Queen Charlotte Track – Ultimate 1 Day Walk – Motuara Island and Kupes Trail

The Experience Begins

The tour begins with a fully guided Wildlife boat experience. You will witness many species of sea birds, dolphins, and seals on your way to Motuara Island, New Zealand’s Premier Predator-Free island. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a one-hour guided walk on this Department of Conservation breeding reserve, where rare and endangered species (Taonga) are bred and then translocated to other locations in New Zealand. This is also the location of Kupes decedents, the Ngtai Kuia Maori tribe, who met Captain James Cook 1000 years after their Pacific explorer ancestor Kupe arrived. New Zealand’s first Maori/ European relations thrived, with Cook spending 170 days locally with the friendly Ngtai Kua Tribe based at Ship Cove / Meretoto.

Welcome to Motuara Island

Motuara Island is 100% predator-free and is home to some rare species, such as the yellow-crowned Parakeet and Saddleback. Explore the island on your own or go with our knowledgeable World Cetacean Alliance Qualified Marine Guide, who will point out and describe the resident blue penguins, rare saddleback, melodic bellbirds, cheeky robins, native pigeons and yellow-crowned parakeets (kakariki). If it’s a clear day, you can also spot the North Island in the distance. The view from the Cook Strait lookout is spectacular!

Friendly Birds

The birds on this predator-free island are fearless, plentiful and very vocal, and many are still rare or Endangered Species. It’s not unusual for you to be able to get very close to these fantastic creatures – there’ll be plenty of photo opportunities. Our expert Queen Charlotte Track guides will be with you all the way. Our team is passionate about the local environment and loves sharing its unique aspects with our small groups.

Historical Significance

Motuara Island was significant for Maori. At the southern tip of Motuara Island is the smaller Hippa Island, which was the site of a pre-European Maori Pa. The adjacent Ship Cove,  Meretoto, was where Maori first met pakeha sustainably – our guides will show you exactly where. Motuara Island was where, in 1770, Captain Cook proclaimed British sovereignty over the South Island.

Refreshments before Queen Charlotte Track

After returning to the boat, please sit back and relax with a hot drink and cookies before making our way back to Ships Cove / Meretoto for the second part of your Adventure for your Soul 🙂

 

Ultimate Queen Charlotte Track Walk – 6kms – Kupes Trail

After you visit Motuara Island, the tour takes you to Ship Cove, where you can enjoy an easy 6km loop walk through Virgin bush back to Meretoto or Ship Cove. This trail is the only section of the original native bush up to 40m tall, serving on the Queen Charlotte Track. Kupe arrived in Meretoto 1200 years ago and used to forage for food on this trail, stopping to pay his respects to the forest giants that still exist today.

Walking through the Best part of the Queen Charlotte Track up to Motuara Island Lookout for the Best coastal View on the track.

Ships Cove / Meretoto Experience

At Ships Cove / Meretoto, there are even more incredible experiences waiting for you. You can wade into the beach where Cook pulled his ship ashore and enjoy the company of young stingrays. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures up close. You can rent a mask and wetsuit before you depart if you also want to snorkel.

If you’re feeling thirsty, you can drink water from the stream, which provided water to the Nagtai Kuia Tribe, who were Kupes’ descendants for over 1200 years. With Cook’s arrival, this creek nurtured the first vegetable patch in New Zealand, which he used to nurse his men back to health. It then made the first beer in New Zealand, adding to the history and culture of this location.

Legends and Facts on Display at Meretoto

The stories and history of Meretoto are displayed in Department of Conservation interpretation signs and toilets. There is a sheltered eating area, a long pier for swimming access and boats, and a short waterfall trail for your pleasure. Alternatively, you can use the custom-made seats to enjoy the lunch you brought with you, soak in the Mana, and replenish your Soul’s Mauri (life force).

Tour Times ⏰

• Briefing: 7.45 AM,
• Departure: 8.00 AM
• Duration: 9.5  hours