Make your own way to Picton, the gateway to Marlborough Sounds, and check-in to your tour accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront of this picturesque seaside town with its sheltered harbour and bustling marina, or take one of several short walks through native bushland for fabulous views over Queen Charlotte Sound. There are several galleries plus an aqaurium and floating maritime museum if you prefer something less strenuous. There are many great cafes, restaurants and bars at which to dine this evening, or a well-stocked supermarket should you prefer to eat in.

Meals:  Nil

Enjoy a leisurely morning in and around Picton before meeting the boat and crew at the Picton Ferry Terminal at 2:30pm. Board the boat for a 3:00pm departure then cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound, exploring some of the smaller bays that are not visible from the walking track. After anchoring in a sheltered cove for the night, relax into boat life with some pre-dinner snacks while the evening meal is prepared.

Meals:  D

Depending where the boat anchored last night, there will be a short cruise after breakfast this morning to Meretoto/ Ship Cove, where you disembark. Considered one of the most important meeting places between New Zealand Maori and Europeans, the site is a historical reserve. It was a significant place of habitation for local Maori as well as the place where Captain Cook first stepped ashore, and subsequently anchored many times during the 1770's, while exploring the New Zealand coastline. The Queen Charlotte Track commences from here with a gradual steady climb through native bush, including spectacular podocarp and beech forest. With wonderful views, many places to enjoy a picnic lunch and sections of untouched native forest, today is considered the finest section of the whole track. Be sure to stop and admire one of the oldest rimu trees on the South Island, with a girth of more than 6 metres, nearing the end of today's walk at historic Furneaux Lodge. The boat will be waiting here to meet you when you arrive.

Meals:  B,L,D

The walk today is shorter and more leisurely than yesterday, following the coastline all day. Returning to Furneaux Lodge after breakfast onboard, disembark at the jetty and enjoy lovely views of Endeavour Inlet as you trace its shore. Passing through nature reserve, regenerating native forest and farmland there is also some history along the way. Interpretation panels at the head of the inlet describe local antimony mining operations that burgeoned there in the 1880's. Further around the inlet pass beside a small beach at Camp Bay, where the boat will meet you. After lunch onboard, cruise about an hour to Motuara Island Scenic Reserve. You may be lucky enough to see dolphins playing beside the boat along the way. The island is predator free and is a sanctuary to many endangered native species such as the South Island Saddleback (Tieke) and the Marlborough green gecko. It is a brilliant place for birdwatching and has a walking track leading to a lookout with superb views of Queen Charlotte Sound. After spending some time here, cruise back to Endeavour Inlet to moor in a different sheltered bay for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

After our usual morning routine onboard, disembark at Camp Bay or Punga Cove jetty. Today is the longest day on the whole track and also the most challenging but it has the most spectacular views, which makes the effort worthwhile. Starting near sea level and eventually reaching the highest point on the trail (475m above sea level) there are some steep sections, including the short detour to Eatwell's Lookout, named after a local landowner. The rewards are 360 degree views from the lookout, plus far-reaching panoramas of the Marlborough Sounds at every turn. Following the ridgeline for much of the day, you see both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds so be sure to stop for photos and breathe it all in. This is truly a magic section of the track. From Torea Bay Saddle near the end of the day, the track drops down to the coast and Torea Bay. Your floating home waiting in the bay is a welcome sight.

Meals:  B,L,D

Return to Torea Bay this morning after a night on the water not too far away. Ascend from the jetty to the main track on the ridgeline once again. There is a steep climb for a few hours from here but once again the views are rewarding as you look towards Picton. This is the steepest part of the trail today and beyond this the walk follows an old bridle path, mostly descending with a few undulations to sea level. Pass through manuka scrub, open farmland and a final stretch of beautiful beech forest. A picturesque beach in the sheltered Davies Bay provides an opportune place for a last rest before arriving at Anakiwa, the end of the Queen Charlotte Track. Departing from the jetty once back on board the boat, cruise for a short while to find a sheltered bay for the final night on the water. Enjoy something special for dinner while reflecting on your accomplishments over the last four days. Note: it is possible to finish the walk at Mistletoe Bay (about half way) if you don't feel you can manage the full walk. You will need to discuss this with the captain the night before.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a final breakfast onboard the boat, cruise at a leisurely pace back to Picton, savouring the final moments of life in the Marlborough Sounds. Arriving at the wharf around 9:00am, trip arrangements end with farewells to the crew and your fellow travellers.

Meals:  B