Queen Charlotte Track
a spectacular coastal walk among lush native bush
phins diving and leaping all around the boat. We slowed and cruised with them for half an hour. It was magic!
We finally arrived at Ships Cove, to an impressive display of Captain Cook’s voyages of discovery to this area 17701777.
Leaving there about mid-day, we followed a lovely shady dappled path, quite steep in places, to Resolution Bay, which we reached in about one and a half hours.
Wekas followed us in many places grabbing anything put down for a second - hats, scarves, banana peel, anything they could carry.
After another climb, an undulating trail led along the side of Endeavour Inlet, to reach Furneau Lodge nestled at its head. Views along the way were spectacular, and we had lots of photo stops.
We reached our little cabin about 4.30pm and after a quick dip in the bay, we sat on the lovely wide verandah at the lodge, sipping chilled wine, and chatting to walkers from all over the world, as we watched the sun set over the bay. It was beautiful.
The sunrise was equally stunning, and after a photo shoot, we set off about 8.00am.
At the Miners Camp, we took a side trip up to antimony mine. All that is left of a thriving little gold mining settlement is the mine shaft and lots of pretty pink and blue hydrangeas.
Returning to Endeavour Inlet, we wandered through regenerating native bush, to Camp Bay and Punga Cove Resort. This is a delightful cluster of all types of accommodation, perched on the hillside above the little cove. Down at the bay, was a pool, two spa pools and a bar – a perfect way to end the day; and up a steep track, was a restaurant, where both food and scenery were well worth the effort.
Day three was the longest day, so we set off early, anticipating long hot open stretches and no place to replenish our water bottles. How wrong we were.
With regeneration over the years most of the track was shady; with lots of pine forest, and there were several places to fill water bottles.
We climbed over Kenepuru Saddle, passed the Bay of Many Coves and Ruakaka Bay. The views were simply stunning, with glimpses of both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds.
All along the way we encountered very large wekas, and in several places goats came wandering along the track towards us. We did wonder who would give way, but they veered off into the bush just before we did.
At about mid-day, after a short sharp climb, we reached Black Rock shelter – a perfect lunch spot and again with magnificent views.
Continuing on past several more bays we finally reached Portage Bay in Kenepuru Sound at about 3.30pm. Our accommodation at DeBretts B& B was first class.
Views from our room were spectacular, kitchen and bathroom were fully equipped with anything you would need, and the hosts were friendly and