As a leg of the Queen Charlotte Track, this walk is from the northeast end of Endeavour Inlet. But as a day walk, you can do it in either direction with a pre-booked boat pick-up to return to accommodation at Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove, as required.
The track undulates gently but is quite stoney. It follows the shoreline almost all the way. However, it is often 20 to 60 metres above the coast with no accessible beaches except at Camp Bay at the northern tip of the inlet. But there are spectacular views. Most of the walk is through native forest regrowth, except around the scenic reserve behind Furneaux Lodge.
Fox gloves provide some extra colour throughout the walk. Native birds, especially weka, are quite prominent, but the presence of kapokapowai (native giant dragonfly) is a particular delight.
There are several particular points of interest on the track. Coming from Furneaux Lodge, there is an enormous slip area on the west side of the tip of the inlet. This goes back to the intense storms in the region in July 2022. Walking beyond this slip takes you past the odd holiday home. Watch out for the unusual multi-trunked tree fern at the end of a gated track easement. Heading into Big Bay, there is a fantastic viewpoint, with a table beneath ancient beech trees. Perfect for a picnic. Big Bay has a large surviving meadow-like area around the stream at the head of the bay; option number 2 for a picnic.
It is 11.5 km from the tip of the inlet to Punga Cove. Add another 1.5 km from Furneaux Lodge, or 2.5 km from The Pines and 3 to 4 hours for the walk. Note that there is a signposted shortcut to Kenepuru Saddle if you want to avoid Camp Bay and Punga Cove.