Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Getting to/from the Tramp
The only way to reach the start of the track at Ship Cove is by a 45-minute boat trip. Numer-
ous operators ply this route, depositing you there or various other spots along the track and
forwarding your luggage where possible. A track return-trip with luggage transfers is around
$100. You'll find operators clustered at Picton's pleasant town wharf.
Arrow Water Taxis
( 027 444 4689, 03-573 8229;
www.arrowwatertaxis.co.nz
)
Beachcomber Fun Cruises
( 0800 624 526, 03-573 6175;
www.beachcombercruises.co.nz
)
Cougar Line
( 03-573 7925, 0800 504 090;
www.cougarline.co.nz
)
Endeavour Express
( 03-573 5456;
www.boatrides.co.nz
)
Picton Water Taxis
(
027 227 0284, 03-573 7853;
www.pictonwatertaxis.co.nz
)
The Tramp
Day 1: Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge
4-5 HOURS, 15KM
James Cook anchored at
Ship Cove
five times between 1770 and 1777, as commemorated
by the memorial on the grassed picnic area. If time allows, while away an hour or two at this
beautiful spot.
The track climbs quite steeply, at first through podocarp and broad-leaved forest of kahi-
katea, rimu and kohekohe with an understorey of ferns and pigeonwood, and then into beech
forest. About 45 minutes up there is a lookout over
Motuara Island
, a bird sanctuary, and
outer Queen Charlotte Sound.
It is about 10 minutes from the lookout to a saddle at the top of the ridge, where there is
an observation point and sweeping views down to Resolution Bay. The track drops steeply
to the bay and then sidles the hill until it comes to a signposted junction. The track to
Schoolhouse Bay Campsite is down the left fork, which heads back in the direction of the
saddle. No fires are permitted at the campsite. Continue southwest (right fork), reaching
Resolution Bay
two hours from Ship Cove.
The track climbs above Resolution Bay, and in 1½ hours reaches Tawa Saddle between
the bay and Endeavour Inlet, where there are toilets and benches. A sit-down is obligatory
here, or so would say the cheeky weka that will inevitably pop out of the bush to see what's
for lunch. Resist their scampering antics and admire the view.
