On the Water
4 hours
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Wilderness Guides - Day Tours
Wilderness Guides - Day Tours
Wilderness Guides - Day Tours
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About
Wilderness Guides is an outdoor adventure company based in Picton, owned and operated for the past 20 years by Steve and Juliet Gibbons, New Zealanders and Marlborough people with a passion for the outdoors. The owners are hands-on and have a background as outdoor guides in the area and with their close-knit team and dedicated team, offer a truly personalized service for all guests. Tours offered are quality and authentic New Zealand wilderness experiences with an emphasis on education, conservation, local history and culture as well as New Zealand native flora and fauna. This is combined with the finest of local food and wine. These include guided and independent walks on the Queen Charlotte Track from one day to many days in length, mountain bike hire and packages for the Queen Charlotte Track (one of NZ’s Great Rides) and a wide variety of sea kayaking options in the Marlborough Sounds. This is where your adventure begins!
Picton, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Wilderness Guides - Day Tours
On the Water
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$155
per adult
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5.0
429 reviews
Excellent
402
Very good
21
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Debbie B
Tauranga, New Zealand10 contributions
Jan 2022
We had an excellent experience walking the Queen Charlotte track, with Wilderness Guides organising the trip. Bags arrived at each destination and collected each day without any hiccups. Accommodation was top notch, clean and comfortable. Necessary at the end of each walking day. The walk itself was superb and would highly recommend walking the track and booking through Wilderness Guides.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew E
Australia4 contributions
Feb 2023
We were a group of 8 (4 couples) who did the Queen Charlotte 4 Day Gourmet Guided Walk & Kayak, with Wilderness Guides. What a fantastic experience; everything was so well organised, and we were so well looked after. From the welcoming seal on the jetty at Motuara Island, to the beer, bubbles, cheese and crackers at the very end, nothing was too much trouble. All the lodges (Furneaux, Mahana, Lochmara) were fantastic places to stay, with brilliant meals and excellent facilities.
Our guide, the amazing Jake, was professional, knowledgeable, and fun. He was so good that we were even moved to write a song about him.
We all agreed, the entire 4 days provides amazing value for money.......we would highly recommend it to anyone.
Thanks to all involved for such a wonderful experience. The tired bodies recovered quickly, but the memories will live on forever.
Our guide, the amazing Jake, was professional, knowledgeable, and fun. He was so good that we were even moved to write a song about him.
We all agreed, the entire 4 days provides amazing value for money.......we would highly recommend it to anyone.
Thanks to all involved for such a wonderful experience. The tired bodies recovered quickly, but the memories will live on forever.
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SarahNZ_12
Remuera, New Zealand184 contributions
Jan 2023
We did the five day independent Queen Charlotte Track walk (one day was a rest day!). We used Wilderness Guides to organise everything for us. This included the accommodation, water taxi, luggage transfers etc.
We chose our accommodation, so you have flexibility to build your own itinerary and Wilderness Guides will sort it all out for you! (just a word of advice try to avoid the Portage hotel if you can - they are not nearly as good as Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove - go for water taxi to Lochmara instead at the end of Day 3).
They were very organised, very easy to email, and responded very quickly proactively and positively. Everything went smoothly, so I can not fault them. Cant wait to come back again.
There was a guided group that went with us at the same time and the guide was brilliant so if you wanted the guided option then you wont be disappointed.
We chose our accommodation, so you have flexibility to build your own itinerary and Wilderness Guides will sort it all out for you! (just a word of advice try to avoid the Portage hotel if you can - they are not nearly as good as Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove - go for water taxi to Lochmara instead at the end of Day 3).
They were very organised, very easy to email, and responded very quickly proactively and positively. Everything went smoothly, so I can not fault them. Cant wait to come back again.
There was a guided group that went with us at the same time and the guide was brilliant so if you wanted the guided option then you wont be disappointed.
Written 24 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marg
1 contribution
Jan 2022
We did the 4 night/5 day Guided Gourmet Tour and what a great walk we had, our guide Alex was one of the best! His knowledge and passion for the Sounds was very impressive and he was helpful, easy to chat to and made the whole experience one to remember. Jess our other guide was also fabulous with a lovely nature, helpful and full of knowledge.
We also had a fabulous mix of walkers in our group which was a bonus.
The food, accommodation etc was just perfect!!
Thank you Wilderness Guides, you could not have done anything better - we thoroughly recommend everyone to walk the Queen Charlotte Track with you and especially on the Gourmet Guided tour.
We also had a fabulous mix of walkers in our group which was a bonus.
The food, accommodation etc was just perfect!!
