If you are reading this you will probably be, or are planning to be, a visitor to our park. Hopefully this information will help you to plan your stay, find your way around and answer some of the questions we are most commonly asked.
Our ambition for the park is to create the most interesting and pleasant living environment possible for our extended family, and possibly others in the future. To us this means an environment as natural as possible. We also are endeavouring to develop an economy based as much as possible on our natural sustainable resources. In improving our own surroundings we hope to become increasingly attractive to visitors who love to experience beauty and nature in all its moods but relish doing so in a secure, private and sensitive situation.
Your visit is very important to us. The income that you and other visitors have provided has allowed us to retire the property completely from pastoral farming. The rapidly regenerating forest is not only providing a much needed habitat for our indigenous wildlife but is also playing a very important part in the fight against catastrophic climate change as it absorbs polluting CO2 from the atmosphere. QCWP is in fact NZ first commercial carbon sink and is providing an example for many others around the country.
Secondly, whether you are from Timaru or Tokyo, your presence will give us essential contact with the outside world and so immeasurably enrich our lives.
We have a good time here, we hope you will too.
Note: We have established a marine protected area around the marina. Please do not take sea life within 100 metres of the sign on the end of the breakwater.

Outer Queen Charlotte Track

Overview

This varied track links Queen Charlotte Wilderness Park to Ship Cove, effectively extending the Queen Charlotte Track through to the northern tip of Cape Jackson. There are two distinct sections both involving a full days walking experience.
The first section is a walking-only route that takes you from Ship Cove to the Lodge at Anakakata Bay. Mostly it is a natural forest walk, with the outstanding feature being the variety of flora present over a short distance. This is the result of different climates and environments associated with your journey from the coast to heights of about 700 metres. There are some outstanding views from the more open areas.
While it is not particularly difficult, you will be on your feet for a long time and some sections are steep. The route is marked with orange triangles wherever the trail is not obvious. Those who can and are willing to make the effort will find it worthwhile as the track offers a quality of forest and scenery of a different dimension to other walks in the area. Many people walk this section as a way of getting to our park, when the launch will drop you off at Ship Cove and bring on your packs to the Lodge by sea.

The second section takes you from the Lodge to the lighthouse. While there are plenty of beautiful natural forest areas the emphasis here is on very special coastal scenery. We have yet to meet anyone who has not been inspired by this section of the track. The track standard is suitable for almost anyone, consisting in the main of easy grade grass covered original farm roads. This section can also be travelled by vehicle, independently from the Ship Cove section by travelling direct to the Lodge by sea.
Note: If walking some or all of the track from Ship Cove south as well as this it is much less costly in terms of launch costs and time to do the Outer Queen Charlotte Track first

Ship Cove To Lodge 6 hours walking)

Ship Cove To Port Gore Saddle (2 hours)
Proceed to the Cook Monument. Take the signposted waterfall track where you will see the Cape Jackson sign. This section climbs to about 500m through outstanding virgin forest. At the top you can see your first views of Port Gore. The Russian Cruise Liner, Mikhail Lementov, sunk between the two headlands to the west. To carry on to the park turn north or right and follow the fence.

Gigantic bush in Ship Cove

The monument to Captain Cook at Ship Cove

Port Gore Saddle To Oterawhanga Summit (1½ hours)
You will be following the fence nearly all the way. Half an hour into this section there is a fork where one branch leads down into Port Gore. Take the right fork which follows the fence. There are many gaps in the trees that will afford great all round views. The western side of the fence is on our neighbours property. Please stay on the track to respect their privacy. At the end of the fence, carry straight on. Soon you will be at the top in mountain beech forest. A steel survey peg marks the top, (688m). A good stopping point is about two minutes on from this peg which will give views right to the Cape Jackson lighthouse.

