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**NOTE: From September 1st 2023, Portage Resort is under NEW MANAGEMENT**. Base yourself at The Portage Resort and experience the best Marlborough has to offer. We are an ideal 2 or 3 night stay so that you can enjoy cruising the Marlborough Sounds, walking New Zealand's famous Queen Charlotte Track, wildlife eco tours, or sea kayaking, fishing and sailing on Kenepuru Sound. Let us know your favourite adventure activity when you book and we'll assist with arrangements for you. Food options range from quality restaurant dining featuring seafood in The Portage Restaurant and Bar to the more casual Snapper bar for a relaxed evening of dining, socialising & catching the amazing sunsets with pub-style fayre. Popular with the locals. Located 10 minutes walk from the acclaimed Queen Charlotte Track, The Portage Resort offers a selection of accommodation from our premium Kereru suites to two story villas and hillside sea view rooms as well as our budget Weka rooms. The Portage Resort is only accessible via water taxi - 15 minutes from Picton or 45 minutes from Havelock. Blenheim Airport has multiple flights from the major cities of Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, every day. The Portage Resort is your Marlborough accommodation base to explore the magic of the Marlborough Sounds top of the South Island of New Zealand.
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The setting and location is stunning, the views glorious. The staff impeccable with their service, friendly, polite, low key and very knowledgeable about the history of The Portage and seemed proud to be working there. They were impressive. While I don't like to pick out anyone in particular, Jamie and Manpreet (sorry if this is wrong. I tried to read your name badge over the bar while you were serving) were just the best. Also, on our first night we were served by a young waiter, equally impressive but I didn't get his name, bearded and going sailing next day. We didn't see him again, unfortunately. We have lived overseas and travelled all over the world, stayed in top accommodation. Only South Africa could equal our experience staying in The Portage in hospitality, low key, pleasant, respectful staff. All well trained but not effusive in their attitude. Often we hear that we don't do hospitality and customer service well in New Zealand but in my experience in our own quiet, humble way we do better than most. We have had some shocking experiences overseas but then I have always noticed a sense of entitlement in many travellers around the world which might answer why there's often a sense of resentment in some countries with people who work in hospitality. We felt our room, while very clean was tired and in need of an upgrade. The carpet was worn. The venetian blind could be replaced with a more modern one, maybe timber or fine line. The curtains need to be replaced with something brighter and more modern- absolutely not vertical blinds! The water system is obviously very old and in need of a complete overhaul. If someone was using a shower in rooms above us our shower water was a mere trickle which wouldn't allow for hair washing or foam removal. A highlight was the picture (Room 30 Korimako) done by, Steven Koller a boy in Year 8 Linkwater School in 2001, in a competition with the subject to be a painting about the magic of the Marlborough Sounds. Another, the lovely planting, especially the natives, the gorgeous baby Tui with the huge voice, flying between a Lancewood,just opposite our room and a miniature bottlebrush shrub back and forth for hours on end. Then the Kereru, coming right down to the dining room window to feast on the berries of the Nikau Palm. The whole beautiful environment just a gem. I think the THC is a government entity. I am going to write to the Tourism Minister and suggest that the government spends some money upgrading the rooms and the water system at The Portage. I know many people who would love to come but would be frustrated if the water didn't work properly and would expect the rooms to look more modern and upmarket. It is the most magical place and it needs to be fully utilised. I much prefer The Portage and the Marlborough Sounds to Queenstown, for example. I find Queenstown overrated, expensive and while boasting stunning views and the lovely lake, just too hectic and busy to be a restful place to stay for a holiday.
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Date of stay: December 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â I think I'd choose to stay in the Tui Terraces rooms if I came again. Lovely views and less...
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.
Stayed for a couple of nights having toured the North island before starting the South. The views are stunning and it very peaceful place to visit. They have pool but it’s not heated and reception will provide you with towels, which is great. They have a laundry but only have one washer but 2 dryers and it gets busy due to people walking the Charlotte track or other activities. The staff were really friendly and helpful. The food was nice but you don’t have much choice, both nights we had dinner it was a buffet which was ok but there wasn’t much difference between the 2 nights. We also had lunch having done a long walk and the choice at the time we turned up was chips or wedges.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from ManagerPortage, General Manager at Portage Resort
Responded 24 Feb 2020
Kia Ora Stephen, Thanks for taking the time to share your review of your recent stay at The Portage. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the breathtaking views of the sounds, and found the team to be friendly and helpful. We look forward to hosting you again on your next visit. Kind Regards, Joshua Thomas General Manager
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This place has really good customer service and the views are amazing. It would be a really good place to take a group of friends or a small family and enjoy a nice weekend away. There are a lot of attractions and and activities to choose from (kayaking and paddle board hire) There is also a cool bar and eatery there overlooking the waterfront. The restaurant is amazing and very romantic. A good idea for Valentine's day weekend away or even for an anniversary. Highly recommend getting a package deal, as it includes a lot of the activities and meals free of charge as well.