Thank you Wilderness Guides, you could not have done anything better - we thoroughly recommend everyone to walk the Queen Charlotte Track with you and especially on the Gourmet Guided tour.
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ebeebarnes
Wellington, New Zealand22 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We did a three day walk-cycle-kayak of the Queen Charlotte Track. Absolutely excellent service offered by Wilderness Guide, taking all the stress out of staying in a different location every night - we didn't have to think about anything, we just turned up places and things were done. Everything worked like clock work. It's great knowing you have people to call if you're not sure about something. Would definitely recommend using this company for anything Sounds related. Thanks guys!
Written 29 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KT_Tramper
1 contribution
Nov 2020
3 of us just completed the Queen Charlotte Track 4 Day independent walk organised by Wilderness Guides.
Although briefing was short but sufficient details to prepare us for the tramp. The information on the pamphlet gave detailed description by sections.
Designated accommodation and lodges were : Furneaux Lodge (very good), Punga Cove (excellent), Portage Hotel (average).
We were provided packed lunches every day. Generally these were good and sufficient. However packed lunches from Portage Hotel were disappointing, too dry with no chutney/sauce etc.
As for evening meals : Furneaux Lodge was good, Punga Cove didn't match the decos of the place, disappointing. 2 other trampers complained no vegan option at Punga Fern Restaurant, only at Boatshed but close by 6.30 pm. Portage Hotel's meal only average. Due to us starting early every morning by 7.30 am, we didn't have breakfast at the restaurants.
Water taxi services were right on time. And the shuttle service from Widerness Guides was excellent, waiting for to get our rental car before leaving.
Although briefing was short but sufficient details to prepare us for the tramp. The information on the pamphlet gave detailed description by sections.
Designated accommodation and lodges were : Furneaux Lodge (very good), Punga Cove (excellent), Portage Hotel (average).
We were provided packed lunches every day. Generally these were good and sufficient. However packed lunches from Portage Hotel were disappointing, too dry with no chutney/sauce etc.
As for evening meals : Furneaux Lodge was good, Punga Cove didn't match the decos of the place, disappointing. 2 other trampers complained no vegan option at Punga Fern Restaurant, only at Boatshed but close by 6.30 pm. Portage Hotel's meal only average. Due to us starting early every morning by 7.30 am, we didn't have breakfast at the restaurants.
Water taxi services were right on time. And the shuttle service from Widerness Guides was excellent, waiting for to get our rental car before leaving.
Written 30 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Relax07262395978
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
We signed up for the 3 day Independent Walk with add on Guide for Day 1 only. The staff at Wilderness Guides were responsive and prompt in their replies and queries. Also communicated well with the briefing on the morning of Day 1. Everything was as expected on the QCT EXCEPT for the Day 1 guide service.
We expected the guide to take us to completion of Day 1. While he was knowledgable and friendly, he basically accompanied us only till lunchtime at Schoolhouse Bay. He left us about 1.30pm so that he could hurry to catch the 4pm ferry at Furneaux Lodge. Felt let down as we had paid for a guide for our party of 6 pax so that he can help to pace us to complete Day 1 confidently. Instead he really only walked with us 2 hours to Schoolhouse Bay for lunch.
We struggled on our own for the next 4 hours in the afternoon. We had no idea how much distance was ahead and how fast we needed to be. And we were left to fend for ourselves. That was the biggest letdown!
Wilderness Guides should change their policy and ensure that the walking group is accompanied all the way to Furneaux Lodge. That is why we have paid the extra NZD1380 for the Guide on Day 1. Feel short changed that we did not get the service we expected.
We expected the guide to take us to completion of Day 1. While he was knowledgable and friendly, he basically accompanied us only till lunchtime at Schoolhouse Bay. He left us about 1.30pm so that he could hurry to catch the 4pm ferry at Furneaux Lodge. Felt let down as we had paid for a guide for our party of 6 pax so that he can help to pace us to complete Day 1 confidently. Instead he really only walked with us 2 hours to Schoolhouse Bay for lunch.
We struggled on our own for the next 4 hours in the afternoon. We had no idea how much distance was ahead and how fast we needed to be. And we were left to fend for ourselves. That was the biggest letdown!
Wilderness Guides should change their policy and ensure that the walking group is accompanied all the way to Furneaux Lodge. That is why we have paid the extra NZD1380 for the Guide on Day 1. Feel short changed that we did not get the service we expected.
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vorix
Bracknell, UK34 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We have just completed a fantastic 3 day adventure organised by Wilderness Guides along the Queen Charlotte Sound. We went for the hike/bike/kayak option with stays at Mahana Lodge and Portage Hotel. We were blessed by 3 days of wonderful March weather with sun and temperatures in the low 20’s for the first 2 days and then an overcast but dry day for the kayak leg from Torea Bay back to Picton.