Oterawhanga To Jacksons Head (¾ hour)
You are now on the downhill run. Little Waikawa, an important pa (Maori Village) site in early times, will be down to the east. There are some very old trees and some spectacular bluffs to negotiate and the views will extend south to Kaikoura and north to Mount Taranaki and Ruapehu. The long green peninsula of Cape Jackson will be visible and the Lodge will come into view towards the end.

Port Gore is a magnificent backdrop

Jacksons Head To Lodge(1½ hours)
The Lodge will be visible at times as you descend the steep ridge. It is as well to be as quiet as you can as this section will provide the best experiences of wild life. After about twenty minutes the bush trail will emerge on to a formed and wider track typical of the main trails throughout the Park. There is a branch to the east shown on the map. Please do not take this branch. Stick to the main trail. You will not see where it comes up. Follow the LODGE signs to get to your accommodation.

Nikau Palms

Safety
Please be careful. You are a long way from anywhere and this is a trail for adventurers who want some genuine wilderness. Do not carry heavy packs. Carry 2 litres of water and enough food for a day. Although walking time is about 5-6hrs. there is plenty to see and you should allow 8 hrs. If you are by yourself please stay on the track so someone can find you if you get delayed. Leave early in the morning. Watch your footing and avoid bad weather. The trail is well sheltered but carry some warm and waterproof clothing. Good footwear is a must. Walking in slacks is preferable as there are some areas of giant stinging nettle (Onga) just off the track. If you lose the triangles back track until you have found them. Carry these directions with you.

Lodge To Lighthouse (2.5 hrs. one way)

Lodge To Waimatete Saddle (20 Min's)
Take road up from the Lodge to the Woolshed area. Carry on up the upper road (Do not go through sheep yards) to the gate at the top of the hill. Beautiful views of Queen Charlotte, Kapiti Coast and outer sounds through to D'Urville Island. Go through gate and look over cliff edge into Waimatete Bay. Mussel point is biggest reef immediately to the north. This is an excellent familiarisation walk and one that many guests do several times during their stay.

Saddle To Skywalker Rock (20 mins)
Carry on north to the low point 100 metres past the saddle gate. Note the orange triangle marking the route to Mussel Point (15 minutes down) for a later excursion. A little later the track will fork. The right hand fork goes to Luckys Knob. Walkers going to Skywalkers or the Lighthouse should go left. Enjoy the KoheKohe-predominant bush. This area is one of the few places you will see Kohe in the South Island. Soon you will get to a small clearing where there are some sheep pens. An orange triangle points the way down a 30 metre long precipitous path to a rocky outcrop that overlooks the bush and sea. Photograph your friend standing out on the rock, if they dare.

Skywalker Rock

Skywalker Rock To Hurricane Valley Saddle (20 mins)
Continue north for about 10 minutes and note Mine turn-off for a later excursion. Another 10 minutes will take you to the ridge, named Hurricane Valley because of the extreme winds experienced there during northerly gales. You are now overlooking the general area of the gold fields worked late last century. Around you can see parts of the old mine tracks and some mounds which represent old ventilation shafts. The fenced off shaft, half way down the ridge on the western side, has not been filled. The main workings are much lower down on both sides of the peninsula.

Hurricane Valley To Waihi Yards (½ hour)
Follow the ridge past the pond to Waihi lookout for a good view of the rest of the route. Take the side track from there which descends steeply back to the formed path on the eastern side. Another 20 minutes will take you to the Waihi Yard area at the northern rim of a quite large valley. As you approach this area note the large valley to the east and the road running through it down to sea level at Waihi Point, for a later excursion. Follow the path to the eastern end of the yards (sheep pens) and find the old musterers hut site (to be restored). Just below you towards the lighthouse lies the wreck of the Rangitoto, sunk in 1873.

Waihi Yards To Stephens Lookout (20 mins)
Carry on through the upper yards and take the ridge road out towards the lighthouse. The ridge top here is quite broad and you can meander from side to side for some breathtaking views. Soon you will arrive at the place where the main vehicle path stops which is, despite its openness, a sheltered place to pause before the last leg to the lighthouse. Note the large valley to the south west and the road running down. This will be your return route.

