FAQs

Check-in at reception is available from 3pm.

Check-out is available until 10am. If you want to check out later, please ask about availability on your arrival.

The fastest way to get to us is by water taxi from Picton. We strongly recommend our sister company,  is Cougar Line. If you are arriving by private boat, we have moorings available (free for overnight, lunch or dinner guests, $25 per night for other visitors).

You can also walk or mountain bike the Queen Charlotte Track straight into the heart of the resort. Or, arrive by helicopter from a variety of locations (including Wellington, Nelson, Kaikōura and Christchurch) and be taken straight to the landing pad at the top of the resort.

Punga Cove also has road access; the scenic drive is approximately 1.5-2 hours  from Linkwater. Note that Kenepuru Road is narrow and windy, and the last section of your drive will be on unsealed road. We recommend parking at the top of the driveway into Punga Cove, which is steep and can be slippery.

If you are coming direct, the journey takes around an hour. Water taxis may take an hour and a half depending on the number of stops they make along the way. See Cougar Line’s daily schedule for more information.

The flat, easy approximately 12km coastal walk takes around 4 hours. For more information on walking and biking times, and luggage transfer services, see the Queen Charlotte Track website.

The 23.5km walk takes around 8 hours. For more information on terrain, walking and biking times, and luggage transfer services, see the Queen Charlotte Track website.

The Punga Fern Restaurant is open daily for breakfast (7.30am-9.30am daily) and à la carte dinner (6pm-9.30pm), September to April . The à la carte dinner menu changes depending on the season, offering a range of fresh local dishes that cater for most dietary preferences and restrictions.

We also offer packed lunches for those heading out to explore for the day. See the Eat & Drink page for more information.

Definitely – The Punga Fern Restaurant is open to the public for dinner and lunch - bookings are strongly recommended for dinner.

To make getting here and back from Picton easy, book Cougar Line’s Cruise & Lunch.

We sell some basic supplies, such as sunblock, batteries, snacks and toiletries, at reception. However, if you’re after a selection of goods, we suggest purchasing in Picton or Blenheim townships prior to arrival.

Our location in Endeavour Inlet is the perfect place to explore our stunning natural surroundings. Lodge guests have the use of kayaks and paddle boards (SUPs).

Explore the Queen Charlotte Track, which passes through the resort, or simply relax on the beach, in the two hot tubs, the swimming pool, our hilltop restaurant or at the cafè & bar on the jetty.

For more things to do, including local tours, see our activities page.

Wifi is available at the Boatshed Cafè & Bar but, due to our isolated location in the outer Marlborough Sounds, the connection can be limited and at times unreliable.

There is no cellphone reception at Punga Cove.

While we are working hard to improve our wifi signal, we advise our guests to take the opportunity to switch off, relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounds. We have a landline and email at reception if anyone needs to get hold of you.

Yes – please request these when you book.

Yes. Moorings are available free of charge for guests staying with us or eating in the Cafè/bar or restaurant. The overnight mooring charge for other visitors is $25.

A tender service may be available. We monitor VHF 63 – please give us a call before you arrive.

The Marlborough Sounds has a temperate, generally mild climate. However, our weather can change very suddenly and we always advise guests to bring appropriate clothing including a raincoat, warm layers and sun hat, especially if you are walking the Queen Charlotte Track.

Dogs are welcome at Punga Cove, provided they are kept on a lead at all times and remain outdoors during your time here, including overnight. Dog owners are responsible for picking up and disposing of any droppings.

Talk to us at reception about whether our lodge boat is available.

There is no charge for cancellations 8 or more days before your intended stay. See our terms and conditions for more information, including Covid-19 related travel bans.

Punga Cove is a stunning location for weddings – see our weddings page for more information. For any other group celebrations, please contact us to discuss your needs.

Yes – see our conferences page for more information.

Yes, we accept all major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. 

You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages, however most rooms have just a mini fridge along with coffee and tea facilities. The Mamaku Apartments also have a microwave, and the Basecamp rooms share a kitchenette. We do recommend eating at our Boatshed Cafe & Bar and the Punga Fern Restaurant.

All rooms are locked and guests are provided with keys.

Unfortunately Punga Cove’s hillside location, which includes steep terrain, means access to rooms is difficult for wheelchairs and not recommended. Try our sister lodge, Furneaux Lodge, across the bay which has flat access to suites.