Overnight Experiences Picton

Departs from and returns to Havelock
Walk the beautiful Jacobs Bay Track, an easy track that takes you around the peninsular from Jacobs Bay to Fairy Bay. Marvel at the emerald colours of the sea as it reflects the native bush right down to the waterline. This walk takes 1.5 hours.
Walk the Archer Track There are two options here…walk Elaine Bay to Deep Bay which is 1.5 hours, approximately 4.5 kms and the crew can pick you up at this point or continue on to Penzance Bay which is another 1.5 hours and 4.5 kms to complete the full 9 km track.
The Archer track is an easy walking track between Elaine Bay in Tennyson Inlet and Penzance Bay. The track follows an old stock route that was used prior to Tennyson Inlet gaining road access in the 1960s. The track is named after the Archer family who has maintained a permanent presence in the area since the 1880s. Along most of its length, the track passes through dense native forest with a mix of beech and podocarp species.
Nydia Track 27 km – Duncan Bay to Nydia Bay then Nydia Bay to Shag Point
Duncan Bay to Nydia Bay (4 hr)
The first hour follows the shoreline with glimpses of the sea through the lush coastal forest – giant rimu, nīkau, beech trees and tree ferns.
At Ngawhakawhiti Bay the track climbs to Nydia Saddle (347 m) – here you can take in the great views of Tennyson Inlet. The track then continues down into Nydia Bay where the crew and vessel will be waiting for you.
For those of you that wish to walk a little bit more may like to carry on and walk around to have a look at Nydia Lodge. The lodge is run by D.O.C and can accommodate up to 50 people and has no mains power, it is a great place for school and group camps.
Nydia Bay to Shag Point (5 hr)
This part of the track leads across open farmland beside the stream, crossing it twice. Then climbs up to the Kaiuma Saddle (387 m) through beech forest and regenerating scrub with superb views, and on a clear day you can even see Marlborough’s highest mountain, Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885 m), in the distant Inland Kaikoura mountains. From the saddle, the track drops quickly to cross a stream. The track then climbs a little into the forest and sidles around to a point above Kaiuma Bay.
Jacobs, Archer and Nydia Tracks are approximately 41 kilometres in total.
**Affinity will meet you at the end of each walking section – No back tracking*
Hot showers to freshen and invigorate you at the end of your enjoyable days walk, your meals all prepared for you if you are ashore at lunchtime a packaged lunch will be sent with you.
You have the same cabin each night so there is no worrying about your luggage which means no heavy packs to carry as your luggage remains on-board.
We find safe anchorage every night in a calm and picturesque bay, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better – just ask! Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Package includes: accommodation onboard Affinity, all meals, Queen Charlotte track fees, transfers, experienced crew (no pre or post cruise accommodation required).

Departs from and returns to Picton

Walk to the summit of Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Kakariki and Bellbirds live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along. A gem in the Marlborough Sounds Visit Ship Cove where the explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the 1770’s and the starting point of the track. Walk 6 hours from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (approx. 17km) Walk 4 hours from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove, marvel at the scenery and wildlife as you walk along the second section of the track (approx. 12.7km) Walk 8 hours from Camp Bay to Torea Bay, a challenging section of the track as you walk along ridge tops with magnificent views of Queen Charlotte and the Kenepuru Sounds (approx. 23.7km) Walk 4 hours from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay, climbing to 400m to be rewarded with breathtaking views (approx. 5.6km). Then continue onto the last section of the track another 4 hours to Anakiwa, following an old bridle path that takes you through beautiful regeneration and mature native forest with Fantails, Waxeyes, Tomtits, Finches and Weka (approx. 13km)
**Affinity will meet you at the end of each walking section – No back tracking**


Hot showers to freshen and invigorate you at the end of your enjoyable days walk, your meals all prepared for you, if you are ashore at lunchtime a packaged lunch will be sent with you.

Hot showers to freshen and invigorate you at the end of your enjoyable days walk, your meals all prepared for you, if you are ashore at lunchtime a packaged lunch will be sent with you.

You have the same cabin each night so there is no worrying about your luggage which means no heavy packs to carry as your luggage remains on-board.

We find safe anchorage every night in a calm and picturesque bay, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.

All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better – just ask! Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Package includes: accommodation onboard Affinity, all meals, Queen Charlotte track fees, transfers, experienced crew (no pre or post cruise accommodation required).

Departs from and returns to Picton

Walk to the summit of Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Kakariki and Bellbirds live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along. A gem in the Marlborough Sounds Visit Ship Cove where the explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the 1770’s and the starting point of the track. Walk 6 hours from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge (approx. 17km) Walk 4 hours from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove, marvel at the scenery and wildlife as you walk along the second section of the track (approx. 12.7km) W alk 8 hours from Camp Bay to Torea Bay, a challenging section of the track as you walk along ridge tops with magnificent views of Queen Charlotte and the Kenepuru Sounds (approx. 23.7km) Walk 4 hours from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay, climbing to 400m to be rewarded with breathtaking views (approx. 5.6km). Then continue onto the last section of the track another 4 hours to Anakiwa, following an old bridle path that takes you through beautiful regeneration and mature native forest with Fantails, Waxeyes, Tomtits, Finches and Weka (approx. 13km)
**Affinity will meet you at the end of each walking section – No back tracking **


Hot showers to freshen and invigorate you at the end of your enjoyable days walk, your meals all prepared for you, if you are ashore at lunchtime a packaged lunch will be sent with you.

You have the same cabin each night so there is no worrying about your luggage which means no heavy packs to carry as your luggage remains on-board.

We find safe anchorage every night in a calm and picturesque bay, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.

All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better – just ask! Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Departs from Havelock, return to Picton



Visit French Pass and d'Urville Island and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café on New Years Eve and bring in the New Year. Visit French Pass and d'Urville Island and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café on New Years Eve and bring in the New Year. Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner 'Mikhail Lermontov' and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea. Visit a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained. Cruise past a King Shag colony. The King Shag can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand. Cast your rod and try your luck at catching a Blue Cod and other species in the waters of this area. There is nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands. Visit Motuara Island - a bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tui's, Kiwi's, Bellbirds and Kakariki live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along. Go ashore at Meretoto / Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770's. Here you will find information panels explaining early Māori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook. Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with Giant Rimu, Nikau, Beech trees and tree ferns. Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the sounds.




All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Departs from Havelock, return to Picton



Visit French Pass and d'Urville Island and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café on New Years Eve and bring in the New Year. Visit French Pass and d'Urville Island and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café on New Years Eve and bring in the New Year. Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner 'Mikhail Lermontov' and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea. Visit a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained. Cruise past a King Shag colony. The King Shag can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand. Cast your rod and try your luck at catching a Blue Cod and other species in the waters of this area. There is nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands. Visit Motuara Island - a bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tui's, Kiwi's, Bellbirds and Kakariki live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along. Go ashore at Meretoto / Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770's. Here you will find information panels explaining early Māori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook. Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with Giant Rimu, Nikau, Beech trees and tree ferns. Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the sounds.




All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Departs from Havelock, returns to Picton

Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville. Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House. Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track. Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner “Mikhail Lermontov” and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea. Visit a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained. Cruise past a king shag colony. King shags can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand. Cast your rod and try your luck at catching blue cod and other species in the waters of this area. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands. Visit Motuara Island – a bird sanctuary where robins, tui, kiwi, bellbirds and kakariki parakeets live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island saddleback as you walk along. Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook. Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees, and tree ferns. Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the Sounds.
All walks are optional. You may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Departure Dates from Picton return to Havelock. We can help secure a transfer.

Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville. Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track. Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner “Mikhail Lermontov” and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea. Visit a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained. Cruise past a king shag colony. King shags can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand. Cast your rod and try your luck at catching blue cod and other species in the waters of this area. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands. Visit Motuara Island – a bird sanctuary where robins, tui, kiwi, bellbirds and kakariki parakeets live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island saddleback as you walk along. Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook. Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees, and tree ferns. Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the Sounds. Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House.


All walks are optional. You may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Departs from Havelock, returns to Picton or depart from Havelock and return to Picton


Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville. Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House. Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track. Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner “Mikhail Lermontov” and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea. Visit a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained. Cruise past a king shag colony. King shags can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand. Cast your rod and try your luck at catching blue cod and other species in the waters of this area. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands. Visit Motuara Island – a bird sanctuary where robins, tui, kiwi, bellbirds and kakariki parakeets live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island saddleback as you walk along. Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook. Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees, and tree ferns. Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the Sounds.
All walks are optional. You may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Visit Motuara Island – a bird sanctuary where robins, tui, kiwi, bellbirds and kakariki parakeets live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island saddleback as you walk along. Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook. Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees and tree ferns. Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner “Mikhail Lermontov” and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea. Visit a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained. Visit a king shag colony. King shags can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand. Visit D’Urville Island and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe. Cast your rod and try your luck at catching blue cod, grouper and other species in the waters of this pristine area. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands. Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the Sounds.
All walks are optional. You may wish to stay on board and relax, as there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Departs from Picton, returns to Havelock

Christmas Celebrations onboard MV Affinity, with a special Christmas meal. Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville. Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House. Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track. Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner “Mikhail Lermontov” and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea. Visit a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained. Cruise past a king shag colony. King shags can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand. Cast your rod and try your luck at catching blue cod and other species in the waters of this area. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands. Visit Motuara Island – a bird sanctuary where robins, tui, kiwi, bellbirds and kakariki parakeets live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island saddleback as you walk along. Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook. Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees, and tree ferns. Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the Sounds. All walks are optional. You may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.

Departs from Picton, returns to Havelock

Christmas Celebrations onboard MV Affinity, with a special Christmas meal. Visit French Pass and D’Urville Island, and indulge in a delicious dinner at The Wilderness Resort Cafe on D’Urville. Cruise Kenepuru Sound past iconic places such as Portage Hotel and St Omer House. Visit Worlds End and walk part of the Archer Track. Hear the story of the Russian cruise liner “Mikhail Lermontov” and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea. Visit a salmon farm where the process of salmon farming will be explained. Cruise past a king shag colony. King shags can only be found in this remote part of New Zealand. Cast your rod and try your luck at catching blue cod and other species in the waters of this area. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands. Visit Motuara Island – a bird sanctuary where robins, tui, kiwi, bellbirds and kakariki parakeets live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island saddleback as you walk along. Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook. Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, which features regenerated native bush with giant rimu, nikau, beech trees, and tree ferns. Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Marlborough Sounds as we leisurely cruise through the hidden bays and coves of the Sounds. All walks are optional. You may wish to stay on board and relax, and there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.