There are heaps of awesome hikes to do in the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound and you could spend days or even weeks doing them all.

Beachcomber Fun Cruises is a great way of doing a hike, as they'll take you by boat to one point on the Queen Charlotte Track and then they'll pick you up at the other end. You can do as much or as little as you like.

I headed out for the Natures Best Walk 1, from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge.

After a leisurely cruise to the beautiful and serene Ship Cove, I jumped off the boat and spent a few minutes exploring the beach where Captain Cook spent much of his time. I even got to hang out with the resident oyster catchers and weka.

Then I headed out on my 14 kilometres hike through native forest to Furneaux Lodge, checking out amazing views of the outer sounds. It's an amazing contrast from rugged landscapes leading down to the placid blue waters below.

By the time I arrived at Furneaux Lodge I was ready for a well-deserved cold beer before boarding the boat for my return to Picton. A perfect day!

• Beachcomber Fun Cruises is a great way of experiencing the Queen Charlotte Track in just one day.


• Walk through native virgin bush, and step ashore at historical Ship Cove.

• Learn the history of the Queen Charlotte Sound from the skipper on the way.


• Natures Best Walk 1 takes five hours to walk 14 kilometres.


• There are many other walks available with Beachcomber Fun Cruises - including Natures Best Walk 2 from Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge which is 10 kilometres (3 hours), Freedom Walk from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay (8 kilometres/3 hours), Wilderness Walk from Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa (12 kilometres/4 hours), Top Of The World from Torea Bay to Punga Cove (23.6 kilomtres/5.5-7.5 hours).


• For more information drop into the Beachcomber Fun Cruises office on The Waterfront in Picton. Email beach@beachcombercruises.co.nz or visit www.beachcombercruises.co.nz


• You can also call 03 573 6175 or Freephone (NZ only) 0800 624 526, email: office@mailboat.co.nz or visit www.mailboat.co.nz

Written by Rachel Pinder.

Rachel stayed at Sequoia Lodge and Backpackers, 3a Nelson Square, Picton, which is a lovely home-from-home hostel where you can enjoy a yummy chocolate cake and ice cream every night too. Check out www.sequoialodge.co.nz for more details or call 0800 222257.