Cove to Cove

Captain Cook's Monument is at Ship Cove, marking the spot where Cook first landed in 1770 and again on four subsequent occasions during his first and second voyages to New Zealand.
This route take in the northernmost part of the Queen Charlotte Track and features abundant birdlife, in particular inquisitive weka that will be keen to check out your trail food supplies if you stop for a break.

Water taxi is the only option for accessing and leaving this run. Check times with cougarlines.co.nz but the schedule generally leaves you with plenty of time to complete the run at a leisurely pace.

30 km

60 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .

Well signposted the whole way but double check with the map at each junction you pass just to be sure.

Patchy.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

There are several small clean side creeks that cross the track but these cannot be relied on after a spell of dry weather. Otherwise duck into Furneaux Lodge for a top up.

The climate is relatively mild and most of the route is under bush canopy so exposure isn't a major factor. That said it still pays to carry the basics in case of injury or unforeseen delays.

Parts of the trail can get very muddy after heavy rain.

Boatshed Cafe
Punga Cove
http://www.pungacove.co.nz/dining.php
Idyllic setting, good selection of post-run beers, snacks and light meals. Few better places to enjoy these than on their deck (which is part of the wharf) on a sunny day