Stephens Lookout To The Lighthouse (½ hour)
When you first look out over the rough path out to the light the prospect may be quite daunting. True, the peninsula seems to narrow down to almost nothing, with the land on each side of the route falling away precipitously into the sea. But the footing is firm, the track is wider than it looks from a distance and if you think you’re able, the experience is well worth it.
This is the leg where you will be most likely to see marine mammals in close proximity. Seals certainly, Dolphins often and whales occasionally. You will have birds eye views into crystalline rock pools and reefs while you walk through a terrain which is both beautiful and savage.

The old Cape Jackson lighthouse

Try to spend some time at the lighthouse itself looking out over Jacksons passage. It is a natural intersection of the sea and over a period of time all sorts of creatures including the odd human will pass by. Our favourite is to watch the Penguins "fly" in the pools below. You will always see all sorts of sea birds feeding in the tide race, including the flesh footed shearwater. Often schools of Dolphins pass by.
If you had been there in February 1986 you would have seen the huge cruise ship Mikhail Lementov attempt a fateful and rather silly passage between the land and the old lighthouse out on the rock. The new lighthouse itself is on quite an historic site as it was there on the 29th January 1770 Cook visited, raised the flag and constructed a rocky tower for the first time.

Lighthouse to Lodge (2.5Hrs.)

Lighthouse To Boat Harbour (¾ hour)
Retrace your path back to Stephens Lookout. Take the road running down the valley to the southwest. Just before you reach a grove of cabbage trees, where there is a small pond, turn off to the west and find the path leading down to a pretty little cove complete with golden sands. The snorkelling here is first class with very clear water and lots of sea life. Just off this bay on the southern point is where the Lastingham lies, it sank in 1884. As soon as funds allow, this whole cove will be planted and the old musterers hut above the bay will be restored as a walkers shelter.

Boat Harbour To Lodge (1¾ hours)
Go back up to the main path at the cabbage trees and continue south. Soon you will meet up with the out-going route at the Waihi Yards. When you meet the turnoff to Waihi Lookout carry on walking the main path to Hurricane Valley. At Hurricane Valley instead of descending west keep to the main ridge to return via Luckys Knob which will afford you some great all round views. The good track up to Luckys Knob peters out at the base to a roughish and steep ascent but at the top it turns into a good road again.

Other tracks and destinations

Waimatete Saddle(20 mins. One way)

Follow directions under Lodge To Lighthouse above to the Waimatete Saddle.

Skywalker Rock(40 mins. One way)

Follow directions under Lodge to Lighthouse above to Skywalker Rock.

Mussel Point (35 mins one way)

Twenty minutes of climbing down this rather steep side route on the Lodge to Lighthouse trail will lead you through a good example of old Karaka and Kohekohe forest to a reef loaded with delicious green mussels. A top place to rock fish, swim or snorkel and really deserving of a separate excursion. If you want to collect mussels (and stay dry), it is best to time your visit to coincide with low tide. Follow the Lodge to Lighthouse trail, turn off where directed and follow the triangles. A magical spot, we suggest you take refreshments and allow at least 2-3 hours.

Luckys Knob (45 minutes one way)

Follow the Lodge to Lighthouse trail past the mussel point sign to the next fork. Luckys Knob is the high hill in front of you and the right fork will take you to the top and wonderful all round views.

Gold Mines (1 hour one way)

Inside looking out

A side track 15 minutes off the main Lodge to Lighthouse trail will take you to the general area. See old machinery, stone house remnants and some good tunnels. What makes this different is its proximity to the sea. Take the Lodge to Lighthouse route and turn off 400m past mine bush yards, at the sign. Follow the signs when the road ends, right to sea level in a rocky cove. The last part is walking only and very steep. Note the old machinery and remnants of wharf structures set in rock.

