Queen Charlotte Track

We set off from Picton by water taxi, heading for Ship Cove, the start of the 5 day, 71 km Queen Charlotte track. This is a site that Captain Cook used to spend a lot of time, and it was easy to see why. Protected waters, killer scenery, easy access for round the world adventure.

71 km didn't sound too bad when we were reading about it, but coming up on this signpost was a bit daunting. At least the water taxi was ferrying our packs each day to the next backpackers along the way.


A Weka. Another of New Zealand's flightless birds, often mistaken for kiwis. There were a couple who obviously live at this popular lunch spot and scavenge tidbits from unsuspecting touristas.

Although it was mid winter, we lucked out with 4 of 5 days being crystal clear. As the track meandered along the edge of the Sound we would get view after view like this. I'm sure it would have been very different in the rain.

The "fishing dog" is a resident of the Furneaux Lodge. He loves trotting in the shallow clear water scanning for fish and rushing at them in attempt to catch a bite. Rumour has it that he does this for hours day after day and nobody has seen him catch anything. His other hobby is tagging along with hikers as they leave the Furneaux Lodge heading for the next place of rest. He followed us for 4 hours to Punga Cove through fields with signs such as 'No Dogs - Violators will be shot!'. Obviously this dog couldn't read. When we arrived at Punga Cove we found out that he does this regularly and waits there until his owner collects him by boat.