With paradise right on our doorstep, summer is a great time to head out to the beautiful lodges in Endeavour Inlet, Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove.

Whether you want to stay a night or more, visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a drink or moor up and spend quality time exploring the area – including the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track – there are plenty of options for boaties to make the most of the area’s views and flavours.

At both lodges, moorings are available for day and overnight guests; call ahead to VHF 63 to book a mooring and a table if necessary – a tender service may be available (weather pending). If you’re eating at one of the restaurants or the café, or overnighting at the lodge, you can use a mooring for free. Otherwise, overnight moorings are $25. Both lodges also sell basic food and toiletry supplies, and bait.

Furneaux

“From the free overnight mooring, tender service, and warm welcome from the whole team, we had an amazing service experience at Furneaux Lodge. The restaurant menu offers a first class range of delicious dinner and breakfast options plus an excellent wine list …. Really enjoyed our dining experience in the cosy lodge by the fire. But our suite for the night was a special treat. “

During your visit to Furneaux you can enjoy the rich history of the lodge and its surrounds. With a backdrop of virgin native forest, including a 1000 year old rimu tree, the lodge’s iconic historic homestead overlooks lush rolling lawns to the stunning green-blue sea. The Howden family who built the homestead (circa 1903) that today remains the centrepiece of Furneaux Lodge, were among the Marlborough Sounds’ original bach owners.

On offer is range of accommodation, from contemporary suites to family-friendly cottages, all with sea views, and basic hiker’s cabins.

With a fabulous summer menu you can indulge in breakfast, lunch or dinner at the lodge. Sit down in the sun on the sweeping lawn or escape the summer heat in the shade of the verandah for a coffee (or something colder) and drink in the views. Pop in on Boxing Day until December 3oth for their daily Sizzling Summer BBQ or join them on New Years Eve for a Mexican Pop UP Dinner. If you have had a successful day fishing, they will even prepare your catch for dinner.

Furneaux Lodge Restaurant & Bar: Breakfast 8 – 10am | Lunch 12noon – 3pm | Dinner 5.30 – 8.30pm

Furneaux Lodge – Accommodation, Dining – Marlborough Sounds

Getting There

Furneaux Lodge is located in the Endeavour Inlet of Queen Chalotte Sound. Travel time by boat from Picton is roughly 1hr.

Punga

“The staff were amazing and just so friendly and made the whole weekend very enjoyable. We were very well looked after, and nothing was too difficult. The place itself has the most beautiful views/scenery and we were very lucky with the weather. I honestly cannot remember the last time I had such fantastic service from somewhere. I highly recommend for a nice relaxing break away”

The stunning natural environment is what makes Punga Cove so special. The surrounding forest is alive with kererū (wood pigeon), tūī, pīwakawaka (fantail), kōtare (kingfisher), while at sea, the large variety of sea birds includes the rare kawau pāteketeke (King shag). Visitors will almost certainly encounter a cheeky and bold flightless weka as they curiously wander the grounds. Getting close to nature is easy here with several walking tracks easily accessible and free use of paddleboards and kayaks allowing you to explore on water.

A variety of hillside accommodation is available featuring scenic views of Endeavour Inlet. You can choose from premium suites and chalets perfect for couples, to family and group apartments or basic rooms for those on a budget.

The Boatshed Café and Bar is right on the jetty to enjoy their famous fresh stone-baked pizzas. Besides a selection of other freshly prepared snacks and meals, the fully licensed bar serves a great range of local craft beer and wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic options and espresso coffee.

If you are looking for something more sumptuous then head up the hill to the Punga Fern Restaurant for incredible local flavours served with sweeping views. The restaurant offers à la carte breakfast and lunch and smart casual dining in the evening. Bookings are recommended.

Punga Cove Boatshed Café & Bar: Open daily 12pm – 5pm, bookings are not required, walk-ins welcome.

Punga Fern Restaurant at Punga Cove: Breakfast 7.30am-9.30am | Lunch 12pm – 3pm | Dinner 6pm-9pm

Getting There

Furneaux Lodge is located in the Endeavour Inlet of Queen Chalotte Sound. Travel time by boat from Picton is roughly 1hr.