Outside looking in

The tunnel is in the centre of the cove, about 20m above sea level and drives into the hill for about 70m. The entrance is quite small but opens to walking height once inside. You may strike some shallow water for the first 20m. Take a torch, note stalactites and be careful not to disturb penguins when nesting. There are other tunnels, trenches and shafts in the area, possibly some not found yet, so be careful if you go off the beaten track. See “gold mine information” for more detail about the workings.

Waihi Point (1½ hours one way)

Takes you to sea level on Queen Charlotte coast out through an unusual split rock at the end of a valley. A good place for rock fishing or a picnic. Take the Lighthouse route and turn east at Waihi basin, just before the Waihi basin yards. A good road all the way.

Boat Harbour (1¾ hours one way)

A golden sand beach all of your own and a great place to watch the sun go down. Good rock fishing, snorkelling and shell fish collecting at low tide. Take the lighthouse route to the Waihi Yards. If you are going direct to the beach (other than via the Lighthouse) take the lower road north. About 15 minutes walking will get you to a cabbage tree grove and a small pond. Turn off west just after this and find the road down to the sea. A good road all the way.

Kaitangata Loop (2 hours return)

This is a good familiarisation tramp for those travelling direct by sea to the Lodge. Takes you some way into the forested end of the park. It is part old bridle track above the cliffs joining the main track from Ship Cove. Best in the evening if you would like to see wild animals. Starts at the back of the accommodation block and follows the clifftops south. After about 25 minutes, past the Jellekes Hoek the track breaks out into the open in a narrow gully before climbing up the bushclad valley. Carry on up the valley where in about 25 minutes you will reach the ridge top overlooking Port Gore. At the ridge top turning left or south will take you up to Jacksons Head (1hr) on the main trail to Ship Cove. Turning north will take you back along the main trail to the Lodge. Follow the lodge signs back.

Jacksons Head (2 hours one way)

Take the lighthouse route to the Waimatete saddle and turn south at gate. This is the northern leg of the Outer Queen Charlotte Track to Ship Cove and the backbone to the southern and most forested end of park. Climbs to 543 metres with great bush and views along the way and when you get there. The top is covered in big trees so if you want to look out carry on in the Ship Cove direction for about another 10 minutes. Really an all day exploration experience with all sorts of unusual features and hidden valleys.

Long Island Marine Reserve

Just across from the lodge lies Long Island and its surrounding marine reserve. Although of recent declaration, the marine life in the waters around the island is already showing the benefits with increases in fish populations, which must benefit the surrounding area in time. Long Island is a public reserve with a look, don't touch policy and will become increasingly attractive to visitors. Why not try a snorkel, but sorry, no fishing!

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary

Even closer is Motuara Island which is also a public reserve. Although again of recent origin, the birdlife on the island is quite outstanding. A favourite is the hordes of friendly bush robins. The rare Saddleback has also been introduced and is doing well. Kiwis are also present. We think you will find a visit well worth while.

White Rocks Shag Colony

Again just across the bay are the White Rocks Islands and a colony of rare King Shags. It is in an exposed position however and calm weather is a must.

Wildlife and Surroundings

General

Anyone who thinks that it might be a disappointing business to restore native forest because one doesn’t live long enough to see the results could not be more wrong. Sure the majesty of an untouched forest, as it is at Ship Cove and the southern end of the Park is something on its own. But what could be better than seeing the birth or really the re birth of a new forest. Every season shows progress whether it is a new broadleaf plant popping out from the Tauhinu or a bird that is being seen in increasing numbers or perhaps has not been seen here for a long time.
Milestones for us have been the dramatic increase in Weka who play their part by demolishing numerous mice, rats and even stoats. And we were excited by sightings of a yellow eyed penguin and the native bat quite recently. This winter we will be re introducing pukeko to a wetland area that now has plenty of feed now that the sheep have gone.
Broadly though the most pleasure is hearing more and more birds as time goes by . There is nothing quite like hearing a bellbird sing for joy as it returns to the home from which they were evicted so long ago.

