail that leads you off the beaten track all while enjoying the exquisite taste of local wines. Or hike a bike and cycle through the vineyards. Perhaps visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, or sample some famous greenshell mussels.

Day 3

Marlborough Wine Region Marlborough Sounds

Today you will be picked up by private car and taken to Picton, where you will board a boat that will take you to your chosen start point on the beautiful and utterly unique Queen Charlotte Track. You have the choice to either be dropped off at Resolution Bay, where the walk to your lodge is 3 hours or Ship Cove where the walk to your lodge is 5 hours. Please note your bags will be transferred for you, so you don't have to carry anything other than a small day pack.

Day 4

Marlborough Sounds

Today after breakfast, depart at your leisure and continue to walk along the Queen Charlotte Track to Punga Cove, which should take you 3 hours, however take your time and enjoy the scenery and beauty this section has to offer. A packed lunch will be provided today, and once again your bags will be transferred to your next lodge so you can really enjoy your walk. Once you arrive at your next lodge, you can either relax or enjoy a complimentary kayak or paddle board around the area.

Day 5

Marlborough Blenheim

This morning you will leave Punga Cove and transferred by boat back to Picton. Take in the stunning views as your cruise through the waters. On arrival a car will be waiting to take you back to Blenheim airport or Blenheim central.

Accommodation

2 nights in a hotel
2 nights in comfortable lodges

Food

4 breakfasts, 1 packed lunch

Fees & Services

Round Trip Queen Charlotte Track Pass
Use of kayaks and paddle boards at lodges
2 boat transfers
Transfers by road as listed
Luggage transportation
Bike rental can be added

Explore the Marlborough Wine Trail
Walk Queen Charlotte Track
Kayak or SUP and explore hidden coves and bays
Ancient beech forests, amazing scenery
Enjoy Queen Charlotte Sound from the water
Stay in secluded lodges, where the access is only by foot or water

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Duration

5 days

Price from

$815 USD

Per person, sharing

including GST

Daily Departures

5 days

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