Clarice Buckland Hut on Queen Charlotte Track

Clarice Buckland Hut is 2 mins off the Queen Charlotte Track in Endeavour Inlet; a perfect place to relax at the end of Day 1 of this unique coastal walkway, or you can come straight here by water taxi. The accommodation is a one-room cosy hut, complete with comfy double bed (made up with fresh linen and duvet), a table and chairs. The hut is solidly built from recycled materials, well insulated and the vibe of a back country hut. It has a covered outdoor deck that gets great afternoon sun. The view is out over a garden, with glimpses of the sea through the trees. Clarice Buckland Hut provides the perfect retreat for those wanting to get away from it all and experience a simple life. Facilities include an electric kettle, crockery, utensils and everything you need to make a cup of tea or coffee. Milk and spring water are provided in a cooler. The rate includes a continental breakfast (homemade muesli and yoghurt). Guests have access to their own private outdoor shower (simple solar hot water) and composting toilet located just behind the hut. There's also an outdoor sink with cold water. One of us should be here to greet you when you arrive. We're also available if you need help or advice - just come down to the house and ask. Otherwise we'll respect your privacy. The hut is surrounded by regenerating native forest, pretty bays with stunning clear water, and many native birds including weka, tui and kereru. We hope you enjoy the dawn chorus - the best alarm clock ever! There are two small beaches within a couple of minutes of the hut, great for a refreshing dip in the sea. At dusk you may hear the little blue penguins calling as they come ashore after a day's fishing. We have 'penguin palaces' hidden along the shoreline which they use for breeding, but unless it's Sept - Nov you are unlikely to see them. Penguins are very shy. Seals and dolphins are regularly seen on the boat as you head out into Queen Charlotte Sound (but they're not captive so we can't guarantee you'll see them!) On a dark, still night there are glow worms along the Queen Charlotte Track, and phosphorescence in the water. This is a glow-in-the-dark swimming experience you'll never forget. We are located in Endeavour Inlet, about 100m off the Queen Charlotte Track (also part of Te Araroa Trail). It's approximately 4 hours walk from Meretoto/Ship Cove. There are no roads here, just the Queen Charlotte Track/Te Araroa Trail. From the Town Wharf at Picton you can catch one of a number of water taxis – we usually use Cougar Line but there is also the Beachcomber. Bookings are advisable and return tickets are the best value. Each company runs about three or four water taxis a day depending on the time of year. The trip is approximately 1.5 hours. You often get a bit of a tour of the Sounds and may see dolphins, seals or other wildlife. Clarice Buckland Hut is about 150m uphill from our jetty. We also have a serviced one tonne mooring that is available at no extra cost. The hut has no cooking facilities. There is a cafe and restaurant at Furneaux Lodge, a 20 minute leisurely walk along the track. Alternatively, pack your camping stove and billy. Help yourself to herbs in the garden. We're happy to pick up your luggage if it's dropped off by water taxi. If your luggage weighs more than 20kg we will leave it at the jetty under a cover for you to pick up. The terrain does not suit wheeled bags, so if that is what you are travelling with be sure you can carry it comfortably. If your luggage is travelling by boat you'll need to leave it on the jetty by 9am on the morning of your departure.