Flora

The unique nature of the environment of the Marlborough Sounds and its climate has evolved some unique species. An example is the Kohekohe which hardly exists elsewhere in the South Island. Even more amazing is the variety of species in a small area, presumably because of the variety of environments implicit in an area that has such high terrain so close to the sea.
Close to the shoreline are the native flaxes and other salt resistant species such as Taupata and Ngaio. These soon give way to species of the next level of hardiness such as the Tree Daisy, Five Finger, Kohekohe., Pidgeonwood and, in the outer sounds, Karaka. A little further up and the larger trees start such as Pukatea, Rimu and Tawa. Higher up still will be the beeches including the hard and mountain varieties. Up on the ridges will be ancient knarled examples of Kapuka.
Everywhere where there is enough light but sufficient shelter will be the Tree ferns. If the face is warm enough such as those at Queen Charlotte Wilderness Park you will see the tropical looking Nikau Palm. All these and countless other species may be found over perhaps no more than 500 metres. This is very much the general scenario on the Ship Cove to Anakakata lodge section of the Outer Queen Charlotte track and the southern part of the park.
The later regenerated areas are dominated by the Tauhinu, endemic to NZ, which is providing a useful cover for the next generation of Mahoe, Manuka and the various broadleafs. At the lodge we have several books on the native Flora of New Zealand to aid you in identification, if that is your interest.

Dolphins, Seals and Whales

Seals are present all the time. In the summer they will be found more often further out, particularly around the lighthouse. In winter they are more common and are often seen on the beaches in front of the homestead.
Dolphins are also common but again more so in winter. They are generally on the move however, so you need to keep a good lookout as you travel about the Park. Most common species are the Bottlenose and Hector.
Whales are not resident but are often seen travelling through Cook Strait in Spring and Autumn. The Orca is the whale we see most often inside the sound. In November particularly, we see groups of up to a dozen which stay around for about a week.
Binoculars are a good idea for initial location.

Penguins And Other Sea Birds

We have a particular fondness for the Blue Penguin which are very common on and around our shores. You will see them often on the water, feeding. At night they come ashore in varying numbers according to season and are often seen marching in front of the Lodge, on their way up the road to nest under the woolshed or in caves in rocky banks. If you want to see them come up, go down to our marina after dark and stay quietly in the boatshed because they will be reluctant to come in if they see you.
There are often Penguins in the Gold Mine tunnel. Please be very careful not to disturb them too much although they seem to be quite hardy little creatures. In particular do not shine torch light in their faces as we understand that this can cause damage.
There are all sorts of sea birds, some quite rare such as the King Shags at White Rocks. A good place to observe them closely is at the lighthouse because you are at their flying level and they feed there often in the tide race.
We have only seen one yellow eyed penguin in our time here.

Birds On Land

There is also a good variety of land birds at the Park, increasingly so as regeneration is advancing. Kereru or Native Pigeon are common around the Park and even the Lodge when the Pigeonwood or Karaka is in fruit. Common also are Tui, Bellbird and the Fantail. Every spring the Long Tailed and Shining Cuckoo pay us a noisy visit and Kingfishers are also often seen. The Kiwi-like Weka is also common.
For more information we recommend two books which are in the homestead library. The Story of Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park and The Queen Charlotte Walkway by Don Grady.

Activities

Tramping

Hiking is the most common activity and arguably the best way to enjoy our Park and indeed all of Queen Charlotte Sound. The backbone is the Outer Queen Charlotte Track - a two day walk/hike which is often done in conjunction with the Queen Charlotte Track, with which we are connected at Ship Cove. There are also many side tracks. Detail on the various tracks available is given under the “Tracks and Trails” section. Because the trails are on private property, we can control the numbers of people using them to yourself or your own party if that is what is required.

Mountain Biking

Many of our trails are suitable for mountain bikes. Pre-arrangement is necessary because we prefer this not to clash with other users of the trails.

