Discover the Historic Furneaux Lodge
Furneaux Lodge is situated on the northeast side of Endeavour Inlet, beneath the towering 823-metre Mount Furneaux in the Marlborough Sounds. This lodge is accessible primarily by boat, providing a remote retreat to a site of historical and ecological significance. The property, covered in ancient forest, was initially acquired in 1903 by Patrick Howden, owner of The Wellington Biscuit and Confectionery Company. Although a holiday home and grassed waterfront were developed, the forest was largely conserved. Today, it is one of the most accessible old-growth forests in the region.
A Legacy of Conservation
Patrick Howden's son, Harry, inherited the property and continued his father's conservation efforts. A naval captain and war hero, Harry Howden placed the land in a private scenic reserve in 1937. In 1961, he bequeathed it to New Zealand as the Howden Bush Scenic Reserve. The 1970s saw the transformation of the private house into what is now Furneaux Lodge.
Exploring the Queen Charlotte Track
Furneaux Lodge is located along the Queen Charlotte Track. The track is shared with cyclists and is also the first stage of Te Araroa in the South Island. It is approximately a six-hour walk from the track's starting point at Meretoto / Ship Cove and a further four-hour hike to Camp Bay and Punga Cove.
Dining and Wildlife at Furneaux Lodge
Even if you're not staying overnight, you can enjoy a meal or drink at the lodge's restaurant. The area between the restaurant and the foreshore features a wide grassed space with several striking trees, including a rare yellow-flowered pōhutukawa. The beach, revealed at low tide, consists mainly of orange to yellow stones, though it is not ideal for swimming. Keep an eye out for native birds, such as curious weka, pūkeko, and paradise ducks (pūtangitangi).
Getting to Furneaux Lodge
Furneaux Lodge is accessed by boat from Picton. If you're hiking the Queen Charlotte Track, you can arrange a drop off at Meretoto / Ship Cove, with a 6-hour hike to the lodge. Another option is a drop-off at Punga Cove, with a 4-hour hike to the lodge. Once you are at the lodge, you can also walk to these locations and arrange for a boat to pick you up and bring you back.
