March 31, 2016
Our next destination (after the Bay of Many Coves) was way up in the Endeavour Inlet, nearly four miles from its entry (see previous map). It’s a long way to travel into a bay, but the trip here is worth it.
By definition, the sounds are drowned valleys amid sinking mountains; so we’re always surrounded by mountaintops. But some of these mountains are larger, more magnificent, and particularly striking, as is the case near the head of the Endeavour Inlet.
Below, a gallery from the mountainous interior of the Endeavour Inlet (click to enlarge and scroll).
Our first stop here was the Furneaux Lodge, right in the midst of these mountains. Besides the scenery, it has some other attractions. For one, the Queen Charlotte Track. While much of this track runs along mountain ridges, it dips down near the shoreline around the head of the Endeavour Inlet and is only steps away from the lodge. Second, there are moorings available for visiting boats, a big plus in an area where it could be difficult to anchor. Finally, the lodge welcomes visitors to its restaurants and bar.
We called and were welcomed to pick up any mooring of our choosing. It would be $25NZD a night, but we thought it was a fair price, and we liked not being obligated to eat here. This was another restaurant I’d researched online and found it’s pretty expensive for dinner. Maybe we’d go in for lunch or breakfast, but we weren’t sure.
After getting our mooring we took our dinghy and tied up to their very nice dock, then went to find the reception area. This place was pretty and very casual, yet upscale enough to appeal to its wealthier clientele along with the Queen Charlotte backpacking crowd. There were cabins along with a central bar and restaurant, plus a covered deck with tables outside.
We paid our fee and asked about meals. Come to find out there’s a “bar menu” (aka cheaper dinners) that was available until 6pm. Perfect. After a walk on the track (post coming), we had our dinner on their sunny deck while their helpful dog stood by to help clean up if we accidentally dropped any food on the deck.
The fish and chips were just OK. The Thai beef salad was not very authentic, but it didn’t matter because it was really tasty, like having an entire marinated steak on salad greens. I tried a beer called Murphy’s Irish Stout. I’d never heard of it before, and now I knew why. I had major beer envy over Rich’s Corona (yes, it’s available throughout New Zealand, even in the depths of the Marlborough Sounds).
Below, a gallery of photos of the Furneaux Lodge area. Click to enlarge and scroll. –Cyndi