Fishing

There are few places in New Zealand, including most of the Marlborough Sounds, where fish can be caught easily. The ocean around the Park is one such area, so far, because of its isolation and proximity to the rich waters of Cook Strait. Having a well roaded and island like structure we always have a sheltered side. Most fish can be caught off the rocks independent of the weather or from our dinghy in a sheltered bay. There are very few days that this cannot be done.
Shellfish gathering is really easy. We have good stocks of Paua and Green Mussel.
Many people who comes here base their diet on seafood because of the rare opportunity to gather the supply so conveniently. The ability to shorebase this activity means that the whole family can become easily involved.
The most common species caught close to shore are Blue Cod and Terakihi which are found anywhere along the coast. Blue Cod are most common round the points, just offshore, while Terakihi can be found just outside or in clear patches in the seaweed. There are normally good quantities of Moki and Butterfish inside the weed.
Offshore the fishing can be simply fantastic with good quantities of large Blue Cod and Groper available. We can organise appropriate transport if you wish.
Some sites are better than others but there are plenty of places to get to the water (see Tracks and Trails). We will be happy to advise you on the most suitable places for the particular season and weather. We are also happy to advise you on the preparation of the delicacies with which you may not be familiar.
The experienced are welcome to bring their own equipment. For the novice we keep a stock of hand lines. We also have a small but stable boat that you can use.
Note: We have established a marine protected area around the breakwater area. Please do not fish or take any seafood inside or within 100 metres of the marina entrance.

Diving

The waters around the park provide for top diving, either scuba or snorkel, for much the same reasons as given above in fishing. Water clarity is always excellent on one side of the peninsula if not both. Water temperature varies from about 10° in winter to about 18° in summer. The environment is varied from the extensive kelp covered reefs on the east side to more open boulder strewn and sandy bottoms of the west side. Crayfish are generally available all year round for scuba and at some times of the year at snorkel depths. Shellfish are plentiful.
There are two old wrecks right on the coast (see map) and the Russian Cruise Ship, Mikhail Lementov, lies just offshore in Port Gore.
We have basic snorkel gear including wet suits which you can borrow. You can also use our boat but generally most good sites have a track or road to them allowing most snorkel diving to be land based.
We can also support offshore scuba diving but this will need to be by prearrangement. We specialise in individuals, couples or small groups who want to have the best diving possible but either do not have their own suitable boat, have their own boat but do not wish to travel long distances to the best grounds each day, or do not wish to join a charter boat group. We have a very experienced scuba guide available who will give top quality personal attention, if it is required. We can arrange for hire tanks, or any other equipment you may need . We do not have filling facilities for dive tanks, but we can arrange refills from Picton.

Boating And Kayaking

We can provide a berth for your own boat in our sheltered marina. We have a kayak and dinghy which you are welcome to use by arrangement.

Photography

Do not forget to bring your camera. There are some genuinely unusual and amazing photographic opportunities here.

Camping

You are welcome to sleep in your own tent if you wish. However as we do not have a camping ground as such, you will still normally need to use the lodge facilities. Therefore, we are not usually able to reduce the tariff.
Spending the odd night at a remote place on the farm is a common activity with guests.

Guided Tours

Take a guided tour to the lighthouse or any other destination you may wish on land, at sea or under the water (see Services - Guides).

Lazing About

It should not be thought that life at Queen Charlotte Wilderness Park is always some sort of Outward Bound Course. Many people come simply to recharge the batteries, or perhaps give some undistracted attention to a problem or a task that they may have.
The lodge is comfortable and homely, with a nice outdoor barbecue area and the views are wonderful. All rooms have their own bathrooms. A roaring fire and the many books and games in our library should take care of any bad weather.
We specialise in privacy for those who wish it. We only have a small lodge and if you wish you can be our only guest by taking one of our exclusive options. Even if you share, remember that our private land totals about 1500 acres with 20km of coast. The neighbouring lands are a deserted reserve. It is not hard to find a place for yourself.

