Queen Charlotte Track
Queen Charlotte Track . . . We’re all going on a summer holiday No more working for a week or two. Fun and laughter on our summer holiday, No more worries for me or you, For a week or two. We’re going where the sun shines brightly We’re going where the sea is blue. We’ve all seen it on the movies, Now let’s see if it’s true.
T
hey say that a change is as good as a holiday and if COVID-19 has taught us anything at all, it’s that change can remind us of what is important in life. Family, friends, good times, fun in the sun and laughter. And, of course, the importance of being kind. The operators behind the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds know something about most of these things, fun in the sun being one of them! Located in one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand, the great summer
climate is one of the attractions they are keen to encourage New Zealanders to come and experience for themselves this coming summer. There’s also history here too. The Queen Charlotte Track offers a spectacular 72km hike from the historic Meretoto/Ship Cove through to picturesque Anakiwa. Ship Cove is a place that features high on the list of most iconic historic places for New Zealanders to visit as it was here the first sustained contact between the New Zealand Maori and the European took place.
Cruise and Walk – Queen Charlotte Track Marlborough Sounds CRUISES for SENIORS In a controlled and safe environment
Affinity Cruises have been cruising with the NZ 60+ age range since 1996
What is a ‘Cruise and Walk? Live-a-board the vessel Affinity and go ashore each day to walk the different sections of the track. Fully catered, no heavy packs to carry, hot showers, comfy cabins. Departs from and returns to Picton.
www.affinitycruises.co.nz 0800 862 334 sales@affinitycruises.co.nz CRUISES also available for groups of FRIENDS or FAMILY
6 Walking New Zealand, issue no 268 - 2020
Words by Juliet Gibbons, photos by Richard Briggs Photography and Daniel Forster. This came to national prominence earlier this year as New Zealand commemorated 250 years since the arrival of Captain James Cook in what became the precursor to European settlement in New Zealand. Meretoto/Ship Cove was the epicentre of English navigator Captain James Cook’s explorations in the South Pacific – a snug cove in the outer Queen Charlotte Sound where he replenished water supplies, rested his men and repaired his ships on five different visits between 1770 and 1777. Above: Skyline ridges along the track offer unrivalled views of the unique sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz
