Please note: Minimum of 4 paying passengers is required for this tour to go ahead.

If minimum numbers are not reached we will happily refund the tour costs.

We look forward to you travelling with us and apologies for any inconvenience.

Please email office@mailboat.co.nz if you have any questions.

One of our most popular walking options, with a variety of scenery from rugged, grand to placidly beautiful Nature's Best combines a scenic cruise with expert commentary, historical Ship Cove and an initially challenging but scenically rewarding 15 km walk to Furneaux Lodge.  Here is an example of what you would expect on your day out!

Your adventure will begin as you cruise north from Picton on one of our fleet through the drowned river valleys of the Queen Charlotte Sound and past idyllic bays. As we head towards Ship Cove your skipper will talk about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area and – if there is time- will get closer to any passing wildlife, including dolphins who like to play in the wake of the boat.

In the 1770s, sheltered Ship Cove provided safe anchorage, food, water and timber for explorer Captain James Cook and his ship crews on five separate occasions and saw some of the earliest sustained contact between Mäori and Europeans.

There is plenty of historical information at Ship Cove before you climb away from the beach through native forest regenerating beneath a high canopy of trees. The forest includes manuka, kanuka, five finger and tree ferns and is home to many native New Zealand bird species: tui, fantails, silvereyes and tomtits. If you stop for a break, a curious weka may come to check you out.

When you reach Tawa Saddle, stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sound spread out before you. The track then drops into Resolution Bay and follows an old bridle path into Endeavour Inlet.

Continue Past Furneuax Lodge for another 10.5km this section of the track is relatively flat and extremely enjoyable.

Walking times: between 7 and 8.5 hours, depending on fitness level.

**Please note that during our Winter Months the boat may return to Picton as early as 4pm. The reservations staff will confirm the tour content and arrival time upon check in. 

We do offer a 10% discount for Top Ten Card, BBH, YHA and Gold Card Holders. Please contact our office on office@mailboat.co.nz or 03 573 6175 to make a booking - do not book online as you will not receive the discount.