Services

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided for overnight visitors in our original 1912 farmhouse and visitors quarters, now set aside exclusively for guests. All bedrooms have their own bathroom. A large farmhouse kitchen is equipped with crockery, cutlery, fridge and freezer. This kitchen is available for use by guests when not being used by us to cook provided meals. There is an outdoor barbecue area, lawn and garden. Heating is electric plus log fire. There are plenty of books and games, and a radio/cd player is provided. Sleeping linen provided. A room or the whole lodge can be booked exclusively. A large rambling place with a happy homely atmosphere, situated in a sheltered position with exceptional views.

The lounge in the Wilderness Park lodge

Meals And Shop

We always provide dinners and breakfasts unless an exclusive option has been taken. Many people base their meals on our easily gathered seafood, but we keep a reasonable stock of most types of supplies which you can purchase while you are here. Please check with us if you have special requirements.

Communications

We have limited telephone, VHF marine radio and fax. Outgoing calls only if you wish!

Marina

We have an all weather marina in which we can berth your own boat by prearrangement.

Guides

We particularly enjoy leading people along the Outer Queen Charlotte Track. Talk to us if you would like further information.

Transport Around The Park

We have a Landrover which we can use to transport you or your party to any spot within the Park (see Guided Tours). We provide a boat that you can use yourself to get around on the water. Note: all use of equipment must be by arrangement and is subject to availability at the time. Everything is used as part of our daily life.

Transport To The Park

Unless you have your own boat you will probably need to use a launch service from Picton. Always book through us to make sure the service is co-ordinated.

Regular launch Endeavour Express (NZ 03 579 8465) leaves Picton town wharf most days daily at 9am. If you are walking in you will arrive at Ship Cove at about 10am and your luggage will travel on to us. If you are coming direct you will arrive here about 10.15am. This standard launch service is included in your package price.
Same service will return you to Picton at about 12.45pm, leaving here about 10.15am.
There is plenty of free car parking close to the wharf in Picton. If you want something more secure we will get Endeavour Express to arrange for a cars storage firm to meet you at the wharf.
Visitors from the North Island can cross the strait from Wellington to Picton by Sea (Straits Shipping or Interislander) or by air (Soundsair)

General Information

Climate

The climate at Cape Jackson is very influenced by the sea with which it is virtually surrounded. It has a moderating effect, which makes for warm summers and mild winters. Frost, ice and snow are unknown. Rainfall is spread throughout the year but is more frequent in spring. A total of about 1000 mm. falls each year in mainly heavy showers, mostly at night and in 1997 on 33 rain days.
Comfort is mainly influenced by the wind, which can be fierce at times, as is common to all of Marlborough (if not most of coastal NZ). This wind evens out the climate much like the sea, so that a windless winters day can be just as warm as a windier summers day. Fortunately the cape has two aspects to the weather and one side or the other is usually sheltered. The complex nature of the terrain and the large amount of vegetation allows all sorts of microclimates within the cape and it is not hard to take advantage of these if the weather is bad.
Overall the period from December through to the end of May would be the most settled, but there is really no time of year which is unsuitable for most of the activities Cape Jackson has to offer.

History

Maori Occupation with various Pa.
1770 Captain James Cook landed at point of cape & erected Cairn.
1860 Turner family takes up pastoral lease.
1871 Gold discovered
1873 Rangitoto sank 1km south of point on east side of Cape
1875 Mines closed
1878 Mines reopened.
1881 Mines closed.
1884 Lastingham sank 1km south of point on west side of Cape.
1887 Mines reopened.
1908 Sea level drive established.
1912 Present homestead built by McLachlan family.
1965 Baker family take over.
1978 Mains power established.
1986 Russian Ship Mikhail Lemontov sank in Port Gore.
1988 Breakwater constructed.
1993 Wilderness Park opened to public.
2002 Farming ceases.
2003 QCWP becomes NZ first commercial carbon sink.