All 3 days are doable if you have good fitness but the 30km mountain bike section from Mahana/Punga to Portage was very tough. Even though the track was quite dry there were still some very steep climbs and descents that needed some good bike handling skills and also a lot of fitness/strength. There was quite a lot of pushing the bikes and we only averaged 7km/h. We didn’t see or pass any other bikers on this section, which probably says a lot. Then for the kayak we chose to have a guide and Jamie from Wilderness was superb. Friendly, knowledgable and expert with the kayaks. We were very lucky as we were his only clients but the group size is a max of 8, which would still feel very enjoyable. We did 17km in about 4.5 hrs which felt about right and saw eagle rays, shags, gannets and quite a few seals both on land and in the water.
The Mahana Lodge was a lovely place to stay with the Chef’s Table option providing a very memorable dining experience after a full day of walking. Portage Hotel was also very comfortable with good food and service plus a pool or swimming off the beach to recover.
This is such a lovely part of the world to visit.
All 3 days are doable if you have good fitness but the 30km mountain bike section from Mahana/Punga to Portage was very tough. Even though the track was quite dry there were still some very steep climbs and descents that needed some good bike handling skills and also a lot of fitness/strength. There was quite a lot of pushing the bikes and we only averaged 7km/h. We didn’t see or pass any other bikers on this section, which probably says a lot. Then for the kayak we chose to have a guide and Jamie from Wilderness was superb. Friendly, knowledgable and expert with the kayaks. We were very lucky as we were his only clients but the group size is a max of 8, which would still feel very enjoyable. We did 17km in about 4.5 hrs which felt about right and saw eagle rays, shags, gannets and quite a few seals both on land and in the water.
The Mahana Lodge was a lovely place to stay with the Chef’s Table option providing a very memorable dining experience after a full day of walking. Portage Hotel was also very comfortable with good food and service plus a pool or swimming off the beach to recover.
This is such a lovely part of the world to visit.
Written 16 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smw
Wellington, New Zealand22 contributions
Oct 2020
Wilderness guides made this trip so easy to organise I cannot praise them enough. They are efficient and communication is precise and punctual. The conditions and costs are explained well with no hidden costs or surprises. They covered accomodation, water transport for both ourselves and our bags every day, packed lunches each day, track passes and it was a reassurance that they knew where we were throughout the walk!
Highly recommend using Wilderness guides for any adventure in the Queen Charlotte sounds.
Highly recommend using Wilderness guides for any adventure in the Queen Charlotte sounds.
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We really appreciate your review and are glad to hear you enjoyed your walking adventure on the Queen Charlotte Track - thanks for taking the time to share your experience with others!
Written 15 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stuart H
Auckland, New Zealand5 contributions
Apr 2022
A first class experience organised by a first class guide. I did the 4 Day Standard Independent Walk - Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove & Portage Hotel at Wilderness Guides with two of my sons (13 & 18) and one of their friends (18). The walk exceeded expectations in every respect. The terrain is undulating and the daily walks just long enough and sufficiently challenging to ensure you’re having to make a bit of an effort and getting a little fitter. The fresh sheets, hot showers and a la carte dining at each lodge is a reward and incentive to get there! The organisation was seamless and when owing to covid and staff shortages, the Portage had to close its restaurant, Wilderness Guides stepped up and organised transport and water taxis to and from Lochmara Lodge for dinner. The scenery was a stunning reminder why this is one of NZ’s Great Walks. I unreservedly recommend it and Wilderness Guides. We live once; do this walk.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I am looking to book the full day kayak tour leaving at 8:30am. We will be on a cruise ship that gets in at 8am. We might be a few minutes late would this be ok?
Written 18 August 2019
When you make the booking, please note in the comments that you are on a cruise ship and you might be a couple minutes later. On certain cruise ship days we will delay the departure a bit, but as you haven't mentioned a date, I can't check this. Please note that the return time for the full day is 4pm approx.
I hope this answer has been of help
Written 20 August 2019
Hiya - looking to do some kayaking with children (9 & 11). Can you take children of this age? thanks, Ben
Written 22 July 2018
Hi Ben,
Thank you for your enquiry and great that you would like to explore this beautiful part of the world!
We offer guided kayak trips from the age of 8 years. Our kayak rentals start from the age of 14 years old. Full details you can find on our website
If you have any further questions, please send me an email as we would love to show you around the Marlborough Sounds!
Kind regards,
Anjes
Written 22 July 2018
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