Boating New Zealand — January 2018

94 Boating New Zealand

There’s also a sombre side to the Channel. Part way along

you can look skyward and see the 11,000-volt interisland power

lines into which a Cessna aircraft crashed in 1985, claiming

eight lives. The sole survivor was an 11-year-old girl.

The old whaling stations are close to the Cook Strait

entrance; an intimidating place in a small boat and which

shouldn’t be approached in anything other than favourable

conditions. But, the fact you can view the North Island across

the strait is always impressive.

There’s also a small DoC campsite at Ngaruru Bay for those

hoping to pack a tent and spend a few days exploring this

unique part of the Sounds. In fact, a number of small DoC

campsites are spread throughout Queen Charlotte – the fee is

nominal. Check the DoC website for more information.

If the forecast is favourable, exploring the outer reaches

of Queen Charlotte can be a fascinating experience. It’s about

an hour from Picton to Endeavour Inlet in calm conditions,

a popular destination partly because it’s the location of two

renowned accommodation providers – Furneaux Lodge and

Punga Cove. Both are great places to stop for a coffee and

muffin or something more substantial. Endeavour also has good

fishing and swimming.

The deep-blue, sheltered waters of Resolution Bay lie beyond

Endeavour Inlet and if you want to push even further out,

it’s about another 20 minutes to Ship Cove/Meretoto. This is

recognised as Captain James Cook’s favourite New Zealand base

during his three voyages of exploration. It provided a central

and secure anchorage with good wood, water and fishing where

he could prepare and provision his ships and rest his crews.

Around 250 years later it remains a popular mooring point

for boats of all types and sizes. It’s also the drop-off point for

walkers starting the world-renowned Queen Charlotte Track

Queen Charlotte is a boating mecca and,

for our family, holds many special memories.

ABOVE Grove Arm – idyllic

playground.

FAR RIGHT Clockwise – the jetty at

Ship Cove, cricket outside Furneaux

Lodge, and Picton – a great place to

start your Sounds adventure.