Gold Mine Information

Gold was discovered in 1871 by the Turner family who farmed Cape Jackson as part of the Ravenscliffe Run. In those days the farm extended to Endeavour Inlet. The homestead was in Cannibal Cove although there was a woolshed at Kempe Point.
Testing of rock indicated 40,000 tons of ore at 3oz per ton - $60,000,000 worth at todays prices. The field was proclaimed in 1872 and 12 men commenced work on roading, building and excavation. A weekly service was established to Picton and excursions were arranged to view the workings. Supplies were packhorsed from Kempe Point.
A wooden chute was made to carry ore to the machinery at sea level. There were problems such as; coal supply, a shortage of quartz because of the lack of tunnels and some technical difficulties with the gold separation process. In 1875 the battery was washed away finishing the first phase of recovery. Although gold was mined, it was not recovered at a rate sufficient to cover costs. In those days they needed about 1oz per foot of tunnel dug.
The mines were reopened in 1878. Repairs were made to the equipment and a breakwater established. Soon a Jewellers Shop was found where the "reef seemed to be held together by gold". Hopes were high, but the reef was lost. Faults in the area kept dislocating the reef. Up to 20 men were employed but the mine closed again in 1882.
There was another serious attempt to mine in 1887, but again it failed. In 1908 a drive almost at sea level was put in but was never developed.

Today
Many of the shafts and tunnels are still visible. Parts of the stone houses still stand. We have adopted the 1908 tunnel as a seemingly safe place to experience a little of the gold madness which must have driven the miners to spend their days in such claustrophobic misery. Only the Stalactites and the Penguins remain to appreciate their efforts. A few broken plates and some rusting machines persist as a temporary monument to thousands of manhours of work and disappointment. The painstaking sculptures in the rocks that formed foundations for the long gone breakwater will probably be the only signs to endure for relative eternity.
Where was the gold? Only about 2% seems to have been recovered. The inefficiency of the separation process would seem to suggest that the mountains of tailings may hold part of the answer. Is the glitter of the white sands of Gold Cove only due to the sun probing through the waves? Perhaps the gold still lies in the areas as yet unworked. Maybe another Jewellers Shop lies within centimetres of the walls of the existing tunnels. If you would like to try your luck there is quite a bit of detailed information, including maps, on the workings in the homestead library.

Captain Cooks Journal

In the Lodge library there is a print of Captain Cooks journal. For those interested in early history, the journal gives a fascinating insight into the social life of the immediate area in the late eighteenth century.

Rimu Beer

We are indebted to Cook for his recipe for making beer from local materials. We understand that it is the perfect preventative for scurvy.

Make a strong brew of the small branches of the Rimu and Manuka, boiling for 2 to 4 hours. That is until the bark will strip off the branches easily.
Take them out of the copper and put in molasses or sugar.
Bring back to boil.
Cask up and add equal quantity of cold water.
When the whole is milk warm, add yeast and leave for a few days.

Special Packages

Wilderness Explorer

Day one
Leave Picton 9.00am, cruise to Ship Cove. Walk to Anakakata Bay via Outer Queen Charlotte Track where you will meet your luggage which will have gone on by sea. Wilderness dinner provided. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day Two
Leave the Lodge to do the return walk via the Lighthouse stopping at interest points along the way. Return to lodge for dinner. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day Three
Some time to yourself before cruising back to Picton via Endeavour Inlet, arriving at about 1pm or back to Ship Cove to continue the Queen Charlotte Track.

Options
This season guided wilderness explorer runs starting Thursdays finishing Saturdays. We will do this another segment of the week if demand dictates.
Day Two can be travelled by landrover.
Take an extra day to relax or enjoy the many other short walks or other activities available.

Prices
See website at www.truenz.co.nz/wilderness or otherwise enquire.

Bookings or Enquiries

Click here for our contact us page.

Mainland Island native wildlife sanctuary located in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand. Wilderness hiking, Accommodation, Marine activities. Where humans and nature work together.

More About the Park

Introduction