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Date of stay: January 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
Response from THC Portage , Owner at Portage Resort
Responded 25 Feb 2021
Kia ora Matt & Natt, It was a pleasure hosting you. I am glad to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of your stay. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Warm Regards, Joshua Thomas General Manager
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On the upside, the hotel location is excellent. Very pretty, quiet and waters edge. The bed in our room was large and comfortable. And the young staff are friendly. Beyond that there was nothing positive about our stay at The Portage. On arrival, no help offered to get bags to our room. Our supposedly premium Tui room, was barely furnished with 4 hangers in a flimsy wooden wardrobe, one side of which opened to a hole in the floor. It smelled damp and fuggy, the bathroom was basic and overall the room was worn, old and in need of a total overhaul. You can also hear every word from the adjoining rooms - Colin in Australia seemed a nice chap for our neighbour to wish Happy New Year at length. , We had hopes there might be some effort for New Year’s Eve, our first night, but not only was there nothing special put on beyond some usual background bar music, the only food was either the dreaded (and dreadful looking) hotel buffet or what we ended up with, burnt chicken wings and undercooked deep fried fish in the Snapper Bar, the sole alternative. We wiped our own table down both nights as most tables were dirty from previous guest usage. On night 2, we resorted to the buffet. Having opened at 6pm, by 7.30pm there were dishes missing, no plates and the meat was rock hard. The salads however were good and varied. When we asked if they always only offered a buffet rather than a la carte, the waitress said ‘oh we’re full so it’s been buffet only for a week now’. So, great for the hotel to be taking top dollar, but lousy for the guest experience as the food was dreadful and there is nowhere else to go. A great shame as its location promises much, but delivered very little. Sadly, we cannot wait to leave in the morning.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from ManagerPortage, General Manager at Portage Resort
Responded 6 Jan 2020
Kia Ora Scotty Hawkes, Thank you for taking the time to share your review with us. While we're glad to hear that you were very happy with the team, the bed in your room and the location, we are very disappointed that we weren't able to meet all the other requirements you have listed. The Executive Chef, Restaurant Manager and I have met to discuss all your feedback in details, and we have taken steps to ensure that such gaps in our service delivery do not occur again. Please be assured that the team at The Portage strives to provide the best service experience to all our guests, but clearly we have failed at various instances during your recent visit. I would love to have the opportunity to redeem ourselves during your next visit to the beautiful sounds! Please feel free to e-mail me directly at "joshua.thomas@thcgroup.co.nz", and I will personally ensure that you leave with a memorable experience. Kind Regards, Joshua Thomas General Manager
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In comparison to the other two places we stayed on the Queen Charlotte track, aside from the large rooms - the portage was extremely disappointing. There are no kayaks or paddleboards at the hotel which isn’t really clear from the website as it does list kayaking as a possible activity, whereas at both other stops there were kayaks provided to explore the lovely bays. The food was also well below par in comparison to the other 2 nights on the track, with a serving of fish and chips here somehow revolting and dry. The snapper bar did great wings, but was having some kind of systems issues getting orders to people, so we ended up cancelling one of our meals after it didn’t show up and a waitress insisting it was 2 mins away without actually checking. It just seems like there are systemic issues that stop this place competing on the same level as other spots on the track which was a real shame. Some other facilities or activities other than just a small pool would be a good step. As it is I wouldn’t recommend it as a place to stay to experience the sounds.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Response from ManagerPortage, General Manager at Portage Resort
Responded 6 Jan 2020
Kia Ora Pinot1991, We are very disappointed to hear that you were let-down with many aspects of your recent stay. I will be meeting with the management team to share your feedback, and further look into how we can improve the overall product we offer at The Portage. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back. Please feel free to e-mail me directly at "joshua.thomas@thcgroup.co.nz" for your next reservation and I will personally ensure you leave with a memorable experience. Kind Regards, Joshua Thomas General Manager
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Yes, its a windy 20kms of road through the (beautiful) New Zealand bush to get there, but its well worth the drive. Given some of the reviews we had doubts about how much we would enjoy our stay, but we need not have worried. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Used a Grab One offer. This included a room upgrade (the view was exceptional), two large and good quality welcome wines, $18 continental or cooked breakfasts. The dinner was also very good, as was the service we received. It was a wet and windy two days but we went there for a rest and got one. Younger guests might enjoy the complimentary canoes or paddle boards that are included.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â One with a balcony that overlooks the Marlborough Sounds.
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.
