Discover the Scenic Endeavour Inlet Walk
Located in the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, the walk from the northeast end of Endeavour Inlet is a captivating segment of the Queen Charlotte Track. This route offers stunning views and the opportunity to explore native forest regrowth. As a day walk, it can be completed in either direction from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove, with accommodation options at both ends.
Although we describe this as a walk, you can also take a bike.
Track Features and Natural Beauty
The track gently undulates by 20 to 60 metres as it closely follows the coastline. Generally, it is quite stony,which does make it a bit rough on the feet after several hours. However, throughout the journey, the views of the Inlet and forest-clad slopes are spectacular.
Although you are surrounded by water, the only accessible beach along the route is at Camp Bay, located near Punga Cove at the western end of the track. There is also a small beach past The Pines at the other end.
The walk is predominantly through native forest regrowth, except the Howden Bush Scenic Reserve near Furneaux Lodge. This is a mature forest that was never harvested and has numerous big trees. Foxgloves add colour to the landscape, while native birds, particularly weka, are frequently seen. The presence of kapokapowai, the native giant dragonfly, is a delightful highlight for bug lovers!
Points of Interest Along the Track
Several notable features can be found along the track. Starting from Furneaux Lodge, walkers will encounter a large slip area on the west side of the inlet's tip, a remnant of the intense storms that hit the region in July 2022. Beyond this slip, the path passes by some holiday homes and there is an unusual multi-trunked tree fern at the end of a gated track easement.
As you approach Big Bay, a fantastic viewpoint with a table beneath ancient beech trees offers a perfect picnic spot. Big Bay itself features a meadow-like area around the stream at the bay's head, providing another excellent location for a picnic.
There is a campsite at Camp Bay, so this is an alternative to an overnight stay at one of the lodges or a bach at The Pines.
Walking Times and Options
The walk stretches 13 km from Punga Cove to Furneaux Lodge. From The Pines, add 2.5 km. The walk typically takes 3 to 4 hours, but will be longer if you are easily distracted. For those looking to bypass Camp Bay and Punga Cove, a signposted shortcut to Kenepuru Saddle and road access is available.
How to Get There
To access the track, you can arrange boat transport from Picton to and from either Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove from Picton.
Other options include a short walk to explore Puhikereru a big ancient rimu tree near Furneax Lodge. More substantial is to arrange a boat drop off at the start of the Queen Charlotte track at Meretoto / Ship Cove, then walk to Furneax Lodge (3 to 4 hours), or bike to Punga Cove.
