Marlborough Sounds Adventure, South Island, New Zealand

Within the area are pristine native forest ranging from towering 800 yr old Rimu trees, lush ponga tree ferns and beautiful native orchids, all plunging down to the shoreline. The myriad bays, coves and inlets are perfect for exploring by sea kayak or foot. The area is rich in human and natural history and home to many of New Zealand's rarest species including the South Island Saddleback and South Island Robin.

3 Day "Outer Sounds Adventure" Kayaking

This is a three day sensory delight of peace and tranquility, where you will quickly become one with your sea kayak and the spectacular environment surrounding you. This relaxed paddling adventure is suitable for the moderately fit person (no previous experience necessary).

Leaving Picton by water taxi you travel to Ship Cove in the outer-Sound where you disembark and pack your boats for the first day's adventure. A water taxi ride to Ship Cove will put you into the heart of the outer-Queen Charlotte Sound. From there you will pack your kayak and paddle in and out of the many coves and inlets, around bushclad shorelines, exploring the many interesting spots along the way. Over the next three days you will have the opportunity to explore Motuara Island, home to the endangered South Island Saddleback and South Island Robin, explore the marine reserve around Long Island, visit some of Captain Cooks favourite spots, the gun emplacement on Blumine Island to name just a few highlights along the way before paddling back to Picton on the last day.

Each night you will camp at a different campsite (depending on weather) and your guide will cook you a delicious 3 course dinner while you enjoy the sunset. You may have time to do some fishing for your dinner or pick some mussels as an entrée.

The trip includes water-taxi ride to the Outer-Sound, all food and camping equipment your guide and all kayak equipment.

4 Day Paddle & Walk

The best way possible to see the Sounds, by paddle and foot. Enjoy 2 days paddling through this maze of delightful waterways before donning the walking boots for 2 days of gentle walking on the Queen Charlotte Track.

As you finish your walk at Ship Cove you are met by water transport for an eco tour of Motuara Island bird sanctuary, home to the endangered South Island Robin and Saddleback and hopefully the dolphins will come out to play as you travel back to Picton

Day One begins with at 8.15 am meeting at the Picton based office. Transfer to Waikawa where you will meet Dolphin Watch Marlborough for a dolphin watching experience and eco-tour of Motuara Island. Motuara Island is home to some of NZ's endangered bird species such as the South Island Robin, South Island Saddleback and Brown Spotted Kiwi. From Motuara Island, Dolphin Watch Marlborough will transfer you to Ship Cove and the start of the Queen Charlotte Track. Today you will be walking to Furneaux Lodge, a 5 hour walk on the track, through some of NZ's beautiful native bush and stunning views. Accommodation at Furneaux Lodge is twin share chalets. You will be sharing a chalet with other members of your group, but have your own room. Dinner is served in the restaurant.

Day Two - A gentle walk today around the foreshore of Endeavour Inlet from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove Resort. You will have time to take a side track up to the Furneaux Waterfall, through some spectacular virgin native bush. Birdsong dominates the day today as you walk around the Inlet. Your accommodation at Punga Cove Resort is in individual twin share chalets with en-suite. Dinner is served in the restaurant.

Day Three - A water taxi will collect you from your accommodation and transport you to Torea Bay a 30 minute boat ride back towards Picton. Your guide will be waiting for you on the Portage Resort foreshore for a day paddling in the Keneperu Sound. (depending on numbers, you may have a different walk guide to sea kayak guide). Our sea-kayaks are large and stable and easy to paddle. Ideally you will be travelling in double kayaks so you can take turns to enjoy the view as you glide past! At the end of the day you will paddle back to Portage Hotel. Here you will be able to catch up with the rest of your group who may have been walking from Punga Cove to Portage Hotel. Accommodation is in Hillside suites.

Day Four - Your final day of fun and relaxation in the Marlborough Sounds. By now you will be feeling confident and comfortable in your sea kayak and ready for another day of tranquil paddling. Paddling out of Torea Bay the day will be spent exploring the Grove Arm, a particularly beautiful part of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You will paddle back to Picton, arriving at around 4.30pm.

All inclusive package offers:

• Cheerful, informative guiding

• Wholesome, quality food, a glass of wine with your evening meal (other alcohol can be paid for directly to the accommodation house)
• 3 nights twin share accommodation with sea views (studio at Furneaux Lodge, own chalet at Punga Cove Resort and Hillside suite at Portage Resort Hotel)
• Transport forward of luggage
• Supply of a luggage bag and light day pack while on the trip
• Eco-tour and dolphin watching
• Sea kayaking as above

Prices are in New Zealand Dollars for  2006/2007 including GST. We can quote in your own currency. Please ask

NZ$1220pp

(240 single supplement)