Response from THC Portage , Owner at Portage Resort
Responded 1 Jun 2021
Kia ora Kiwipj, Thanks for taking the time to share your review. We are pleased to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of your experience at The Portage. We look forward to welcoming you back to our piece of paradise in the Sounds. Warm Regards, Joshua Thomas General Manager
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This was our third night on a four day hike in the Queen Charlotte Sound, and I have to say after the first two nights, it was pretty disappointing. Gorgeous location, but our check in process was quite chaotic, and the room really felt souless, with little attention to details, and some fairly strange features (e.g. the bathroom door stop right in the middle of the shower door way?) ... and we were apparently in one of their best rooms. Food at dinner was plentiful, but pretty pricey considering how average it was - I don't think either of us ate all of our meals. And the wearing of masks of the part of the staff was incredibly variable, which really isn't good enough at the moment. When we mentioned this, and also brought up some other issues with service, there was very little attempt to remedy things and a bit of defensiveness. The bar down by the water is in a gorgeous location, but feels like a barn, with an incredibly limited range of drinks. This could be an amazing hotel ... but at the moment, it just isn't.
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Date of stay: December 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
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.
My partner and I visited the Portage as one of the shortlisted venues for our wedding. From our first contact with The Portage we were impressed by the service delivered by Joshua, the Manager. He dedicated himself to our special day in a way that the bigger players that we were also in touch with were not able to match. His flexibility, understanding, responsiveness, and friendly communication, the Food and Beverage options, as well as the warm welcome we received from the entire team (Thank you Tee and Brownie!) on the day of our visit, made The Portage a favourite on our list. In the end the windy access to the property led us to consider other options, as we were expecting a lot of older guests and there is a history of chronic car sickness in my partner's family. But for those who have no problems with driving or boating, The Portage is a unique venue blessed with a lovely team, and a great setting for an event that will certainly be remembered.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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.
Response from ManagerPortage, General Manager at Portage Resort
Responded 30 Apr 2020
Kia Ora Ian, Thank you so much for your kind words and encouraging feedback. Tee, Brownie & Harry sure are great assets within our team, and your feedback has surely served as an encouragement to our committed team as they continue to strive to look after all our customers. On behalf of the team, I would like to wish you both the very best of luck for your wedding. We hope to have the chance to host you both again. Maybe a week-end away from Nelson? Kind Regards, Joshua Thomas General Manager
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We purchased a Grab One voucher for 2 nights and ended up in a Tui Room. Comfy bed, nice hot shower and a balcony looking back over the main building and jetty, nice view, the rooms at the other end would have better water views) We ate at the restaurant with mixed experiences, there is nowhere else close, The mussels were delicious and with a side of chips was plenty for the 2 of us. The fish of the day was snapper and it was not good at all, we were offered free desert and the lemon cheesecake was great. Drinks were pretty reasonable which was pleasing. Nice place for a couple of days to unwind.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Response from THC Portage , Owner at Portage Resort
Responded 1 Jun 2021
Kia ora Maree, We are delighted to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your stay. Thanks for taking the time to share your review. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Warm Regards, Joshua Thomas General Manager
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Of the three hotel we stayed along the Queen Charlotte Track this was the most disappointing. I find by the way you are welcomed says a lot about the hotel. The person at reception was polite and friendly, but vague in the process and where we need to go to our room.
Our room was okay, but these are two story terraces suits and we were below a family so most of the evening was listening to pounding footsteps by the kids. So ask for a top level room. The room king size bed is just two single beds with a king sheet overtop and therefore not the best mattress to sleep on after 24km walk.
As our bags are transferred from hotel to hotel along our walk. At the first two hotels they were in our rooms when we arrived. At the Portage Hotel the receptionist said they had arrive. But wasn’t sure where they were at the time, but she would get them delivered asap. We when to our room and after an hour waiting I went to reception to find out when we would be getting our bags. Walking over to reception centre I saw our bags we’re sitting in the luggage rack where anybody could take them. So I grabbed them. During our stay no staff followed up with us to find out if we had our luggage.
The restaurant has two options 1. a la carts with no price on the menu (did find out it was $68 for 3 course) or buffet (this is the default booking in restaurant (again with no prices on the menu, but was told $48). We had the buffet and it was okay, nothing special.
In the morning asked for extra coffee satchels and milk for the room and was directed to the bar. Where they said they didn’t have any, but could make us a coffee and deliver to my room. We accepted and waited for 20 minutes. Then went back to the bar. Where the coffees were made sitting on the counter. But the other person behind the counter didn’t know they were to be delivered to our room. Disappointing.
The amenities around the place needed attention. Wanted use the pool but it was green. The bar balcony to sit outside was closed for safety reasons.
As we were part of the Queen Charlotte Track premium package we were booked into Furneaux Lodge, Punta Cove Resort and Portage Hotel. I don’t think there are many hotel choices along the way. But that said, there are opportunities for management and staff to get the small things right.
The positive. Such a nice place with so much potential to make guests fall in love with the bay and hotel.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Get the top rooms if you don’t want to hear people footsteps
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.
There are more places to choose from in the Picton area.
PRICE RANGE
$237 - $357 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the portage hotel picton, portage hotel picton
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Peppers Portage
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandMarlborough RegionPicton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
41
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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